Max Had Other Plans
Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them. For me, the latest twist came in early July, as I was preparing to move into my new home. Freshly back from Brazil and temporarily staying at my brother's place in New Hampshire, I faced the task of transporting my five furry companions—three cats and two dogs—to my new house. With pet transport services priced sky-high during the summer, I knew I had only one option: to take on this journey myself.
The Plan: A Two-Day Road Trip
I carefully mapped out a two-day drive with an overnight stop somewhere near Washington, D.C. I rented a car, loaded up the cats, and hit the road. Things were going smoothly, but as anyone who’s ever driven up or down the East Coast in the summer knows, it’s never that simple. Shore traffic in New Jersey brought everything to a grinding halt. I decided it was best to call it a day and found a pet-friendly hotel.
The Great Cat Escape
With all three cats safely inside the room, I let them out of their carriers. Max, JJ, and Marco were finally free—maybe too free, as it turned out. My plan for an early start the next morning hit a snag when Max, my skittish escape artist who despises his carrier, pulled a vanishing act. I scoured every corner of the hotel room with no luck. Even the housekeeper joined the search, but Max was determined to stay hidden.
I booked another night, hoping Max would eventually show himself. Hours later, I discovered his secret hideout: a tiny gap under the kitchenette cabinets. Relief washed over me, but I knew Max had the upper hand. The next morning, I tried again. Max had learned my routine and slipped back under the cabinet, this time taking JJ with him. Another night, another delay.
Time for a MacGyver Moment
With a delivery deadline looming at my new home, I had to think creatively. I made a Target run, gathered some supplies, and blocked the cabinet gap with the litter box, taping it down like I was securing a crime scene. My new plan? Outsmart Max. I waited until the early morning hours when he was asleep on the bed. Armed with a pillowcase, I snatched him up, dropping him into the kennel before he knew what hit him. JJ and Marco put up a fight, but eventually, they were caught too.
On the Road Again
On day three, I finally had all three cats secure. We resumed our journey, and I drove down the coast to our new home, feeling both exhausted and victorious. It was an unexpected challenge in my journey to start fresh, a reminder that new beginnings rarely go as planned. But sometimes you have to roll with the punches, improvise, and accept that the road to a new chapter is rarely a straight line.
The Takeaway
Life, much like this wild road trip, often calls for patience, creativity, and a sense of humor. When things don't go according to plan, you adapt. Whether you're moving to a new city, starting a new job, or just trying to wrangle a few stubborn cats, remember: every unexpected turn is just part of the adventure.
Here's to embracing the chaos—and to those little victories along the way. 🐾🚗