Travel with dogs!

It’s almost the end of August, which only means one thing…time to start planning summer 2013! And next year, I’m open to a new option: How about a getaway or road trip that includes Rosebud, our highly-portable, 10-pound dog?

The idea recently hit me after I was on Facebook and saw photos of my cousins Christina and Jack Lam having a great time vacationing in Provincetown — with their little pooch.

Then a few weeks ago, I was on a plane to Las Vegas sitting next to a nice couple. The woman had a black sweater in her lap. And midway through the flight, she lifted it to show me her little black chihuahua curled up quietly underneath it. Yes, he was supposed to be confined to his carrier, stowed under the seat in front of her. But, aw, nobody cared.

That’s two instances. There was also a case, which is important to mention because when I was teaching journalism, I always told students that to write about a new trend, they needed to present  three solid examples that proved your point. So for No. 3, I present the neighbors who went on a family vacation to Portugal and brought along their small canine cutie!

Whether we’ve really got a trend requires more research (which I’m too lazy to do). I remain, however, intrigued by the common denominators here: dog owners + vacation + pet small enough to stash in carry-on luggage or car.

If any of you have tips on how to make this equation work, please do share. I’d love to collect some tips on this post and think about my options for next year.

Dog travel tips

The Los Angeles Times has an informative story about air travel with dogs. There are things to consider, to make sure you’re not barking up the wrong tree (couldn’t resist that pun).

And my cousin Christina offered up this website as a resource: www.ilovedogfriendly.com.

She also has a few choice, kibble-y bits of advice:

1. There’s a lot of info out there (if you look for it) from where to take your dog and what to expect.
2. It’s best to plan ahead. Which means if you have a vacation checklist, your dog should have one, too.
3. Only you know your dog. So, if Fido doesn’t behave at home, odds are he won’t behave while away either. Taking into account your dog’s needs both physical and emotional is critical. To think otherwise is like the woman who marries a man and expects to improve him! Fools both.
4. After it’s all said and done, it can be a great time! Being out with your best four legged friend offers any vacation a fresh perspective.

Got more ideas? Please do share…Rosebud appreciates the help!
And for those of you who would like to see what we’re like together as dog and human dog slave, our YouTube is below. It’s the same one that’s sitting in the little video box on the upper right-hand corner of this blog. :)