Everything is okay even when airline travel goes wrong!
 

People always come on here really nervous about traveling with their dogs. I always relay my experiences flying with my dogs as totally uneventful. Well, we had our first "eventful" trip and I just wanted to report that even when things go wrong- it is all okay- so no need to worry.

It was Chloe's turn to go out to Nevada with me- as per usual our outbound trip was perfect, she was an angel the entire time we were there. The return trip was slightly different- we got to the airport a bit too early, not my choice- she was in the bag a bit too long and Vegas is HOT HOT HOT this time of year, I had no choice but to let her have some water, she was panting terrible. Thats fine, I always give her a potty break in the "family" or "handicapped" restroom before the flight- well McCarran doesn't have one- so she had to hold it until we got on the plane. I still figured we would be okay, it doesnt usually take long for them to turn off the fasten seat belt sign and I knew I could get up then and take her to the bathroom on the plane- we have a system all set and it works great. It never rains in Vegas and it picked that night to have terrible thunderstorms- the turbulence was crazy, we were literally bouncing out of the seats- and they could not turn off the fasten seatbelt sign- I knew Chloe was scared, I could see her bag shaking under the seat. So it took close to two hours before the light went out- when I got to the bathroom and got her out of the bag she was soaked! She had peed all over herself, and the blanket in the bag- I am sure much of it was nerves. So I washed her in the bathroom sink- I don't ever want to hear about how small airplane bathrooms are again, because I managed to get her nice and clean in there- I dried her off really good and stuffed my sweatshirt in the bag with her to keep her warm. She went right to bed and slept for the rest of the flight.

So for those who always ask- what happens if my dog pees, or my dog barks, or if? if? if? The world doesn't end- you make the best of it and life goes on.

When I took her out of the bag going through security- ALL the TSA workers wanted to come over and pet her- she was a big hit in the airport. Traveling with my babies is always so rewarding, they get to see new places and I get out and see local dog parks, pet stores, parks, walking trails, etc. while I am there as well. Obviously there are times when they can't come and I have a great sitter for those occasions, but sometimes they can come and then we get to see things as a family! :D

Wow, what an adventure. You have a great attitude and I am sure it helped a lot. I would have been a nervous wreck! Great story

Great attitude! Sounds like you know how to make the best of any situation!!

So glad your flight experienced turned into a good one. Just reading about the turbulence you experienced gave me anxiety. Pasquale does SO much better than me on airplanes.

OH! I HATE flying, lol!

I had two xanax in me though- that helps A LOT! only way I get on a plane. :thumbup:

I love to fly!!! :) Did you really think the TSA workers could resist that face? Lol.

I wish I could be like that- I have to fly a lot and hate it the whole time.

Its funny- because at the NY airports they are all business- I take her in and out of the carrier and they don't blink an eye, as we go about our way. In Vegas- they all want to touch her and pet her and ask her name, talk about her, lol- I feel like I am holding up the whole line. :eek:

Oh well, people will get over it! Lol. :rolleyes: Nothing like an adorable Yorkie preventing the line from moving!

I so agree with you about airplane travel with your yorkie. It is so much fun and we rarely have problems. I have even found friendly TSA in NY airports sometimes!