Traveling With Your Dog

I don't travel often without my dog, Max.  Max and I are a family so I take him most everywhere I go, which is how I like it.  I can't imagine my life without a dog. I've had several dogs growing up including Taz, Barkley, Ruffles, Sushi, Maggie and now Max. Three years ago, I traveled the country in my teardrop trailer with my dog, Maggie.  The past two years have been spent traveling with Max in a tent.

I adopted Max about three months after my beloved Maggie passed away.  I've always had larger dogs in my life and didn't think about adopting a small lap dog.  One day I went to the farmers market in Long Beach for strawberries and the next thing I knew, I came home with Max.  He was up for adoption from a local rescue organization called "Hearts for Hounds."  They told me that Max (or "Freddie" at the time I adopted him) was on his last day at a shelter before they scooped him up.  I am so glad they did.

A few weeks after adopting him, we were on the road.  My car was packed with everything I needed to camp with but I kept a kennel open in the back for him to go inside and rest if he wanted to and a bed with blankets in the back seat.  Eventually I noticed that he didn't want to be in the kennel or bed but on top of the piles of stuff in the back.  This turned out to be his new home.

Max is a great traveler.  He sits in the back and sleeps most of the time and waits to get out on breaks. He doesn't complain or cry and he got used to the routine right away.  At night, he sleeps inside of the sleeping bag with me and stays asleep until I wake up and decide to start moving around.  Sometimes he stays there and waits to get up.  I am not one to lay still when I sleep so if I have to roll over, I just tuck him in my chest like a football and roll over.

He went everywhere I went.  When you travel with a dog, you need to be aware of restrictions at national parks and everywhere else.  If the temperature is too hot, some parks have a dog day care inside of an air conditioned trailer.  I never kept Max in the car if it was too hot or too cold.  We did camp in twenty eight degree temperatures in Yellowstone, but once we are both in the sleeping bag, it wasn't that bad.

Along with keeping me company, Max is the subject of many of my photographs during our travels.  I usually take a photo of him wherever we go and I don't think he always appreciated it.  The only time I was a bit concerned traveling with him was in remote camping areas where we were the only people there with the wildlife.  I think Max might make a good snack for some animals, so I was a little concerned that his scent would attract bears.  Luckily, we didn't have any problems.

I met some people on the road who also travel with their dog, which I love.  Some are shown here on the blog. I think Max likes to meet like minded dogs on the road to play with.  If we wanted to take a break from camping and if the weather wasn't cooperating, we would usually stay at a Motel 6 or Red Roof Inn, which both allow pets.  Best one yet was Red Roof Inn in Myrtle Beach.

Max and I are looking ahead to where we want to go next.  He's lucky enough to have traveled all over the country with me, even a short time in Canada.  I can't imagine traveling without him.  If you are thinking about traveling with your dog, here are some tips:

1.) Max and I liked to visit dog parks across the country.  One app we especially liked and used a lot was the "Dog Park Finder"

2.) Keep chewies in the glove box.  There will be times when your dog might start to feel stressed and bored.  Handing a chewie to Max while driving seemed to do the trick for a while.

3.) Keep all shots up to date along with papers.  Some campsites will need you to show this documentation in order to stay there.

4.) Follow a routine as much as possible so your dog knows what to expect.

5.) Keep bear spray handy when you are camping in remote areas by yourself. Dogs will attract wild animals.

6.) Have several leashes handy.  You might lose your favorite so a back up is handy.

7.) Always have water in the car that easy for your dog to find and drink.

8.) Play.  Remember that you are on the road together.  Take walks, go to the park, talk during the ride. Do things you would do with a friend, but do it with your dog.  As an example, Max and I decided to take an old time photo together at Wall Drug.  Don't take yourself too seriously.



9.) Follow the weather.  Don't keep your pup in the car if it's warm out. Take breaks, sit in the shade.

10.) Take Pictures!

Shelter Dogs Looking For A Home

When you are out there trying to find the perfect gift for a loved one, please don't forget the shelter animals that are looking for a home.  I am not suggesting that these dogs and cats should be adopted for a holiday since making the decision to adopt a pet is a life long one and shouldn't be taken lightly.  You can donate money, toys, blankets, beds or treats to your nearest shelter.  In the Long Beach area, you can help donate to Santa Paws fundraiser this Saturday.  The Humane Society and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary will also take donations to help homeless pets this holiday season.

It was hard to go to the shelter to see all of the animals looking for a home.  At times I had to fight back the tears but I kept on with the hopes that this may get to someone who is looking for a life long companion.  When I returned home, I told Max about it and he offered up one of his beds and some treats so we will be back to deliver these items to help keep them warm during the winter.  All of these dogs are available for adoption at the SPCALA Long Beach animal shelter.

Family Portrait of Mary Ellen, Pancho and Scout

I just realized that I haven't blogged in a while.  Since being home, I have been working on making art boxes and visiting with friends I haven't seen in a while.  Yesterday it was a nice break to go to the beach to photograph Mary Ellen and her pups, Scout and Pancho.  She has her own dog walking business, Pet Waggin' so I am used to seeing her with a pack of dogs at the dog park.  This time, Pancho and Scout had their mom all to themselves.  I had a great time capturing her playing at the beach with her happy dogs. On thing is for sure...she is not afraid to get down and dirty in the mud to play with them.

For more photographs of the day, click HERE.

Dog Art Weekend

My weekend was filled with viewing and appreciating art. More specifically, art including our canine best friend.

Friday and Saturday was "Art goes to the dogs" hosted by Paige Bauer at the 2nd city council art gallery in Long Beach, CA.  There was an array of beautiful photographs, paintings, sculpture and instillations everywhere you looked in the space.  I was fortunate to display my photograph of a corgie and an Airstream titled,"Dixie." Being camera shy, I took this photograph of another person being interviewed in front of "Dixie."

On Saturday evening, I went to the closing reception of "Dogs Dogs Dogs" at the 1650 Gallery in Echo Park.  I brought Max along to this reception since they had Santa there to take photographs with and I knew he was ready to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas.  I saw him whispering in his ear but he wanted to keep it a secret from me.  I wonder what Max wished for...

Here are some snapshots I took with my point and shoot camera.  I look forward to seeing the photograph of Max with Santa that the professional took on hand.  Along with the Santa photo shoots, they actioned photographs to benefit "Dogs without Borders" to help homeless pets in the Los Angeles area.

Adopt A Best Friend For Life

I can't imagine my life without a dog. Max is a part of my life and he brings me so much joy. When I adopted him last July, he had no idea that he was in for an adventure of traveling across the country with me. I think he had a good time. Well, most of the time he did. Once he realized that buffalo can roam right next to the car, he wasn't too thrilled with that and went crazy each time I stopped on the side of the road to take a picture. It didn't matter if there was an animal nearby, he didn't want anything to come near.

Yesterday we went to our local dog park to play...I mean, Max went to play. OK, I enjoy it too. A lot.

I have to admit that it's one thing I do that brings me joy. It's a place where all of the dogs get to run free together and play. I can even see them smile. All of the lucky ones who found a home. Unfortunately, there are thousands that need homes. I found Max with a rescue organization and I would suggest you adopt one from a rescue as well.

When Max and I were in Utah, we visited the Best Friends Animal Shelter to see all of the animals rescued for life. They are lucky to be able to live in this beautiful place forever, but they still need a home.

Adopting a pet is getting a friend for life. They bring more to your life than you could ever imagine. Who else will be so happy to see you each time you get home? Even if you leave for 5 minutes, it's like you've been gone forever. If you are interested in adopting, visit ASPCA.You can find animals wanting you in your area.

Here are a few of the happy dogs we came across yesterday at the dog park: