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| Teddy at 3 months |
I am a proud mother of an adorable black lab mix named Teddy (another Louisville influence). We got him last year around this time from a local shelter.
Prior to our adoption, C & I read a lot of literature and discussed our rules. No matter how descriptive the books are, actually living the life changes is the only way to truly grasp the life changes.
One change in our life, which I did not feel the book emphasized is the effect Teddy would have on our ability to travel. I've included our experience, but am curious what was unexpected for you. Please write about it in the comments. They'll be especially helpful.
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| Teddy in the car |
Air travel
Disclaimer: We still have not travelled with Teddy on a plane.
- Since Teddy is now over 65lbs, he cannot travel in the cabin. The alternative is the cargo, but I am personally uncomfortable with the image presented.
- Insurance might be required or is recommended
- Veterinarian health certificate requested
- For small dogs, cabin travel is available for around $75 each way
Car travel
- Disclaimer: Influenced by our recent trip to DC
- Must have flexible travel dates, because mother nature can be fickle (which we faced recently)
- Consistent bathroom breaks (rest areas usually have dog areas)
- Teddy naps most of the trip, or just lays around (but have been warned of trips with constant barking)
- Trip takes much longer - between driving rather than flying - then feeling tired once we arrived (so a day is lost)
Other costs
- Emotional cost: when I cannot take Teddy with us, I miss him & worry about him.
- Financial cost: Pet hotel usually costs $30/day. Due to my emotional guilt, I end up paying for him to play all day in daycare.
- Misc. cost: We forgot Teddy leash this trip & had to pick one up along the way, so we could let him have potty breaks.
- Time cost: Getting ready to go anywhere takes longer
