The first thing you have to understand when you travel with pets is that they are in control. Keeping that in mind, I offer a chronicle of this year’s family vacation with Abby and Magoo.
Dick and I pack up 40 pounds of dog food, two twelve packs of Foster and Smith canned dog food, Flea and Tick treatment, heartworm medicine, one large and one small dog bed, and Mr. Magoo’s favorite nubby blanket. We also pack a few clothing changes and toothbrushes for ourselves, load Abby, the lab mix, and Magoo, the pug, in the vehicle and hit the road.
The Journey: The First Day:
During the first hour, Magoo hops between my lap and the console 45 times. He limits his hops to 20 an hour for the rest of the journey.
Magoo jumps on Abby’s face as she sleeps in the back seat. Abby pays no attention.
Magoo and Abby enjoy French fries at Burger King. They prefer Hardee’s but we didn’t see one.
When we arrive at the hotel, Abby and Magoo are elated to take a long walk and stretch their legs but subdued when we bring them to the room. Magoo is very disappointed when I won’t allow him to lift his leg in the hall. I can only imagine the doggie messages he left unanswered.
Neither dog enjoys being confined to their beds in the motel room. I, however, don’t mind their confinement and enjoy a glass of wine.
The First Week: Adapting to Change:
We arrive at the trailer storage building where Magoo growls at the huge surly Chesapeake guarding the premises. The Chesapeake is not impressed.
At the RV park, and Dick and I set up the trailer and settle in. We strategically place the dog beds so both dogs can adapt to their “own” space. Magoo covets Abby’s large bed, and I catch him sneaking into it while Abby takes a drink.
Magoo barks at everyone walking by.
Abby reclines on the grass overlooking the river and happily chews sticks.
Week Two: A Set-Back:
Abby has diarrhea from eating sticks. We feed Abby special food brought from home, and she gets better until we run out of special food, and she relapses. We return to the vet.
Week Three: Peace and Quiet—Maybe?
Abby gets better. We remove all sticks from premises and nearby premises.
A small insurrection occurs when both dogs balk at walking more than 10 minutes on our morning and evening walks. We figure the rising temperatures are the reason and give them a break.
Week Four: Almost Time to Go:
Everyone finally adapts to our new lifestyle. Magoo tones down his barking sessions at the sound of strange vehicles and dogs. Abby still enjoys lolling outside on the grass watching the river.
Dick and I take several long walks without them and find it very pleasant.
We start packing for the trip home. I figure it will be a repeat of our journey here. Magoo will hop on and off my lap, and the dogs won’t like staying at hotels, but we might find a Hardee’s, and everyone will be happy.
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