Yes, I know

I understand trying to make your little dog comfortable. I think some people need to lighten up. We have had 'well-meaning' fellow campers, try to tell me all kinds of helpful tips about my dogs. Many times, they were 180 degrees wrong. It's a lost cause to try and educate people, that are convinced that they are right. Just smile, and say: 'Thanks for your concern, that sounds like a good idea'., or something to placate them.

I assume your dog has a collar.....why don't you attach a lightweight string to the collar. :) Lightweight won't hurt (and won't do any good should your poor old fella decide to run off -- yeah right) and it will appease those that are being "dog police". And by far, those that don't pick up after their dogs makes me madder than anyone not having their dog on a leash. We used to have an old mutt --- she lived for 18 yrs. Never put her on a leash (back when we could get away with it). She was deaf and followed our hand signals. She was the most well mannered dog in ANY park.

Cookielady wrote:
Because of this, I do not usually put his harness on him. I carry him outside, he does his business and then I carry him back in.

I understand and appreciate your taking care of your dog like you are in his old age. However, why exactly is the old guy exempt from the rules? A loose fitting harness will not interfere with any of his health issues. Neither will a loose lease. If he really doesn't go more than two feet away from you, like you said, then what could possibly hurt with him on a 6 foot lease?

Sorry, but using just what you said, you just don't want to follow the rules. There is nothing preventing you from using a harness and leash.

Ricky has a soft harness but he panics sometimes when I put it on him even though it isn't pushing on his neck. Then he starts hacking and won't stop. It is due to the collapsed trachea which of course he doesn't understand. He thinks he is choking. Due to his bad hips, he can't go far and he always lets me know when he needs me to pick him up as he has walked enough. I have never had any office personnel or campground owner tell me that it isn't okay for him to be without his harness. That is the beauty of it. All of them so far understand that this is an old dog just trying to enjoy his last years.

I can't believe anyone would report you for an obvious elderly dog with issues. That's just plain wrong. My dogs are always leashed but unless an unleashed dog is causing problems, we just let it ride. I see more people that need leashes than pets.

Somebody needs to find a hobby. It happened to us at South Padre Island many years ago. Our little fox terrier hopped out when I opened the TT door. He did his business before I could even say anything. He comes back in and I head out with a bag. Innocent mistake. Someone reported us and the country park official knocked on our door and warned us. He understood but said he had a report.

That afternoon I put a small sign on the bumper of our rv that read "I know who reported us", jokingly of course. About an hour later the motorhome behind us pulled out.

This is the beauty of RV'ing. I had an old boy - 16+. He loved going in the RV. He did his best to keep up with the other 2 younger dogs. No way would I go anywhere and leave an old dog in a kennel or even with anyone I know. They need a lot of care and it is great to be able to take them with us.

I kept a belly band on him with a baby diaper to absorb. He had to piddle a lot due to being on steroids for his back. Even if he didn't have to potty when the others went out for duty call, he'd go to the door for his turn, just to walk around outside a bit. He walked in the Gulf waters on a FL trip and absolutely loved it.

You are making bittersweet memories with your little old guy. You have to love the seniors. I know my guy had a stubborn, little old man attitude. He never gave up and kept on keeping on.

Have fun with your little old guy. Every day is a gift and you're making memories that will stay with you forever.

I'm glad the CG's don't give you a hard time about him being off lead, under the circumstances. I would think just wearing a collar could also set him off - no?? Just the weight of the collar against the trachea can probably do it.

Anyways, good luck and have fun.

I'm going to get kicked hard for this, but imo, any animal in the condition described should be put to sleep, and yes, if I was in that shape, I'd want to be put down, too. and I would certainly send any of my pets off to dreamland.

Shadow:
I'm with you, but you're not allowed to express such un-PC thoughts here.
But it's usually all about the owner, not the critter.

just keep on doing what you think is right for you and your pet. Those who complain about what you are doing should just be ignored.