We RV'd because of the dog

[Snowman9000]

We started RV-ing a few years ago as a way to be able to travel. Our dog was a poor boarder. So we made several trips with her, including a few long trips southwest in the winters.

This summer she died. We are in no hurry to replace her. We headed out on our current trip to Arizona without her. Missing her but at the same time thinking we would be able to do much more since we weren't going to be tied down with a, let's face it, needy elderly dog.

Instead we are sort of lost. Not because lack of her companionship, but because we organized it all around her needs. We had to stop every couple of hours to let her walk etc. At camp, as at home, she wanted her long walks in the AM and PM.

We were always happier in public CGs, because of the elbow room, trails, dirt and grass. Today we are sitting in the Arizona desert, all the room in the world. Bored silly. It was the same on the travel days too. We made better time, but it was much more boring. We have to come up with a new plan. It won't involve another dog though.

Maybe it's time to tow a dinghy car, stay in one place longer, and take more side trips. Maybe it's time to (gasp) stay in some snowbird parks and meet people.

Or, Maybe it's time to sell the RV, and take advantage of the strong dollar by traveling overseas while we are healthy.

Signed,
Lost in Arizona

[donn0128]

We RV because we enjoy it. We have a pet because we enjoy him. Just because he wants to be close to us, loves swimming and running beside my bike are only a bonus as far as he is concerned.

[wildtoad]

We don't make plans based on the animals, but do make accommodations. In the RV the dog goes with us, and the cat either stays home alone or goes to the vet. New RV will have room for the cat too. We'll use one of the bunk bed areas for a carrier and litter box. We take cruises and board both.

Years ago my folks spent most of the year in their RV and at one point I asked my dad how come y'all don't travel abroad. The stock answer was "who would take care of the cats".

If you want a new dog as a companion then get one, but don't let it run your life.

[Lantley]

I'm on my 3rd dog as an adult. I've concluded I'm a dog person that just enjoys having a dog. Yes the dog is more work however the dog keeps me active in ways I would not be without the dog.
My elderly parents were without a dog for a short while. I helped them get another dog and found the dog to be very therapeutic for them. Again the dog forces them to be active in ways they would not. The beauty in there case is they enjoy the dog but don't truly grasp how beneficial the dog is for their physical and mental health. The dog is secretly keeping them more active by design.

[Terryallan]

What to do without you dog on a camping trip. ANYTHING you want. Don't have to worry is it is ok back at the camper. Don't have to hurry back after eating out. Don't have to get up and walk it, and carry the "stuff" home in a bag.

We call it freedom to do as we want.

[Mr__Camper]

Labs, Border Collies and Goldens make great traveling companions.

[wcjeep]

We also planned all of our trips around the dogs. After they passed away we had about one year of no pups. The first trip I had no idea what to do with myself. Daughter then started asking for a dog. I'm back to early rise and late night walks. Because of the greenbelt area around the house I was happy to have a dog around the house. The presence of a dog keeps the rats away. This also means RV trips only. No air travel in our immediate future.