Within minutes, Chris started receiving calls.  He reiterated over and over, “Yes, it is cemented in.” “I would really recommend renting a jack hammer, but if you want to try it with a regular hammer, it is up to you.” “No, we aren’t holding it for anyone.” We weren’t trying to be rude by not holding it for people, but experience has taught us that even if someone says they absolutely want it and come to get it hours later, they might realize it is more work than they expected and we all lose.  It’s happened.  3 times.  Fortunately, we were prepared on Saturday.  Even after a gentleman was on his way to get it.  We continued taking calls and asking people if they wanted to be on the waiting list in case it falls through.  The guy came and left without the kennel within 5 minutes (I guess “it won’t be easy to take out” wasn’t clear enough) and we started calling the people on the waiting list.  We were surprised how many people were defeated just because the first guy didn’t get it out.  “Well, if he didn’t get it, I probably won’t be able to either.” Really?!  It’s not like you even knew that guy.  You didn’t even see that he just stood there for five minutes before walking away.  The 4th person on the waiting list was finally up for the challenge.  The couple arrived in a little pickup, tools in hand–ready to work.  They worked until it was dark outside.

We felt bad for them.  It was cold.  And dark.  But they just kept on working.  They didn’t have room for the doghouse in their truck and said they would come back for it…we’ll see.  But we are ecstatic (!) to have the kennel gone!  This morning I went in our back yard and just stood there and smiled.

We have huge plans for our exterior this year, and getting rid of the dog run was an essential part of the prep for these projects.  I feel like we just got a little head start. Come Spring, our yard will be prepped for that edible garden I’ve been dreaming about.