This Week Went to the Dogs 🐶

This past week, I was in Texas visiting family and house-sitting, along with dog-sitting. My sister and her family have three large dogs and one medium-sized one. I love animals of all kinds, and dogs are just so darn lovable.

On the flight to Texas, I met a man who had his golden doodle with him. He, his partner, and their fur-baby were on their way to pick up a brother for their pup. I fell in love with his fur-baby. His fur was so soft and silky. He was quite smart, and his eyes spoke volumes of curiosity and intelligence. Such a sweetheart, and he doesn’t shed! I spent too long petting him and making small talk just so I could play with the fur-baby. Then my flight gate was changed for the third time, and I had to rush away.

While at my sister’s, I watched her four dogs for three and a half days while she, her husband, and my mini-me niece were out of town. I was busy! The youngest is a seven-month-old Rottweiler, and he is huge. He’ll be a good 200 lbs when he fills out. Then there’s her Cane Corso, who is over 140 lbs, and their Anatolian Shepherd, who must weigh a good 110 lbs. The smallest of the four is their German Shepherd, who might be 50 lbs, and he’s the oldest and very grumpy, especially when the puppy bothers him. Unfortunately for him, the puppy is much bigger than he is. I played referee for the four and took naps when they took naps. All of them are great babies and love their Aunt Dorey. We had fun, and I loved that they all wanted to be with me, even when the family got back—they would still come to me for extra love. When I left, they gave me good-bye nuzzles. I miss those fur-babies, and of course, my sister and niece. I even managed to connect with my 19-year-old nephew on this trip too. He’s usually either not home or stays hidden, but this time, he spent some time talking with me. It was nice.

Now, about the trip home—I have to say the Dallas Airport is kind of a mess. The bathrooms were the worst I’ve seen in a while. Dallas could really stand to clean up their airport. Honestly, when flying to or from Dallas, I prefer to use Love Field Airport—much cleaner and nicer all the way around. Flying out from Nashville, I was impressed with how clean and new everything seemed. Nashville has done a good job fixing things up and keeping it clean.

Anyhow, back to the dogs… On the flight home, there were several dogs on the plane, and you would never have known it. They were well-behaved and much quieter than kids. I found out that dogs (depending on size) either sit in front of the passenger on the floor or in their lap. Of course, you can also buy them a seat.

As a former TSA agent and having seen how animals are treated by some baggage handlers, I HIGHLY recommend NEVER putting your animal in the cargo hold. Most planes don’t pressurize the baggage area, and it’s extremely hard on the animals. It gets cold, loud, and things move around. Bags are often just thrown in, which can be traumatizing for the animals. On long flights, they are often without water, and if they need to go to the bathroom, their crates become a mess, making it uncomfortable for them. If you absolutely have to check an animal in a crate, here are some recommendations:

1. Make sure the crate is extra big, so they can turn around and stand up comfortably with room to spare.
2. Put wee pads on the bottom to absorb any accidents—two layers would be good.
3. Put a sweater on them if possible.
4. DEFINITELY put a blanket (and if it fits, a comfy bed) or two in there for them. Preferably one of their own.
5. Put something in there that has your scent on it. It will help comfort them to have something of yours with them.
6. Water—take a water bottle that is used for rodents (depending on the size of the dog/cat, the water bottle size will vary). The night before the flight, fill it halfway or more with water and freeze it (keep it frozen as long as possible, even up to flight time). Right before the flight, add some cold water to it (so it doesn’t melt the frozen water), maybe a few tablespoons. This way, if they get thirsty before the frozen water thaws, they have a little, but not too much. You don’t want them to drink a lot since they don’t have anywhere to go potty. Put a little attachable cup under the water bottle nozzle so if it drips, it will go into the cup, not on the blanket or wee pad. If things get wet, it will make it even colder for your pet.
7. You may want to sedate your pet so they sleep most of the trip. ONLY do this with the guidance of a licensed veterinarian to get the proper medication. Some people try to do it themselves and end up overdosing their pets.
8. Pay the extra and take your fur-baby in the plane with you—OR—drive. They are worth the effort and expense if you want them on the trip with you.

I mean, would you put your child under the plane? No, well, at least most people would say no.

Remember, animals/pets are family and are a lifelong commitment. They have emotions, feelings, thoughts—everything we do. They feel pain, sadness, happiness, abandonment—all of it. Just because they can’t speak words like we do doesn’t mean they are beneath us. They are not.

Not to leave out the great people I met because I did meet some very nice people. There was the gentleman with the golden doodle, my hairdresser (who is amazing and in Texas), and three women on the way back—Debbie and Susie (not their real names—fun story there), and Mrs. Fox. There were also two military guys who joined in on the conversation about my books at one point, which was a fun chat. Thank you to each of them for sharing my trip with me. I appreciate each of you, and I hope your journeys are successful and happy. Debbie and Susie, I hope your sister recovers fully. To Mrs. Fox and the two military personnel—thank you greatly for your service, and may you always be safe. Hugs and blessings to each of you. 🤗

Now for a goals update… Surprisingly, I kept all my goals even while traveling. Woohoo! Now, the challenge is to keep them since I’m back home. I’m attempting to start a new daily routine. We’ll see how that goes. 🤣

Anyhow, I’ll leave you with my continuous wish for each of you, and that is to have a fabulous week filled with lots of hugs, love, blessings, and laughter. 🌻