Another dog related question

[dadmomh]

We're getting ready - I hope - to get our plans together for our move from West TN to Lakeland, FL in the next few weeks. As if things aren't chaotic enough, our DS, who is handicapped, cannot ride for more than a couple hours or so without getting out of the truck and walking around. We are selling darned near everything as the new house is completely furnished, but will rent a U-Haul to carry the things we are taking. The plan so far is that DH and DS will have the U-Haul with DS's truck on a dolly. They will take Cubbie, the Border Collie, with them. I will drive our F150 with my little car on a dolly and Foxy, Biscuit and Lily with me. With DS having to stop so frequently, it takes us 2 overnights to get 800 miles. So motels for 2 nights. I started looking online for pet friendly motels and to call themselves "pet friendly" is a joke. Many charge a $100 NON REFUNDABLE deposit per pet. I don't want to buy the place, just stay overnight. This move is enough of a challenge without looking at $800 in NON REFUNDABLE deposits for the dogs. Biscuit and Lily are crated at night, Foxy sleeps with us and Cubbie with DS. They are all well behaved, don't bark - usually, not destructive. Traveling with DS and 4 dogs is interesting enough without this. We'll be coming south on I-65 through Birmingham and usually a good stopping place for us is Montgomery and the second night Lake City, FL. Anyone have suggestions? DH said he'd get an airbag and sleep in the back of the truck (with topper) with the girls before he'd pay that ridiculous amount. That could work, but we're still stuck with figuring out 2 more people and 2 more dogs. We're surely not talking a 4-Star Hotel, but just something clean and.....inexpensive. I have lots more work to do on this, but any suggestions would be appreciated.

[pira114]

I've done similar to this. We ended up having friends watch the dogs for a couple days, then I went back for them in a straight shot. Sounds like you've got plenty to worry about aside from the dogs.

I hate kennels, but if you haven't any friends that can do it, it's another idea.

[dvitale300]

You could also look up the kennel clubs in the city your staying in and ask them for recommendations. Google things like Atlanta kennel club, or something like that. It may help.

[Cougarnewbie]

Try Red Roof Inn. Never heard of a pet deposit being non refundable.

[dvitale300]

We travel for dog shows all the time and find plenty of dog friendly hotels. La Quinta, comfort and motel 6 are a few of the ones we stay at. You should be able to be accommodated without the hundred bucks.

[gmw_photos]

Sounds like a challenge allright. For less than the $800 you speak of, how about mom and dad driving straight thru, one day, 800 miles with the pets. It takes an early start, and you'll have to run into the evening maybe a little, but it's doable. And then, have your son fly down after you arrive.