Travel Writings

Published by csmyth

ROAD TRIPPIN’ WITH TESSI
~My Experiences of Travelling with a Dog~

INTRODUCTION

My home province of Ontario, along with the rest of Canada, offers amazing places to explore. There’s nothing I love more than heading out on the highway (and the back roads) to discover the world around us. My dog, Tessi, always accompanies me on these journeys. Not only is she splendid company, she makes me feel safer when I’m on my own.

Tessi is a medium size (16 kilogram/36 pound), light brown and white dog. She is a friendly (too friendly sometimes), energetic Brittany mix with short fur. Like me, Tessi is a restless spirit that loves adventures away from home.

Travelling with a dog is a pleasurable experience, yet it can be challenging. There are many places where dogs aren’t allowed or only allowed leashed. Sometimes, I am lucky to find a deserted place where Tessi can run free. She is well trained to not wander far from me, leave things alone when I tell her to, and come when I call. (WARNING: Though some dogs are trained in this way, they may run away in a strange and unfamiliar place if they are not used to new environments.) If I know I’m heading to or through a city, I like to find an off-leash park, if they have one, where Tessi can run and play with other dogs. The website www.pets.ca has a list of these parks, along with brief descriptions of each. Throughout our travels, I’m always aware of what is around us and use consideration for other people, animals, and surrounding vegetation. Not all people or other animals love dogs as much as we do and most communities like to keep their grass and plants pristine.

In my research, most of the information I’ve found on the subject of travel with pets is based on the same general advice—bring lots of water, stop often for breaks, don’t leave your animal closed up in the car when it’s hot, and so on. All this advice is very IMPORTANT, that’s probably why it’s often repeated. In these writings, I want to get beyond the basics and share what I learn about visiting particular areas of our country.

Though I’ve travelled throughout various regions of Canada, for now my writing will be based on Ontario, as I haven’t been out of the province with Tessi—yet. My goal is for us to travel across Canada together. I want Tessi to stand on top of mountains (leashed dogs are allowed on some gondolas), climb the badlands in Alberta (we’ll have to watch for rattlesnakes), experience the northern tundra (which would also be an experience for me) and, someday, put Tessi’s paws in both oceans.

Some of our excursions include my friend, Helen. Our men’s lack of interest in travel has her keeping Tessi and me company when she can. She also has a constant yen to explore this beautiful country of ours.

Most of our journeys, so far, have been day trips. When I am planning an overnight stay I consult www.petfriendly.ca. The website is an amazing resource for finding accommodations that include pets.

In regarding any specific policies I mention, you may want to call your destinations for confirmation, as they may change from the time of our visits.

One final point—these writings are based on my experiences. I have written them in the hopes of inspiring you to take your dog along with you on your travels, but ONLY if he or she enjoys travel. For instance, Helen never brings her dog because he is a homebody. (Update: Her homebody dog, Duke, has passed on. Helen has adopted a small, friendly shih ztu mix dog, named Missy, that accompanies us on our journeys.) If you do take your dog, hopefully these writings will help your travels run more smoothly and result in an enjoyable experience for both of you (or all of you in case of family situations).

(c)Cheryl Smyth, 2008

My articles may be copied for personal use only, for your travels, without my permission. My articles are available for publication. Please contact me to discuss terms and pricing. tctravels@live.ca.

I will be posting more stories as I finish them.

 

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