Quote:
Originally Posted by Bonny
I would think, if you come on a forum and ask people, it's probably better that you don't get a dog. You are the only one who would know if you should get a dog. You already have concerns about traveling and pet care. If you really wanted one, you would have no need to ask anyone here.
|
I took a different view of the post. My take is that OP knows he wants a dog but is worried about how the dog will travel the 1300 miles.
I will say we have been traveling from points north to Florida for the last 20-some years with one golden retriever or another. Start the dog out in the car as soon as possible. Take it frequently so it gets used to riding in the car. If you are thinking of getting an older rescue, put it in the car and drive around first. See how it does. We just brought a senior golden foster home from Tampa today. She was fine for about a half hour, then started howling. (I think there's some beagle in her.) I got in the backseat with her, and she stopped. Still, I wouldn't want to travel that way for 1300 miles. We wouldn't travel with her.
When our second golden was 10 weeks old, we put him in a soft crate in the backseat and drove from West Michigan to Key West. He was perfectly fine. Stopped a couple of times at grassy places--rest stops, gas stations, parks--and walked him and gave water. There are plenty of hotels along the way that accept pets.
It'll work! Just get the dog used to car travel from day one. Good luck whatever you decide.