You Can't Get Anything at Alice's Restaurant
7 hours ago
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Traveling with a dog
My lovely wife and I brought the dog out to the parking area where we keep our boat. The dog likes to go where we go. We set her up in a nice shady place with fresh water. I got busy working on the boat and didn't pay attention to the dog for a few minutes.
When I looked back at her, she'd discovered her rope was long enough to reach a fire ant nest. There she was, busily digging away and trying to eat ants. Crazy dog. I pulled her off the nest and brushed the dirt and bugs off her muzzle. Best as I can tell, she didn't receive a single ant bite. I get zapped just walking across a field, trying to avoid the little beasties.
Lucky dog.
It is different traveling with a dog. Her needs have to be met. We are always on the lookout for dog friendly beaches, restaurants, and places to walk her. Back home, I rarely pick up after the dog. She heads out to the dense brush where no one goes and comes back to the door when she's done. On the road, all too often, the dense brush is replaced by a human with a plastic bag. Oh well, my dog, my responsibility.
Fortunately, the dog loves to go sailing and doesn't care for swimming. She stays on the boat. A lot of people like dogs, so seeing a happy dog on a boat can be a good ice breaker. People come over to say hi and pet the dog.
On the other hand, the dog is very protective and lets us know when someone is coming by. She's good security.
There are places we can't go and things we can't do because we have a dog. That's life. Some doors open and other close. When my lovely wife got this dog, I said we'd better take it everywhere with us. That way she'd be used to travel. It worked great. When she's in the van or on the boat, she feels safe and is relaxed. It doesn't matter that “home” is constantly relocating.
-Sixbears
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Home is with the people she loves. More people need to learn that.
ReplyDeleteThat's it exactly.
DeleteI miss not having a dog around. When we did have them, they went everywhere we did. Both of them loved the
ReplyDeleteboat, too!
A good dog is hard to replace. I resisted for a couple years when our old dog died, but my lovely wife insisted it was time.
DeleteGlad you got to enjoy yours when you did.
Sixbears,
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your built in security system.
We take ours every where, including camping.
Can't leave a member of the family behind.
DeleteWe take our dogs on trips. They are part of the family, too. The oldest two love to go and get excited, but the youngest would rather stay at home. But once we get where we are going, they all enjoy the walks and the new territory. Of course the male has to mark every tree. . .
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they keep you very busy too. :)
DeletePerfect time to go adventuring. The dog days of summer are over and hurricanes are not on the horizon. Have fun.
ReplyDeleteOur little friend is ony 4 months old but has been with me (almost) every day since 7 weeks. Wherever I go, whatever I do, she is there. It's the best way to get them accustomed to all situations. She has also made me so many new friends. I tell Mrs Dweeze that the pup is my chick magnet...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your companion as you wander.
Dogs are very special animals!
ReplyDeleteA Dog's Prayer
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is...music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside ... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements ...and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at you feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life....
And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you.
Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest ... and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.