Sarah has seen a lot from a car window, and has created a lot of pleasant trip memories for us. One memory that stands out involved a former (now deceased) Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice, a state bar convention, and a Tulsa hotel.
Sarah was still a puppy, about six months old. Linda had taken Sarah out to use the bathroom. I tagged along, but had lingered behind them as they returned to the room. When I caught up, Sarah and the chief justice were in the center of a crowd of lawyers gathered in front of the hotel elevator. Sarah was on her back proudly showing off her freckles while the chief justice was lying on the floor next to her, rubbing her belly and proclaiming: “She likes me!”
I didn’t have the heart to tell him she likes anyone who will scratch her belly. Besides, it’s bad form to correct a judge.
Taking a trip with your pet is not a simple proposition, but it can yield some terrific memories. Now, one organization has compiled some tips to help you prepare for and take that trip with the four-legged member of your family.
The aid is a new edition of the AAA PetBook. In addition to a lot of common-sense information, it has tips on how to find pet-friendly accommodations (and, of course, lists some AAA Approved and Diamond-rated hotels); and lists pet-friendly camping areas, dog parks and other popular areas that allow pets.
Like so many other undertakings, the secret of success lies in preparation. At their website, AAA lists some pointers, including such basics as taking your pet to the vet to get a clean bill of health and – if necessary – update vaccinations.
The book is offered in both paperback and digital editions. For information on ordering, go to their website at http://www.aaa.com/petbook/. From there, you can click on a “Travel Tips” link to get some of the basics.
And I’m going to add one thing: If you are going to include this important family member in your trip plans, don’t forget to include your family member in the trip experience. When you get right down to it, your pet doesn’t care whether she is with you in your living room or with you in Timbuktu, so long as she is with you.
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