I think BenBen is about ready/ not ready see last note

[kokosfriend]

BenBen is getting weaker and he cannot junp uo into the CRV anymore. I am going to Elkhart tomorrow and will be back on Friday. I plan on taking him because he does not do well if I am away for long. However, we are leaving a week from Wednesday for a 3 week trip going to Arkansas, Salina Kansas and then KC and back. I am concerne4d that it will be too much for him. I am not sure it is fair for him to take him. I just don't know what to do. We would have to let him go before we left as I would NOT even think of boarding him or leaving him at home. If you have had experience with this, I would appreciate your opinions

Barb

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

My back is getting arthritic, and helping 50 lb Jack get into the car (and he was reasonably agile still) was taking its toll on my body; plus lifting him was A. Painful for him due to arthritis B. Dangerous because he was likely to react by biting. Several times he fell going into the RV and got tangled in the steps, in spite of the carpet I clamped on to prevent just that.

I'm sure BenBen adores camping (don't they all?) but it places a bit of stress on them due to their need to protect us, and when camping, every place is "strange". I don't think they sleep as soundly. They don't eat and drink the same - going potty often involves walking a distance to the dog walk area. Life is no longer on "their schedule".

Nobody will criticize you if you choose to not stress the dear sweet boy - and I personally believe he'll be on that trip with you anyway, if only in spirit. (When we went to FL in January - it was the first time ever that we camped without Ike. I brought his collar along - it just seemed appropriate, I guess?)

[dturm]

In 2006 we lost Amanda in Jan. Buddy was terminal, needed to be almost carried up and down steps. We decided to take him and go on our planned vacation. We ended up losing him two days after getting home. I took xrays and I couldn't believe he made it for the three weeks as he had lung cancer that took up about 75% of his chest. Best decision we made, we really enjoyed the time, and so did he. Not saying that's what you should do, but our experience with a similar situation. We ended up so losing two dogs in six weeks.

[RoadLife]

We have a dog with arthritis and we bought a dog ramp for the RV. Perhaps one would work for BenBen. And I would take him with if he has enjoyed your RV adventures. Pamper him on the trip. If he goes to Rainbow Bridge on the journey, he will have been doing what he loved.