Vacation w/puppy?!?!
 

so my boyfriend and I are going to Galveston Island for our 5 year anniversary. arriving May 18 and leaving may 21. I looked for ages trying to find the best place for us to stay and finally decided on a dog-friendly cottage with a gorgeous view of the gulf. The owner, Mel is a clear dog lover and put together a bulletin board with a map of the island, thumbtacks on dog-friendly restaurants, emergency vets, pet stores, and boarding. He seems as nuts about his miniature poodle as we all are with our babies LOL. Thats how I knew it was the right place for us. Luma will have a doggy door with access to a safe yard and can come to the beach with us, go on a dolphin sighting cruise, go to the outdoor restaurants on the seawall, she is gonna have a blast.

I'm having trouble trying to figure out what to do with Rosie though...she is not fully immunized, she isn't fully pad trained, I feel like she would be better off at home, but home is 5 hrs away and although I have a friend who lives next door and could come feed/water her, play with her a bit, etc...how can I leave my tiny 1.9 lb baby at home for four days?! likewise, I could bring her and set up her xpen or keep her crated, but do I trust her to not escape and hurt herself, or someone break in...ughhh. I just want to do what is best for my girls. Luma will be fine bc she can come almost everywhere with us. I wish I had a kwigy bo now. what should I do?

Thanks Thuy :) Having her there will give me peace of mind lol. If I left her home I couldn't even enjoy the vacay!

Take all your babies with you. You'll be glad you did... Photo opps :wink:
Besides you would not be a good "tourist" thinking of your baby back home all the time.
Have fun!

I would take her with u. Set up an x-pen and make sure u have a doggie first aid kit on hand. 4 days is a long time for a little one to be away from her family. Jmo

I have life jackets for the girls but have a few Q's....will the hot sand hurt their paw pads? I imagine so...should I get them sandals? And also, what about protection from the sun?? I have baby sunscreen I use for my own super sensitive face. Would it be safe for use on them or do they not need it? Keep in mind Rosie has lots of black hair that shields her skin a bit but Luma's body is shaved. I don't want her to get sunburnt. :(

Any travel tips/beach tips would be appreciated!

As for pee-pad train...don't think it'll be a problem. First of all, it's dog-friendly, lol. Second, just bring your ex-pen at night and make sure she goes out every 2 hours like you probably do at home.

I would say if it's hot for your feet, it'll be hot for theirs. Have you tried putting them in shoes before? You could try Pawz too since they're waterproof. :)

What is the weather like there now? Would it be too hot if she wears a light shirt?

It'll be mid 80s when we go. I will keep them in a light t shirt then, sounds simple enough lol. The wet sand will be cool enough and I can carry them otherwise. I wonder if Luma will be scared of the ocean! Hope not!!

She may enjoy it since she likes to swim! If you do take her out there, don't forget to keep her on a lead and wrap that around your wrist...JUST in case!

For sure!! I don't allow her off leash EVER unless in a fenced area I've checked for holes lol. She may hold a firm "stay" but she is sooo exciteable and loves people haha.

As for Rosie shes up to date on her shots and started on hw prev but I still haven't let her touch outside ground even once. Still don't even have a harness that fits her! Lol. How about Thalia, has she been on a walk yet?

Tough call Carmen. If I was in your shoes, I'd definitely take Luma with me. She's ready and able to travel. And yes, a Kwigy Bo is a big help if and only if she behaves herself while in it. But.... Rosie, I think she might be more comfortable at home. She's going to be confined anyway, at least at home she'll be comfortable with her things. It makes leaving them behind so much easier when you have someone you absolutely trust without a doubt with your baby. I swear, I wouldn't know what is do without Priscilla and Uni. Kaji loves Uni, his Nina Priscilla, and even tolerates her bf! (Hey, for Kaji that says A LOT) Kaji would be stressed out regardless because he isn't home. At least with Uni, he forgets for a bit and starts having fun with his BFF. An added bonus, P posts Kaji updates. It made me feel so much better when I was in Mexico and Kaji couldn't come. Instead of enjoying my gram gram's amazing food, I'd get all teary eyed missing Kaji. But as soon as I saw the video of Kaji playing with Uni, and hearing he was doing the best to protect "his girls," :rolleyes: I always felt better. I honestly don't know what I'd do without her. (Yes P Kaji and are very thankful for all you do for us! I hope we can be in a position to return the favor soon)

Ok, I think I got a bit off topic. I think you know what I mean. You know your girls better than anyone, and you know where or how they would be the most comfortable.

Congratulations to you and the BF!! You're such a lucky girl. He doesn't mind making your anniversary trip a family trip. :)

You are a lucky gal to have Priscilla and Uni! What great friends and must be so nice to know you have someone who cares as much about your dog as she does her own. :) I unfortunately don't have anyone I 100% trust although several of my friends have actually BEGGED me to let them babysit Rosie....LOL. I'm super overprotective. Rosie is coming with us. It wouldn't be a family trip without her!

I'm very lucky and I know it. I don't trust my parents or big bro with Kaji. Sorry guys, I love ya, but I know you'll be slightly neglectful.

Have fun on the family trip! Take lots, and lots of pictures. :)

The only thing I would worry about is Rosie does not have all her shots and she is so little. Bringing her where there is other dogs, I would worry to much about her to have a good time. Maybe your friend could stay at your house for the few days. Wish I lived closer I would puppy sit.