Doggone Etiquette—

Day Trips

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

You dogs are of several minds about travel. Some of you love to go for a ride in the car, that is, if it’s a short trip to somewhere that’s fun. Some of you curl up where you are told to stay and tolerate the trip for as long as it takes. Then there are others who are terrified of the car — just getting into the car brings on a panic attack. Whether it’s the sound of the engine, the motion of the car on the road, or fear of where you might be going, it’s all the same. Even those of you with otherwise sturdy tummies come down with car sickness. Relax! Help is on the way.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

You may not be going away for a real vacation this year and instead have decided to do daytrips. Doing things like spending the day at a nearby beach, touring museums, attending an outdoor concert or similar events, all sound like fun. So just where does Rufus fit into all those plans?

Taking the dog along for an all-day venture takes a bit of planning and putting together all the things the dog will need, like water, food (and a bowl), a dependable collar and leash, and a toy or two. The prime concern, however, is to find out whether or not dogs are allowed wherever it is you are going, and where the dog will be if you can’t have him with you the entire day. (Not left in the car!)

So that brings us to the obvious answer. It’s time for a pet sitter. We have several good ones in our area and it is important to any one of them, as it is to you, and to Rufus, that you get acquainted beforehand. The pet sitter will come to your house to meet you and the dog and to get a general idea of what’s wanted. Special attention will be paid as to how the sitter and your dog interact. Obviously, you will also go over the dates when you will need this good person’s help. If everything clicks, including the fee, you can go over all the quirks or funnies about Rufus, his food, his likes and dislikes, his normal schedule, etc. He or she will ask questions, lay out what their normal routine is and bring up anything you have not thought of so you can come to an agreement. If a second get-acquainted visit is needed, so be it.

A qualified pet sitter is, or certainly should be, insured or bonded for their safety as well as yours and that of the dog. Be sure to verify this.

Some of these good people are able to spend the night, while others are only available to give the dog one good walk and his meal. Choose the person who best fits your needs, with whom you feel comfortable, and who has your dog’s complete approval. A couple of brief practice visits, for example, will help gain the shy dog’s acceptance. The experienced sitter will know how best to handle a situation like this.

For a daytrip where you will be leaving in predawn hours and not sure when you’ll be back, a boarding kennel is the better solution for you and especially for Rufus. This is particularly true if that “daytrip” turns into an unexpected overnight. Visit the kennels, find out if their schedule would fit in with yours, and what their requirements are for leaving a dog. If at all possible, let the dog have a trial day at the one of your choice. That way you and Rufus can be more familiar with the routine and how he responds to being left away from home.

No matter which solution fits you best — pet sitter or boarding kennel — remember one thing. When you return, Rufus gets a lot of one-on-one attention. And for being such a wonderful dog, a surprise gift or treat would go over well.

 

Until next time — BE GOOD!

—Bardi