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Zoejane · 07-29-2012, 06:02 AM

Vacation? Who knew it could be so much work with a baby, but the planning paid off. I flew with my Zoe for a much needed 2 week vacation on the beach. I was a nervous wreck and almost cancelled at the last minute, but finally decided if I never try I will never know. So I prepared big time, and she did fabulous. I bought a collapsible kennel at Target that totally folded up into a small round circle and fit in my suitcase. I knew it would be too hot for her during the day on the beach. I took Benadryl and herbal calming drops just in case she freaked out on the flight. I scheduled 2 short flights with a layover just in case she freaked out I could cancel the second leg and drive the rest of the way. I had her kibble packed in my checked luggage, but enough in my carryon in case my bags didn't arrive with me. I had her favorite toys, lots of peep pads, her water bottle and her bag she loves. I was loaded down to the hilt but prepared for anything that might happen. Once at the airport checking was a breeze, after I paid the $125.00(gulp) one way to stuff her under the seat. We went through security, no problems at all. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Once through security I took her to the family restroom, put her pee pad down just to ensure she didn't need to pee one last time. That was a no go so I picked her up and cleaned her feet with my wet wipes I had packed. After all she had been down on the bathroom floor. I carried her to the gate in my arms and when it was time to board I told her to get in her bag, she got in, laid down and we boarded. I had her bag on my lap until they made the am announce,ent that everything had to be stowed. I was in first class so had plenty of room. I had her mesh so I could watch her, she was sound asleep before we even took off and she stayed that way the entire flight, never making a sound. Once the flight attendants got in their seat I put my bag back on my lap with the mesh facing the window and she rode that way the entire flight never making a peep. It was the smoothest experience I have ever had and now will not hesitate to fly with her again. Once at the house I was staying in I got all her toys out and let her investigate everything. We walked on the beach every morning about 4 miles, she loved the water and loved chasing the birds. Of course I would then have to get all the sand off so to our private pool we would go where I found out she is a very good swimmer. Then in the afternoon I would put her in her portable kennel while I went to the beach. That worked great except for the last 2 days when she figured out how to get it unzipped. All in all it was worth having my baby with me on vacation and I will certainly do it again. It just takes preparation and a little more work, but sp worth it.

07-29-2012, 06:02 AM	#1
Zoejane Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Louisville! Ky Posts: 178	Vacation with my baby Vacation? Who knew it could be so much work with a baby, but the planning paid off. I flew with my Zoe for a much needed 2 week vacation on the beach. I was a nervous wreck and almost cancelled at the last minute, but finally decided if I never try I will never know. So I prepared big time, and she did fabulous. I bought a collapsible kennel at Target that totally folded up into a small round circle and fit in my suitcase. I knew it would be too hot for her during the day on the beach. I took Benadryl and herbal calming drops just in case she freaked out on the flight. I scheduled 2 short flights with a layover just in case she freaked out I could cancel the second leg and drive the rest of the way. I had her kibble packed in my checked luggage, but enough in my carryon in case my bags didn't arrive with me. I had her favorite toys, lots of peep pads, her water bottle and her bag she loves. I was loaded down to the hilt but prepared for anything that might happen. Once at the airport checking was a breeze, after I paid the $125.00(gulp) one way to stuff her under the seat. We went through security, no problems at all. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Once through security I took her to the family restroom, put her pee pad down just to ensure she didn't need to pee one last time. That was a no go so I picked her up and cleaned her feet with my wet wipes I had packed. After all she had been down on the bathroom floor. I carried her to the gate in my arms and when it was time to board I told her to get in her bag, she got in, laid down and we boarded. I had her bag on my lap until they made the am announce,ent that everything had to be stowed. I was in first class so had plenty of room. I had her mesh so I could watch her, she was sound asleep before we even took off and she stayed that way the entire flight, never making a sound. Once the flight attendants got in their seat I put my bag back on my lap with the mesh facing the window and she rode that way the entire flight never making a peep. It was the smoothest experience I have ever had and now will not hesitate to fly with her again. Once at the house I was staying in I got all her toys out and let her investigate everything. We walked on the beach every morning about 4 miles, she loved the water and loved chasing the birds. Of course I would then have to get all the sand off so to our private pool we would go where I found out she is a very good swimmer. Then in the afternoon I would put her in her portable kennel while I went to the beach. That worked great except for the last 2 days when she figured out how to get it unzipped. All in all it was worth having my baby with me on vacation and I will certainly do it again. It just takes preparation and a little more work, but sp worth it.