Pink Belly Pup Vacation

Dear Dog Lady,

In December, my mom, little brother and I adopted two West Highland white terriers, Amethyst Belle and Arwen McCullar.

We took them to puppy behavior training and some of their most annoying behaviors have diminished. Now, it's summer and we're seriously thinking about taking them on vacation with us. Aside from the obvious food, water, crates lined with their towels, leashes, and a few dog toys; is there anything else they might need? They wear harnesses 24/7 with their ID tags and rabies inoculation tags. I treat them both as my babies and I'm sure we could ask somebody in the family to "pupsit" but I think it would be a crime not to take them with us. Can you give me any advice on traveling with two seven-month-old puppies?

Carly, Dallas, TX

Carly, hit the road for a Westie version of “National Lampoon’s Pink Belly Pups Vacation.”

If you’re traveling by car or truck, make sure the dog young ‘uns ride in their crates or fasten them securely with seatbelt harnesses. You don’t want them wandering all over the moving vehicle or lurching forward with sudden stops. Also, pause frequently for potty breaks and leg stretches. Most reputable rest areas have sections set aside for canine relief. Bring baggies to pick up their poop. Other than that, it sounds like you have all the necessities to provide your terriers a happy home on the range.

Taking our dogs on vacation is a national pastime so Dog Lady urges you to enjoy this first summer holiday with Amethyst Belle and Arwen McCullar. There will be unavoidable moments when you will wish you hadn’t brought them because two seven-month puppies need lots of attention, distracting you from taking pictures of the Grand Canyon or whatever you’re doing. Yet, after this adventure, your bonding with your “babies” is bound to be complete.

Posted by Dog Lady at July 19, 2005 10:34 AM