Seamus and I have taken many trips together over the past ten years; some were of significant duration, meaning we spent many hours in the car. But this last trip to Wyoming set the mark for stamina …both for Seamus, “She Who Must Be Obeyed” and me. Three days driving to get there, three motels (dog friendly, of course) and over 90 degrees daytime temperature – thank God for air-conditioning.
Seamus is used to 4 hours in the car with no problem, that’s how long it takes to get to the cabin, but anywhere from 9 to 12 hours, adjustments needed to be made.
First, frequent stops to let him stretch and do what he had to – not to mention letting the blood flow back into my lower cheeks – but it became clear after hitting I-80 that a new configuration of the back of the Jeep had to be devised to get him to lay down. It seems he took exception to the passenger seat being occupied by “She Who Must be Obeyed.” (I suggested the obvious solution but it didn’t go over well.) So after rearranging the baggage, one of the back seats was put up and he finally laid down instead of standing on the console, his head between mine and “She Who Must Be Obeyed,” looking out, making sure we were heading in the right direction.
It didn’t take long for him to adjust to the motels. Once he saw two queen sized beds, he knew he could tolerate the inconvenience of sleeping somewhere other than his bed at home – mine.
The amenities were to his liking too: frequent offerings of fresh cool water; sharing a piece of cheese, summer sausage or sandwich, and of course, ice cream.
The only thing he didn’t do that we did, was take pictures.
It’s a good thing he can’t read, the ranger at the entrance to Yellowstone gave us a paper that outlined restrictions of pets in the park. The one I kept from him was the idea he could be bear bait if I let him wander off.
Two weeks and 4,100 miles later we’re home. From now on the 4 hour ride to the cabin will be a breeze.
TD