Destination San Francisco: FIDO Friendly are we!

Dogs are amazing creatures. They are resilient and when given even a drop of affection, will allow you to take them places. Our friend Carol Bryant, amazing writer and dog lover of the highest order, knows all too well about traveling with a dog. She criss crosses the country for FIDO Friendly magazine with Dexter, her beloved and quite handsome (trust me we've met at Blog Paws in Denver!) Cocker Spaniel.

In the May/June 2011 Issue of FIDO Friendly Magazine, Carol writes a piece on traveling with your dog, at any age, any stage. Just in time for summer vacations and even staycations, this article [see page 66-67] has tips, great travel gear suggestions and [what a surprise!] even includes a contribution by yours truly about traveling with a senior dog. We're thrilled!

What Carol shares is valuable for every traveler wherever they live: from the unique concerns if you want to travel a puppy to remembering that older dogs can’t hold their bladder or bowels as long as they used to, so watch for the telltale signs of "I gotta pee!" Cleo has a very specific sort of look on her face and type of pant. Incredible valuable knowledge for everyone, and something that is getting more attention in the news, is learning canine CPR. Besides carrying a list of important phone numbers and medical records, having this skill in your bag of tricks, could mean everything in a moment's notice, on the road or not. I'm planning to look into getting certified myself this summer.

San Francisco. I live in a city with steep hills, clanging cable cars and a dense mix of tourists, residents and downtown office workers in for the day. It is important when traveling with a dog on foot or by car in San Francisco, that you are always alert and prepared. There are dozens of distractions, sudden noises and other disturbances that could spell disaster for you and your beloved pup.

Big dogs. Senior dogs. We are always careful when we are out and about with our dog Cleo, because she is a big dog full of curiosity. Her charging at your bag or little dog out of desire to poke and sniff, may be met with fear. It is our job to remain alert to both her and how the people around her are acting, for her protection. We often cross a street simply because we can see several people ahead, on a busy sidewalk, that a distracted owner with a large dog is headed our way. It is too easy for one dog to be either aggressive from the crapped space, or become spooked by the city crowds, and in a moment cause a stressful and unintended ruckus. We enjoy a nice stroll like everyone else, especially when visiting somewhere new. We feel it is our job to help Cleo navigate each situation, ensuring we all enjoy our time out and about. Seriously, sometimes it feels like she is a car and we are driving her through the people.

Cleo is also an older girl now so we are aware of the last time she "did her business" before ever taking a drive. We have a tote for Cleo that has water, travel bowl, poop bags, towel & treats that gets tossed into the back of the car. If she is going to stay overnight with a member of Team Cleo, we have a second tote that is a combo tote plus mobile food & water bowl. We include her food & a laminate card with our vet info, dog license, dietary restrictions and our contact details. We also include basic first aid items like Neosporin.

Does your dog call shotgun? Tell us about it! We would love to hear your tips for traveling with your pup and if you have any travel plans this summer.