Preparing for the Journey
As we geared up for Libby’s long-awaited adventure to Prince Edward Island (she had been planning this for a year and a half), careful planning became essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. The first task was to select an appropriate vehicle that would accommodate us as well as Kojak and Xena. Neither my pickup truck nor Libby’s MINI Cooper appeared to be up for the journey, especially with the dogs, so I decided to rent a large SUV. This choice not only provided ample space for both canine companions but also allowed for extra comfort during the long drive.
Since I didn’t really know how the dogs would react to a 1300 mile journey (over 3 days, no less!) AND I didn’t want to be stuck with a huge cleaning bill from the car rental company I decided to purchase a seat protector to cover the middle two seats. This had a couple of advantages – first to protect the car’s upholstery and second to give the dogs a flat space to lay down and enjoy the ride. This non-slip material ensured that both Kojak and Xena could enjoy their ride without anxiety, contributing to their overall well-being.
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I also wasn’t keen on the idea of lifting 100 pound dogs in and out of the middle seat so I purchased a foldable dog ramp. This made it incredibly easy to get the dogs in and out – just clip the leash to their harness and walk them up and down the ramp. Additionally, the ramp folded in half for easy storage and transport in the cargo area of the SUV. Instead of struggling to jump into the vehicle, she could now embark on the adventure with ease. The convenience of having a ramp also made stops along the journey stress-free, allowing the dogs to stretch their legs and relieve themselves comfortably.
Rounding out our dog preparations we also traveled with two dog crates, 50 pounds of dry dog food, water bottles and bowls, dog toys, dog calming treats and leashes. Oh and we also had some clothing and various bits of travel gear for us humans as well! We put in the work ahead of time to cut down on the stress during our actual vacation.
The Road Trip Experience
The journey from Maryland to Prince Edward Island is a memorable adventure that spans three days and showcases the “beauty” of road travel. We had planned to be rolling by 7:30 or 8 AM but somehow that turned into 10 AM. Coupling the late start with the first time traveling with two dogs in the back seat and summer temperatures in the high 80s gives you some idea of the stress involved in the trip. Our first overnight was in Keene NH, a good 9 hour drive away from home. The anticipation of highway food, the melodies of favorite music playing in the background, and the unlimited prospects of open roads set the tone for what was to come.
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NOT!
Even though we were traveling in the middle of the week the highway was overcrowded with traffic. It was hot and the air conditioning struggled mightily to keep a semblance of comfortable air and the dogs were a little unsettled for at least the first 4 or 5 hours of the trip. Fortunately the seat cover thoughtfully included a panel between the two front seats or we would have had dogs sitting on the center console in the front. Another good thing that came with the seat cover were seat belts to clip to the dog’s harnesses to keep them in the back seat and restrain them in the event of an accident. After about 3 hours at the wheel, we decided to stop at a rest stop to give us all a break. The dog ramp worked perfectly except I had to wrestle with each dog to get enough slack in their retaining strap to actually un-clip them. With the benefit of hind sight I see the whole trip was stressful for them and they actually did VERY well on such a long road trip.
Poor Kojak appeared to have developed car sickness in the months since we brought him home from Tennessee. He lost his breakfast somewhere between home and Scranton which made me glad I bought the seat cover AND brought along our Little Green Machine. This caused us to alter our strategy somewhat but stopping more frequently for water breaks, cutting down on the dog snacks and especially cutting his breakfast in half while we were on the road. We did make up for it at dinner time, but the trip was hard on the little pup.
Despite the obstacles encountered, the road trip to Prince Edward Island was rich with cherished memories and unforgettable experiences. The combination of pit stops, scenic landscapes, and the companionship of Kojak and Xena resulted in a trip that will be fondly recalled for years to come, embodying the spirit of family, adventure, and the joyful unpredictability of traveling with pets.
