At a time where news is always negative and social media is running rampant with depressing stories, here’s one of human kindness and compassion. This is a story of how the employees at a small town Travelodge took immediate action to ensure my dog’s safety when I was rushed to the hospital.
“Her hands are stiff. Let’s code.” Those were the last words I remember hearing before the ambulance sirens turned on. The next thing I knew I was in the hospital attempting to mutter any sort of word to my mom on the phone. I couldn’t talk, I was 8 hours from home, and my dog (the love of my life) has been left unattended in my car at the Travelodge. Or so I thought.
I had been traveling through Santa Rosa, NM on my way home to Arizona. I typically stop to stay in the small town when I travel to that area of the country. I chose to stay at the Travelodge this time around, and I only had a reservation for one night. Well, during that one night I had vomited several times in a matter of hours. I was expected to leave the next morning and make the 8 hour trek home.
It didn’t go as planned.
I was feeling incredibly sick when I woke up in the morning, but I chose to pack up my dog, Wynston, and my car in an attempt to make it back to Arizona. “I’ll just see how far I can make it,” I thought. Ha. I made it 15 minutes down the road before I decided I needed to head back to the Travelodge and check in for another night. So I did.
When I arrived back at the Travelodge, I left my car running under the lobby ramada with Wynston inside. I figured I’d quickly check back into our room and go back to bed. My body had a different plan.
I told the hotel manager I needed to check back in because I was super sick. It wasn’t long before another hotel employee came out and became very concerned about me. I sat in a chair because I couldn’t hold myself up anymore. I felt my body slowly slipping out of my control, as more hotel staff gathered around me.
All I kept trying to say was that my dog was in my car and he couldn’t be left there. What happened next was a blur.
In a matter of minutes I couldn’t feel my body. I couldn’t open my eyes and I couldn’t speak. I recall hearing the ambulance pull up. I could feel two people lift my body onto a stretcher. But all I could think about was Wynston sitting in my car. And I couldn’t communicate anything to anyone.
I was rushed to Guadalupe County Hospital in Santa Rosa. The RN who was taking care of me, Alex, called my mom to let her know what was going on. I could hear my mom on speaker phone, but I couldn’t get words out. All I could spit out was “Wynston.”
“Where’s Wynston?!” I could hear a sense of urgency in my mom’s voice. The hospital staff and my mom were able to track down Wynston at the Travelodge so they could work to coordinate his safety.
While tests were being run on me, my mind was stuck on Wynston. He is my everything. The thought of him being left unattended in my vehicle was absolutely terrifying. I’d never be able to forgive myself if something happened to him. But about 2 hours later I was able to listen to my mom on the phone.
She told me that Wynston had been taken to our hotel room – the same one we had checked out of. He was given food and water. The Travelodge staff had also parked my car in front of our room and secured it. The phenomenal hotel employees had taken it upon themselves to ensure that my pup and personal belongings were safe. A sense of relief came over me. As long as my dog was taken care of, I knew I’d be fine.
A couple of hours later, the hospital was in contact with Travelodge. I was informed that Wynston has just been checked on and taken for a walk. Wow. These complete strangers were taking care of my dog in the best way possible. All I could do was cry out of gratitude.
My next worry was getting back to my hotel room. I didn’t have a ride. The hospital staff told me they’d arrange something for me upon discharge. And they did. Not only did I have a ride back to the Travelodge, but the MAYOR of Santa Rosa was my chauffeur. Talk about special treatment.
When I was released from the hospital and driven back to the hotel, I walked into my room to see Wynston. He was relaxing on the couch in the blankets from our car. He had food and water dishes, and the TV was turned on so he’d have something to listen to. I collapsed onto the floor in tears as soon as I recognized that Wynston was perfectly happy. He immediately got the zoomies because he was so happy to see me. I just cried. The staff was in no way obligated to do all of that for my dog, but they did. On their own accord.
Wynston was loved and cared for better than I could ever ask for, especially from strangers. But they weren’t strangers anymore. These people made a huge impact on me.
Needless to say, I stayed at the Travelodge a couple more nights so I could regain health to drive back home. The entire time I had hotel employees checking on me. They knew me by name (although I wish it was for a better reason) and I felt taken care of, despite being so far from home. I received a couple phone calls to my room to check on me, and every time I stepped outside I heard “Amanda, how are you feeling? What can we get you?”
I couldn’t stop thanking all of the staff at the Santa Rosa, NM Travelodge for everything they did for me and Wynston. They were truly the kindest people. It was amazing how the hotel worked with the hospital and the Mayor to make sure that I was safe and healthy. They deserve a boundless amount of recognition for simply being kind, gracious human beings.
In a world so full of negativity, it’s refreshing to know that kindness still exists. Thank you Travelodge in Santa Rosa, NM. I wish I had more powerful words to express my gratitude.
Travelodge by Wyndham Santa Rosa
2533 Historic Route 66 Santa Rosa, New Mexico 88435
Visit our Traveling With Dogs page for more information on traveling with your canine companion!
Dalinda says
Oh my goodness! Your post brought tears to my eye. What a lovely group of people to take such fabulous care of you and Wynston. Thank you for letting people know about their kindness. You are right that with so much negative information out in the world a reminder that most people are helpful and caring is so needed. Hope that you are feeling back to normal and are home safe and sound.
Linda Monforte says
Wow! I know how you feel! My Lea is everything to me and I’d worry sick if i were in that situation! So glad you’re better and Hey! Travelodge Employees! You’re the BEST!