Okay, some might say that travelling with certain friends or family members is like travelling with animals! Not that I would of course. Mine are very civilised.
As you can see by these of photos, my post was inspired by someone I saw recently. Before you wonder, no, I wasn't driving the car at the time. I was a front seat passenger and for a change I had my camera with me just at the right time! Isn't this pooch cute?
It got me thinking about how we don't like to leave our furred family members behind. I've seen middle-aged men cycling down suburban streets while their dog runs alongside, probably keeping the pace slow so their 'master' can keep up. I've seen tiny, tiny dogs in the baskets of push bikes. I've seen a teenager hoon along the bike path not far from us, standing on a skateboard while pulled along by his cattle dog.
Admittedly I've only seen a dog in a handbag on a film, but I have seen a small canine head poking out of a backpack.
I've met people out walking in Europe, with their ferret draped around their shoulders, taking the air together. Also in Europe, I recall walking into cosy German pubs on cold days to find half the space under the table taken up by a snoozing dog.
I can't recall seeing anyone travel with a cat, except to the vet, but I'm sure it happens.
How about you? How do you cope with leaving your furred family members or don't you? Have you had adventures travelling with them? What's the strangest way you've seen a pet travel? Maybe you have an interesting animal travel experience to share. Or if you've never travelled with an animal, maybe you've encountered an interesting one on a trip.
Because it's a miserable winter's day here as I write I've decided it's time to spread some cheer. I'll give a signed copy of UNDONE BY HIS TOUCH, my current release, to someone who leaves a comment. I'll post the winner's name here before the next post goes up so do look out for that announcement.
I am on the opposite side of this conversation. We never had animals while the kids were growing up because my husband is allergic to dog/cat fur. Then, about five years ago, my DH was put on a different allergy medicine, and all of a sudden, he could be around certain dogs (that he loved)! It's been wonderful ever since, for both him and us.
ReplyDeleteOur neighbour up the street usually would dogsit her parents' golden retriever while the retired parents were travelling to various countries, but we soon realized that Austin would be extremely lonely, staring out the window while my neighbours were at work/school. So we offered to watch the dog instead. After all, I work from home, and Austin could spend his time with me and not be so (unbearably) lonely. And that's what we did. For several good years. And then Austin passed away in May/11 at almost 14 years of age. We miss him tremendously still.
So, in answer to your question - sort of, rather than leaving a dog in a kennel, it has been proven much healthier for at least Austin to stay with friends instead. He travelled throughout North America with his owners when they were able to take their car, but they had to leave him behind when they taught in China for a month or two at a time (English as a Second Language), and we were blessed to be able to help during his last few years.
Hi Laney,
ReplyDeleteThat's just lovely. I'm so pleased your husband was able to overcome his allergy enough to have a dog in the house and that you got the pleasure of having Austin at home with you on his vacations. I bet he enjoyed that so much more than being home alone. It sounds like he was a well-travelled pooch. I'm sorry to hear he's gone now and understand completely that you should miss him. Dogs can be such wonderful companions! Thanks for sharing, Laney.
Great photos, Annie! How lucky you had your camera with you. I've started taking mine with a lot more than I used to - isn't it fun to share this stuff on social media? I worked in Covent Garden markets in the mid-80s which was full of real Cockney colour. Think Eliza Dolittle! It was past the hey day of punkdom but a few diehards used to hang around and make money from the tourists taking photos. One of the girls had a pet rat that she absolutely loved to death. She had a bleached mohawk with pink tips. So did the RAT!!!! Got to say, I never quite got used to the rat curling around her neck or sitting on her shoulder. Can't say rats are my favourite beasties!
ReplyDeleteAnnie, we're on the road at the moment and seeing all sorts of dogs travelling with their adoring owners and turning up in the camping grounds. It's really lovely! The only problem I can see is that the dogs can't go into National Parks so you'd have to find someone to mind them while you visit. (and I do think it's an excellent rule to keep them out of the Parks so as not to upset the native animals and their habitat)
ReplyDeleteA friend of ours used to have a little terrier which sat on the sheepskin covered gas tank of his motorcycle. She had a harness (and a pair of little goggles!) and she loved it! She was very possessive about him and the bike!
:)
Sharon
Hi Annie - love those pics. The strangest thing I've seen is when DH and I were in Vietnam a couple of years ago - a full grown bullock was strapped to the back of a scooter :) It was quite a sight. We get house sitters when we travel - a bit hard to take eight horses, three dogs, three birds, a cat and a cow. Maybe next time we'll build an ark :) I do take my Dogue De Bordeaux out a lot - Barney sits in the front seat (with the seat belt on) Sometimes it's a shock for the cars parked beside me at the traffic lights since he's 70kgs and has a head as big as a bucket. Great post.
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous pics, Annie!
ReplyDeleteBack in the old days when I worked at the races, there was an older woman who used to tote her maltese cross about in a handbag. He was very well behaved, but I always thought he looked a little glum. I kept imagining him trying to sneak off for an hour or two of solitude and being foiled every time. :-)
Fun pictures. I think the funniest way I've seen a traveling pet is the one you showed.
ReplyDeleteMy dog always came with me in the car. For short trips she'd sit on the passenger seat and watch, for longer ones, she's snooze with her head on my knee. The moment I parked and left her in the car for a short time, she was sitting up in the driver's seat, behind the steering wheel, in charge.
ReplyDeleteI grew up on a farm in a farming community called Mirage Flats, near Hay Springs, Nebraska, USA. I had lots of outdoor pets-cats, dogs, chickens, cows, pigs-but when I was about 10, my brother worked for a vet and brought me a Siamese kitten. Christy was my first indoor pet, lovely but unfortunately she attached herself to my dad and not me (I was tolerated). When we traveled to visit relatives, we had neighbors who would mind the outdoor pets, but Christy traveled with us. Her favorite place was either my dad's shoulder or on the car dash watching the other cars go by. I'm sure we got some strange looks as we went down the road. We did this for many years until we moved to town and then a neighbor watched her for us. Christy blessed our family for many years, and when I, the youngest, moved away from home, became my parents "child." My dad always claimed to not like her, but spoiled her rotten. Some of my fondest memories are of my dad and Christy stretched out on the sofa, snoozing. We were blessed with Christy's presence for 17 plus years and my dad blessed my life for 90. They are both gone now, but I can picture them in heaven, laying side by side, napping. Thanks for allowing me to share a small memory of both my cat and my dad. Rita Jo Reitz
ReplyDeleteAnna, I can just imagine a pink mohawked rat and its owner. Scary! I bet she had lots of tourists wanting pics. Funny how the rat came back in fashion as a pet after being seen as a scourge for so long. Like you, I find they're not high on my list of domestic animals.
ReplyDeleteSharon, I love the sound of the terrier on the tank of the motorbike with harness and goggles! Strangely it reminds me of stories my mother tells of growing up in the country and her dad driving along creek beds (no good roads) in very old model cars with dogs lying on the running boards. Obviously they weren't going very fast.
ReplyDeleteHelen, my mind is boggling at the idea of a bullock on a motor scooter! Imagine keeping your balance with that weight behind you - and those horns. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of your dog in the front seat with a seatbelt on. I bet you get some interesting looks. Hey, your place does sound like an ark. Lovely!
Michelle, so you've seen a dog in a handbag? I hope it was a big one. I'm not surprised he looked glum. I'd expect he'd want to get out among the action with all those people, not to mention other animals about.
ReplyDeleteHi BN, I'm glad you enjoyed the photos!
ReplyDeleteLooking at the pictures I'm kind of concerned for the dogs welfare. Hit the brakes & he's in all sorts of trouble.
ReplyDeleteHi Anne, isn't it fun the way dogs do like to be in charge? I've lost track of the number of times I've walked past a parked car to find a dog in the driver's seat, as if it's exactly where they belong!
ReplyDeleteHi Rita Jo, thank you for sharing those lovely memories! It sounds like your dad and Christy were a perfect match. You made me think of one of our dogs - technically mine, but he bonded with my father and went everywhere he was, including 3/4 of the way up a ladder to the garage roof.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering how your father could drive with a cat on the dash, or for that matter on his shoulder. Obviously she had terrific balance and he was a great driver.
I have to say that your family farms sounds like a gorgeous place to grow up!
Hi Marybelle,
ReplyDeleteWhat you can't see in the photos is the very short leash the dog is on. But yes, an accident wouldn't be nice.
Annie, great post. I love seeing animals out with their owners in vehicles, on skateboards, in boats. Our boy Boss did not like the car or the boat but hated even more to be left behind and would put up with any discomfort to go with us.
ReplyDeleteThe cutest one I've seen is a cat on the front of a motorbike heading out on the highway.
Years ago we had a rescue dog who had many manners to learn, although she was really a marshmellow - she just looked the opposite. But because she was 'staunch' (Staffy-ridgeback X) my then teenaged son loved taking her out with him. He borrowed both car and dog and set off, dog hanging her head out the window on a super-hot summer's day. All was great until he stopped at the traffic lights beside KFC! Dog leapt out the window and took off down the middle of the main road in search of the food she could smell - son in hot pursuit, her totally ignoring him and focussed on the food. He chased her quite a way, then had to drag her back to the car. Set off again, window down just enough to let her stick her head out, not her whole body. Went round a corner, dog lost her balance - choking noises from the back. Head was stuck in small gap, legs off the seat. Another traumatic rescue! Window firmly up (both sweltering) as they returned home. Dog wasn't welcome on future joy rides with son... :-)
ReplyDeleteAnnie - we never ever leave our dogs behind. The cat (who can make do for a few days when left fully provisioned) yes, the frogs and fish and birds, yes. The dogs no.
ReplyDeleteOurs go with us wherever we travel, though not quite as precariously as your pillion passenger Jack Russell :)
Fully harnessed, for safety. Fully kitted out with toys for entertainment but they don't need it because being in the car with their pack is perfectly engaging enough, thanks very much.
They behave perfectly while on holiday so clearly they know they're onto a good thing.
Thank goodness for pet friendly holiday rentals.
Hi Sue,
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what animals will put up with to be with their family, isn't it? I'm in awe of the person who took a cat on their motorbike. I can't imagine trying it.
Oh, Clare, you made me laugh with the tale of your dog going out in the car with your son. An eventful trip neither of them would forget! I can see how he'd refuse to take her out again. What an adventurous time they had.
ReplyDeleteNikki, it sounds like your pooches are better travellers than a lot of children! I've noticed quite a few pet friendly holiday destinations up the coast. I wonder if it's an increasing trend? Having well-behaved animals is the key, I suppose - ones that understand what's expected when they're away from home. You must have some terrific holiday photos.
ReplyDeleteHi, Annie! Gorgeous post. I just finished reading Undone By His Touch--absolutely adored it.
ReplyDeleteI often wish I could take my youngest cat for walks to cafes with me. Our eldest cat used to walk alongside my husband to a park down the street. A close call with a large dog put an end to that, though.
When we moved to Sydney, we drove down with the cats. Somehow, one cat received too much medication and was in a very happy haze for the 12-hour drive from Brisbane. The other one didn't get enough drugs and was much more cranky with us as a result.
You must read this story about Kitty the backpacking cat: http://lovemeow.com/2009/09/backpacker-cat-touring-the-world-with-french-couple/
SO cute! I've seen a little dog in a push bike basket and on one of those motorized carts too. They love it!
ReplyDeleteI hate leaving our new kitten behind when we go out. I know, if she's awake, she cries (meows) for us. But I've yet too met a cat that likes to travel. Don't know that she'd wear a denim jacket either lol
Hi Vanessa,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you adored 'Undone By His Touch' - that's fabulous to hear! Thank you.
How cool it would be to take your cat to the cafe. Sprawled across your shoulder maybe? I love the idea of your cat walking to the park with your husband. Not something you see every day, and nice to think of them being such good company for each other.
Thanks for the link, I'll look forward to checking it out, Vanessa.
Robyn, I thought the denim jacket was so cute - obviously a dog who's adored.
ReplyDeleteHa, I'll have to look out for pets on motorised carts - something I've never come across.
Your little kitten sounds like a cutie.
Hi Annie, what cute pictures. That little dog looks very happy.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I have curtailed going away sometimes because of my very old cat Albert who is just about to turn 21 (fingers crossed). I can't bear the thought of him being left with any one but a family member, even in the care of the vet who loves him and kisses and hugs him when he visits. We all have to take cat sitting duty and let the others go away!
what a funny pic, Annie :)
ReplyDeletei have never travelling with animal before and encountered an interesting one on a trip.
Hi Annie,
ReplyDeleteI'm getting a bit misty-eyes as I'm thinking about your post. We're off travelling for three months so have to leave our dog, Cosmo behind. My children can't concentrate on the excitement of travel becuase they're worried about her {:o(. I have found a house/dogsitter who knows and loves her, though, so I'm sure she'll be fine.
We've always taken Cosmo on holiday with us. She's done beach houses, camping grounds and ferry boats. It'll be strange to spend so long without her but I've we're planning a couple of Skype calls a week, at least!
Kandy, well, Albert is definitely part of the family, so I can understand you considering him in your travel plans. I take it he doesn't travel too? It's good to know he's with family. How sweet your vet must be.
ReplyDeleteHi Eli,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the photos made you smile.
Hi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Cosmo is a seasoned traveller, but on the other hand, for three months I'm sure she'll enjoy being in her own place with the attentions of your dog sitter. Skype works well. We've done that when our daughter has been away, and always made a point of including our Daisy dog. Have a wonderful trip.
Hi Annie. I already own your book so dont put my name in the draw. I just wanted to tell you that before the kids came along my "baby" was my Ginger Mog called Alf (yes after the Alf tv show). When I was about 20 I'd just moved to Auckland from Whangarei and travelled regularly between the two towns... with Alf sitting proudly on the front seat. When I went home he was just like a dog he went everywhere with me. Friend all let him stay if I visited and my parents spoiled him. He just knew the front seat was his and sat there for a bit before curling up and sleeping. He wouldnt have a bar of a cage and wasnt a danger when driving. I'll never forget that memory of him :))
ReplyDeleteTash,
ReplyDeleteThanks for telling us about Alf. I'm picturing him as ginger if he was named after the TV character. I love the idea of him going everywhere with you and travelling on the front seat. What a character. He must have had a very strong bond with you!
Annie, those pictures are gorgeous, but they made me shiver - so precarious!
ReplyDeleteI have four dogs, and although they do all fit in the car together, they're happier when less squished. So we have a bit of a roster, where one or two get to travel at a time on quick trips out. :)
When we go away, if we can't take them, we always get a house-sitter that the dogs approve of to stay.