Deb D’Andrea, Peak to Peak.   I love traveling with my Girls: Tiki, Bear and Sally. They travel so well, they walk on leash, they know what to do when I say ‘this way;’ or ‘do your business;’ or ‘let’s go’ and ‘leave it;’ and they are people and dog friendly for the most part. The time I spent training them when they were puppies and acclimating them to the world has paid off in so many ways.

Over the course of my life, I’ve mostly traveled with dogs and cats; and over this time have witnessed the transition of hotels and motels that now cater to travelers with dogs and cats. Some establishments provide special beds, treats left on their pillow, and in-room services like massage or pet sitting; while others have fenced in dog runs where they can play, exercise and meet other pups along the road. Many will charge an extra fee for pets, but many don’t as the cost is already built into the room rates.

I have witnessed several a cat being walked on leash with a harness on, trained to ‘do their business’ outside or in their mobile litter box. I always sort of laugh to myself when I see this, remembering my dear friends trying to teach their Siamese cats to walk on leash, and the convulsions and shenanigans their cats would go through in an effort to resist being walked. In the end, the cats won, and the harness and leash were never discussed again.

More stores are carrying a variety of high quality food, simplifying the task should their food run out during the journey; and if need be, food, medications and vitamins can be shipped to a friend’s house or a hotel in case it’s specialty item.

While keeping their food stocked up and consistent; water is another item that is essential to happy travels. I purchase the large, self dispensing spring water containers that can be consistently found at your basic grocery store. As water varies so much from place to place, and is so key in maintaining healthy companions, it’s one item to keep as consistent as possible.

Many areas have fluctuating water contaminants which can very quickly throw your traveling companions system into disarray, causing nausea, diarrhea, and overall discomfort. When I smell some water at room temperature, I can smell the various chemicals added and can easily taste them too. For myself, my system will even get out of whack depending upon the chemicals added as my home has well water.

So as we enter into the time when many of us hit the road to explore, safe travels with good water and yummy food!

Till next time. Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz, provides mobile Canine Massage, Canine Agility and Petz Nanny Services for dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses, and other critters. 4TheLuvOfDogz home-made dog treats and K9Birthday Cakes are available direct. Contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or email at info@4theluvofdogz.com for more information.