Binky's big adventures in West Ghent VIRGINIA
1. This is Binky. Binky is a bunny holding a pacifier. Binky is purple with pink and green and white and blue flowers. She has pink on her feet and inside her ears. Under her white cotton-puff bunny tail is a tag that reads, “WubbaNub.”
One sunny day (Wednesday), Binky went to The Bakehouse at Chelsea for pizza with her owner, who is a baby. Her owner dropped Binky in the parking lot. Binky was lost!
That night, the baby missed Binky. The family did not sleep well. On Thursday, the baby’s mother called The Bakehouse. The staff searched the bakery. They did not find a bunny.
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2. This is John McCormick. He owns The Bakehouse. On Thursday afternoon, as storm clouds piled up, he went to the parking lot. He saw a bunny on the ground. He picked it up. McCormick has five children. He knows a Binky when he sees one. He remembered the baby’s mother calling. He knew what to do. He took Binky’s photo and posted it on Facebook. Then he wrote:
“Bakehouse friends, we need your help!… We found this adorable binky in the parking lot… If you called about the lost binky, please call back! The rest of you could help by sharing this post… The binky is safe, warm and dry.”
Then the storm broke.
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3. This is Binky looking out the window of The Bakehouse at the storm. The streets of West Ghent filled with water. Lightning flashed. Thunder boomed.
Binky was glad to be inside.
Business slowed down during the storm. McCormick had time to take Binky’s picture for Facebook again.
Fifty-one people who might also have been slowed down by the rain saw the picture and liked it.
Binky liked it, too.
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4. This is Binky helping Larry Blanks make pizza at The Bakehouse. He does not look happy, but the oven is hot. Binky is happy in his shirt pocket.
McCormick posted this photo, too. Again, 50 people liked the picture. One of them commented: “When you turn the picture upside down (Larry) is smiling.”
That was just a joke. It is also true.
Another person posted this comment: “I think you just created one of the best children’s books ever.”
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5. This is Binky learning how to make a pizza.
“Shaping the dough!” McCormick wrote. “She is very helpful.”
Of course she is. She is a Binky.
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6. This is Binky posing with a chalkboard message.
She was having a good time, but she still wanted to go home.
McCormick put her picture on Facebook again. “Please share with your friends!” he wrote.
Then he decided to cheer up Binky.
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7. This is Binky with a Saison at The Birch Bar.
The Birch is one door down from The Bakehouse. The Saison has a hint of wildflower taste. Bunnies like flowers.
One of Binky’s new Facebook friends posted a comment about Binky’s picture: “Excuse me ma’am, I’m gunna need to see some ID.”
McCormick wrote right back: “In Binky years, she is 27.”
Bottoms up, Binky.
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8. This is Binky having chips and salsa at Tortilla West. It is also one door down from The Bakehouse, but in the other direction.
Binky enjoyed it, but she still wanted to go home.
Then, Binky got good news!
The baby’s mother saw Binky’s picture on Facebook. Imagine her surprise. She posted a comment: “Imagine my surprise …
We have a fussy baby who will be VERY happy to claim back her bunny. And two happy parents who would love some sleep (and maybe a chocolate croissant). Thank you for saving it for us.”
Binky wondered whether “it” referred to Binky or the croissant.
Either way, everyone was happy.
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9. This is Binky looking happy.
McCormick posted the photo on Facebook with the message: “Great News! Binkie’s family contacted us and she will be going home tomorrow! Thank you Facebook!!” One hundred and ten people liked that. One person had mixed feelings: “Awwww bittersweet as I enjoyed her ‘adventures.’ ”
Binky had mixed feelings, too. Mostly, she was happy.
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10. This is Binky and the baby’s mother and the baby’s big sister on Friday morning. They are all happy.
The baby’s name is Annalee, and the sister’s name is Cora, and the mother’s name is Allie Allen. They call Binky “bunny.” Maybe they will call Binky Binky now.
McCormick made one final post on Facebook: “Mommy and big sister came in to claim ‘bunny’ this morning. The actual owner was home napping, secure in the knowledge that her bunny would be there when she wakes up.”
The 7-month-old baby needs her sleep. The mother needs her sleep, too. Now that Binky is back on the job, maybe she can get some.
Welcome home, Binky.
Bud Karas