We usually focus on sharing the wonderful scenery that we come across while traveling this great country. From time to time however, we hit a rough patch and need to vent.
While driving in to Memphis the other week, the RV windshield was hit by a rock directly in front of the driver side. It was a dime size chip that within minutes led to a long crack. For a windshield as large as ours, we can’t just call Safelite. We needed to start the process of replacement right away. As we were only in Memphis for a week, we had the replacement windshield delivered to a dealer in Knoxville where we were headed to make the repair. We had an appointment on Wednesday March 21 and were supposed to bring the RV in before 8AM. However, the day before our appointment it started to snow and the forecast was that it would continue throughout the next day. We decided it best to reschedule. There were no openings the rest of the week so we extended our stay an additional week and were now scheduled for Tuesday March 27. This time we delivered the RV early in the morning so they could replace the windshield. I was advised upon dropping it off that the RV would need to stay overnight in order for the epoxy to set. Not to worry though as the dealer had an area with hookups and we would be able to stay in the RV and leave the next morning. No problem.
On a side story, Buddy had developed a limp that didn’t seem to be getting better. We made arrangements to drop him off at the vet for x-rays on the same day the RV was being repaired. We dropped him off and decided to take a drive to the Great Smoky Mountains (blog to follow). We had been there earlier along with the tourist trap town known as Pigeon Forge. Here are some of the pictures:
The story continues…
While we were out, the RV dealer called and told us that they did not have our particular type of windshield trim in stock. They could replace the windshield but would need to order the trim which would take another couple of days. We would need to come back in a few days for that and they would let me know when once they had an expected delivery date.
We picked up Buddy from the vet with a preliminary diagnosis of the early stages of hip dysplasia. Results from the x-rays would take a couple of days. It’s basically going to be something he’ll have to deal with the rest of his life. We’ll have to monitor his activity levels and see how much play affects him going forward.
We headed to the RV dealership so that we could settle in for the night. The RV had not been moved out of the garage yet. We were advised that it should be out by 4:30 as the service department closed at 5pm. Decided to run out and grab a quick bite. Received a phone call from the service lead at 4:30 asking if we had somewhere else to spend the night. What?!?!!? The epoxy hadn’t dried and they were not comfortable moving the RV as there was a risk of the windshield separating from the frame. If we wanted them to move it and something did happen, we were then responsible to pay for the additional repairs. But this is our home and all of our stuff is there. Oh, we’ll let you have access to the RV in order to get what you need (as long as you are done before 5). We now had to scramble and find a reasonably priced pet friendly hotel using our iPhones. Grabbed some toiletries from the RV and began the search. First place we found nearby was a total dump. The search continued until finding a Red Roof Inn that sympathized with our dilemma. They gave us the AAA discount and accepted that Buddy was 60lbs or less. Nice people but it wasn’t the home we are accustomed to.
I called the RV dealer the next day and was advised that the windshield had set and the RV was being pulled out to the lot. They would lock the keys inside (we have a number pad entry) so we could just swing by and pick it up. The trim would be in Friday. We were scheduled to leave our RV park on Sunday so we made arrangements to arrive at the dealer on Sunday to stay the night on one of their free overnight RV lots and have the trim installed first thing Monday morning. When I arrived to pick up the RV the keys were not inside and I had to go to the reception area and have someone track them down. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the trim on Monday is installed with no problems. Catharine is not optimistic.
My apologies for the rambling vent and we hope to be back in stride soon.
If you have any experience with dogs with hip dysplasia and can provide any advice, please comment below.
4 thoughts on “School of Hard Knox(ville)”
Wow sounds like us, my husband is Ed so we called these events EDventues, quite common to us. Do you know that AAA has some provisions for reimbursement of accommodations for something like this. Not sure exactly what they cover but worth checkingout. We always have to stay at LaQuenta when we are on the road with our dog. They even took our 90 pound Rot. So sorry to hear about your dog. Our Rots both had hip issues. One had surg due to an injury and the other had hip dysplasia and there were pills given for her comfort but no cure. And the pills did have known side effects as most meds do. About all you can do is keep the weight down and limit exercise if surg is not an option. Surg is very expensive but worth it if it is an option. I hope he feels better soon.
Thanks Sue. Really good information here. We found a Red Roof Plus that was newly built that gave us the AAA rate. YEAH!!! Like Scott wrote in the article this particular Red Roof took puppies up to 60 lbs, so Buddy was 60 lbs.
The vet told us surgery was not an option at this point and said exactly what you said. I just hate that he can’t be a “dog” like he used to be. It is breaking our hearts, cause he still wants to play, but we don’t let him. Oh well… the new normal. Take care!!
OMG, what a time you all had. But as it goes such is life, we don’t know what tomorrow brings.. So sad to hear about Buddy, but with you both as loving parents he is in good hands. Love you both take care, can’t wait till the next one.
It was a pain but we survived it. We are fortunate in so many ways, so can’t get too down. Love you too!!!