Yes, I know

[Cookielady]

We have been traveling around the USA for about 3 months now. We travel with 3 Chihuahuas. No big deal. Our oldest is 13, has a collapsed trachea, enlarged heart, pinched nerve in his shoulder, and bad hips. 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. If he feels like going for walks with the other 2, we get out his stroller so he can enjoy it more. He is never more than 2 feet from me.
I spend most of my time, explaining to people why he is not in his harness. I have been reported by so many but, I always explain to the camp personnel as soon as we arrive so that they know why he is not going by the rules.
I found it funny that the last person that "reported" me is someone I have watched on several occasions NOT picking up after their large dog. Sorry, to go on but we are just trying to make our little angel comfortable and happy during what may be his last trip.

[westernrvparkow]

nabi wrote:
I have bilateral shoulder injuries and a chronic back condition, all d/t nursing for way too many years. Some days I can't get up out of bed or out of a chair without help from Wayne....I hope he doesn't decide to put me out of my misery , as I am also elderly ! :E

In my opinion, it is inhumane to allow a pet to suffer in it's final days. I have had to put down my best friends too many times, and though it brings tears and heartache, I know I did the right thing. Pets are unable to sign "do not resuscitate" orders and cannot request that caregivers do not use extraordinary means to keep their bodies alive when their spirit wishes to leave. It is an act of unselfish love to end a pet's suffering.

[nabi]

I have bilateral shoulder injuries and a chronic back condition, all d/t nursing for way too many years. Some days I can't get up out of bed or out of a chair without help from Wayne....I hope he doesn't decide to put me out of my misery , as I am also elderly ! :E

[Dog_Folks]

Go Dogs wrote:
It's not as if the OP is releasing a camel or something. It's an elderly Chihuahua. Someone carries it outside, it does it's business, someone picks it up and goes back inside. The poor thing can't physically tolerate a leash or harness. Please, a little compassion!

I am sure there is a lot of compassion because most of us are dog owners and realize that this could happen to us.

BUT there are other ways to handle the situation without breaking the rules, such as an exercise pen.

I am disabled and have a parking placard, but that does not allow me to park in a fire zone or on the sidewalk.

[usmohls2]

amandasgramma wrote:
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.

2X

[Go_Dogs]

It's not as if the OP is releasing a camel or something. It's an elderly Chihuahua. Someone carries it outside, it does it's business, someone picks it up and goes back inside. The poor thing can't physically tolerate a leash or harness. Please, a little compassion!

[westernrvparkow]

Many people will be questioning you because they realize that if a bunch of people start breaking the pet rules, for whatever reason, there is the chance the park will just say "the heck with it, no pets, period". I assume once you explain your pet's condition, they understand why you do what you do. But do realize they are not picking on you personally, but it is in the interest of every pet owner for all the pets to be following the guidelines set out by the park. Self policing by guests will be better than the park having to do it, because sooner or later the park is going to get tired of it.

[magnusfide]

Go Dogs wrote:
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.

Double ditto.

[colliehauler]

obgraham wrote:
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.

This is a forum not everyone has to agree, you have a right to your opinion just as others have a right to theirs.

[Old-Biscuit]

I'm always surprised at the reasons folks use to not have to follow rules in CG's, restaurants etc.

"They don't apply to me because....blah, blah, blah....."

As suggested get an ex pen and use it. Then you will be in compliance with the rules and others won't have a reason to question 'WHY'

[I_am_still_wayn]

TexasShadow wrote:
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.

This statement is way out there and not appropriate. No where in any post is there any indication that the old dog is in pain or has lost a quality of life. He coughs, and is slow to move around. Heck, by your take I should be out out of my misery.

[Dog_Folks]

It would be a lot less trouble to buy and use an ex pen. The dog would enjoy it too.

[raindove]

TexasShadow wrote:
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.

It's a personal decision when to put a elderly pet to sleep. As long as the animal is not in pain and is enjoying life, it's not for anyone else to say when.

[rockhillmanor]

I travel with 4 and have 2 seniors that no longer can walk/wear a collar or harness due to disabilities. When walking on a leash was no longer an option I brought along my ex-pens with when RV'ing for them.

They are set up along side the MH under the awning and I put a precut sunscreen material under the expen. They use this to go to the bathroom which is picked up immediately and then they stretch out and enjoy the day safe in their ex-pen with fresh water and a bed. I have metal pooper scooper to pick up and a long wood handle with a rectangle wood brush on the other end for scrubbing down the sunscreen to keep it clean.

Throw a nice comfy bed in an ex-pen and both your seniors would be able to be with you outside all day and night! You have very lucky dogs that have an owner that takes the time to cater do their needs so they can still go camping with the family. :C

[ReneeG]

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.

[obgraham]

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.