Community Forums

HoleInOne · 10-30-2013, 07:52 AM

DW and I are planning an extended stay (4 weeks) in Florida this winter and are having a discussion regarding taking our yellow lab Sam. We took Sam on a trip to Disney this fall and he did fine but the DW is having second thoughts about taking him for a longer stay. I on the other hand think he will be fine. I didn't post in the pets section because I figured all those people would be biased. Anyone have thoughts on this?

Cooperhawk · 10-30-2013, 08:00 AM

We had a 95 lb. Black Lab named April. She and our little cat Bitzy traveled wherever we went for years. She is no longer with us sadly.

If I backed the MH into the yard and she saw us loading items, she would sleep under the step all day so that we couldn't leave her. She loved it. Now it's just Bitzy, but we think about her all the time.

road dogs · 10-30-2013, 08:03 AM

One of the reasons we bought our 5th wheel was so we could travel comfortably and easily with our three dogs. We have taken them on a coast to coast 3 month trip (that's 21 dog months) and many, many shorter 3-4 week jaunts and we wouldn't have it any other way, they are family. They ride in the truck with us while towing. If Sam did fine on the Disney trip, I'm sure he'll be fine on longer stays. Of course, I'm biased.....

Wayne M · 10-30-2013, 08:09 AM

Our 80 pound husky goes where we go. As a special treat we take her for tour rides looking for horsies and cows.

Edited: Something to think about is what are your days going to be like, and who are you going to leave the dog with if you don't take him. Dogs can stay up to 12-13 hours without attendance however we try not to let ours stay for more than 6 hours. It's just our preference, however on occasion she has gone longer. No accidents unless she is sick. So consider if you will be out touring without Sam and for how long.

Also, does Sam behave when you are not present, like not barking at everything that moves in front of the MH. Curtains can be closed to reduce that temptation. Fortunately for us we taught Miya not to bark at passing people and dogs. She just sits in the window and watches them. Cats have a slightly different affect on her, but it is no prolonged.

Is Sam your best friend? Take him.

monkey · 10-30-2013, 08:09 AM

The Only reason we bought our class A was so our 4 legged kids could go with us... They Love being with us, even if the trips get long. Actually it makes us take more stops along the way, to "smell the roses" instead of just point A to B ... Take Sam with you,,, they are family too !!!

HoleInOne · 10-30-2013, 08:10 AM

Another thought...maybe take the dog and leave the DW home??? j/k honey.

Lincolnboy2 · 10-30-2013, 09:07 AM

Here's some tips if you are concerned about leaving Sam for extended periods of time.

I think 8-10 hours is a max I would ever want my pups left alone, they are house pups, though and I don't have a doggie door, so I am home every day at lunch. Some folks can't do that, but I think 8-10 hours is pushing the limits of leaving them especially if they are housebound.

Consider taking Sam, he lives for YOU.

Hope this helps!

Tips for Owners that need to Leave a Dog at Home alone by Pat Gray | Critters 360

Wayne M · 10-30-2013, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoleInOne

Another thought...maybe take the dog and leave the DW home??? j/k honey.

Can I have your dog!

Lincolnboy2 · 10-30-2013, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

Can I have your dog!

Steve N Sal · 10-30-2013, 09:22 AM

I guess, what is her issue of taking him along??? To big??? I don't understand. If he travels well I don't see a problem with it. Our two little ones go everywhere with us and we would NEVER board them. We are gone the entire winter (5 months) in FL. He's a member of your family and as mentioned lives for you. Good luck and DO hope he gets to go.

Lincolnboy2 · 10-30-2013, 09:31 AM

Yes, that's a good question, HoleInOne, what are your concerns about taking Sam?

Is it that he might be left alone too long in the coach?

SarahW · 10-30-2013, 09:38 AM

Yeah...it would be nice to hear what concerns your wife has about taking Sam. We wouldn't consider NOT taking Harry with us; he's family.

Steve N Sal · 10-30-2013, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lincolnboy2

YEAH! I liked that one toooo!

gutsgolf · 10-30-2013, 09:48 AM

We had two pups for several years , recently had one pass due to old age. If I am going somewhere I make adjustments for our little pal. She loves to go with us and really works to fit in. I feel it is my responsibility to take care of her and I am honored that she loves us so much and is such a good companion. we just make our schedule work with her needs, not in a hurry and glad to have her along.
love our pets