Island Hopping and a Reality Check
Last weekend was chock full of excitement. My daughter and her little Pug came for a nice long weekend. Saturday was spent at the beach and Sunday we headed off for an adventure. Vanessa has lived here since college but hasn’t explored many of the smaller islands so we headed to Hornby Island. Mr. AWSL and I visited there several years and had a blast discovering Middle Mountain Mead.
To get to Hornby from Vancouver Island, you have to take two short ferry rides. One to Denman then one from the opposite side of Denman to Hornby. Since the Deman ferry is larger, the Hornby ferry can’t hold everyone so we ended up waiting for the next sailing.
We found an interesting spot to get a cup of coffee and waited an hour. To be honest, there was nothing else to do. It felt like the day was getting away from us when it looked like we wouldn’t fit on the next sailing too. They decided to let us try to cram into the last spot of the ferry.
It was a tight squeeze and not looking good when we decided to remove the trailer hitch from our SUV. That was just what we needed and they let us sail.
Hornby is a small, sleepy island with lots of artists, and crafts makers. Being Californians, our first stop was Lerena Vineyards.
Their selections were pretty decent so we bought several bottles.
The farmers market was our next stop but it was a disappointment. I was hoping for freshly grown veggies but it was filled with pretty uninteresting arts and crafts. We grabbed a bit to eat and hit the beach. 
Next up was Horny Island Winery, otherwise known as HI winery. Their selections were all sparkling, fruit-based, and super sweet. The owner suggested we cut it with sparkling water or Vodka. We thought that was quite a wide range so got a few bottles to bring home.
Our final stop before heading back to the ferry was Middle Mountian Mead. As you would expect, it’s high on a mountain with commanding views of the water and hills beyond. Mead is the oldest alcoholic drink. It’s a wine made from honey and water with herbs, fruits, and spices.
We sat on the deck, enjoying the warm weather and stunning view while the young owner served us samples of their different flavors. We each bought several bottles then headed back to the ferry.
By the time we got online for the ferry, my little dog Lucy was not seeming herself. We’d kept them in the shade most of the day and because she’s old, she was carried more often than not. She began panting and trembling which continued to get worse.
I know rapid breathing can be a sign of pain in dogs so I took her to a local vet the following day. All of her vitals were good so he assumed she was in pain too. I know I have arthritis so I’d be shocked if she didn’t have some at 14 1/2. We left with pain pills and some yummy can food to spark her appetite. She was seeming more comfortable with the pain pills in her but last night she got much worse. We rushed her to the emergency vet at 11 pm in respiratory distress. They have her in an oxygen tent and are doing tests. We really have no idea what’s going. She’s the sweetest little dog and we love her to bits so we are praying.
Thanks for reading and if you have doggies, give them extra snuggles.
I’m so sorry that Lucy is not feeling well. We hurt when our pets are in distressed. Sending prayers your way.
Sending prayers for Lucy. We have an older dog also, and know how stressful it is when they aren’t feeling well. Hugs.
Prayers for little Lucy!
What a lovely trip you had, sans the puppy coming down with something. I hope she’s doing well and things turn out all right.
Sending prayers for your Lucy. It is so difficult when a fur baby is not feeling well.
I was enjoying your post…..until I read about Lucy. We lost our Lucy last year, and it’s a horrible time to go through. Praying your Lucy is now doing well.
Hoping your little Lucy is doing better. Your day with your family seemed perfect! Take care.
I so understand your worry and distress. Hope little Lucy is ok and back with you soon. Lots of hugs.
Really hoping Lucy is feeling better. She’s a lovely dog and precious family.
That was such a perfect day with your daughter in a beautiful place. We really live for days like that. Wishing you many more.
Poor little Lucy. I hope she feels better soon. It’s terrible when your pups are not well.
I enjoy your posts so much. It gives me the opportunity to experience your adventures while I am in my home. I’m praying for Lucy’s complete recovery and for your added strength during this difficult time. I have 2 older fur babies and I know how distressing they’re aging is to me. Be Blessed, Joyce
Oh Jennifer…..we will be in prayer for Lucy…..yes our pets ate like our child, we love them more but in a different way?. We have a 13 yr. old Shih-Tzu, CJ who is the joy of our life! We too carry him around when we know he has walked enough….he just gets too tired. Keep us informed about her. All the best, Holly
Sounds like a wonderful place to wander. Hoping Lucy recovers – we’ve had several older dogs and I can understand worried you must be.
I understand how much you love your Lucy. Our Roxie is 14 and she acts anxious just like that when she is in some new settings. I hope that Lucy improves quickly and that you can enjoy the rest of your time away. It appears to be a beautiful place to visit!
Jayne
Hoping that Lucy rallies soon.
Prayers for your sweet pup, Jennifer.
Saying prayers for Lucy. Our fur babies are so precious to us. Sending you a hug. Keep us posted
Our pets are like children. We have a 10 year old dog and I know how much she means to me. Enjoyed the pictures of you and your daughter. Let us know how Lucy is doing.
Prayers for your fur baby and ((Hugs)) for you.
Hope Lucy is doing better. Love your blog and follow faithfully. Thank you for sharing.
Oh, Jennifer, I’m so sorry! Such a scary time for you. Prayers being sent for little Lucy.
I hope Lucy is alright! Poor little thing. They’re our babies and they own our hearts.
Our 60 lb. baby is a light colored golden retriever named Rosie. So smart and beautiful!
Prayers and sending love to Lucy!
I enjoyed your little island adventure. Best wishes for Lucy.
Sounds like the perfect weekend spent with your daughter. So sorry it didn’t have a happy ending though and praying for little Lucy!
Prayers for your sweet Lucy.??
Sending prayers of healing for your sweet baby. Pets are such an important part of families. Often they are our comfort in times of stress. Hoping for the best.
Prayers for little Lucy. Hopefully she will recover quickly. I have my Sophie, who looks exactly like Lucy, and is almost eleven. I can understand the anxiety when they are not feeling well. Hugs and prayers to you ??????
A delightful day, Jennifer! Sorry that it ended on a worrisome note. Lots of love and prayers for your sweet Lucy. ???
Rosemary
I am so sorry about your dog! Prayers for a speedy recovery?