Before the trailers there was Brandy, Apples, Sporty 2, Lady, and Sporty 1. Had some cats too, but this is a dog story. Always loved our dogs. We’ve always had one; then Jenny, Jake, Ben, and now Josie; all rescue dogs.
Some 15 years ago our first trailer dog, Ben, was rescued from across the tracks on death row at the Newark Pound. Then I got our first egg. Best guess: a pit bull, ridgeback mix. I had to go look ridgeback up. He had a minor physical deformity on one foot but, a real sweetheart. Guessing Ben must have been created by the brothers doing some inner-city animal husbandry, and was an unwanted left over.
Trailer dogs do require special adjustments. Trailering across the continent several times, in 3 different eggs, Ben kept a close eye on us. Never barked or whined, always patient. Will he sleep on the floor under the dinette, or with you up on the bed? That usually answers itself, like if he/she’s a tiny toy, or really extra large, or has a companion, or if owners are certified softies. We had a dog bed for him at first, but found along with water bowls, it took up too much precious floor space. That's Ben watching television with us. Dog lovers know what’s right. We also learned the great value of a good supply of sandwich bags.
At night when winter camping he was a breathing hot water bottle. When he got too old to jump up on the bed I got him there. The best camping companion, so tolerant, patient, understanding, forgiving, through all our many trailer trips.
Seven weeks ago we finally lost Ben. It was hard. I thought to myself, that’s it. Do not want to do this again. We’re not that young anymore. But, we are dog people. We need that third party in our nest, in our den, to care for, to make us smile, to provide diversion and to satisfy our paternal instincts. Last week, after much thought, we rescued Josie.
The exact opposite of couch potato Ben. She’s a probable one-year old mix, maybe Weimaraner-Boxer-Ridgeback, from the No-Kill Rescue Dog Adoption agency in the area. But who knows? Opinions welcome, fellow dog lovers. A lively teenager, full of energy, loves to run, has big springs in them hind legs and leaps across our large yard like a gazelle. She will be a trial for us. However, Josie is exceptionally loving and eager to please. I believe all dogs learn from their masters and adjust behavior to their environment. (Of course though, there was the case of Jenny, our alpha female black lab. Now there was a real piece of work.)
Josie loves riding in the truck. Have not yet introduced Josie to our Escape trailer. She sniffs but is wary. Not certain how her intensity will translate into the discipline of trailer camping. Ben was always laid back. When a loud thunderstorm raged outside the house he would get totally freaked out. To quiet him down we got to giving him a non-prescription dog medication called “Composure.” It is for dogs and cats; it addresses stress and calming for anxious animals. Available by catalog, at Pet Supplies Delivered
Josie is such a bundle of energy we may need to use this medication on the next trailer ride. With a new dog you never know until you know. The trailer stands winterized, ready and waiting for the next trip out. Nothing planned before the February rally at Quartzsite, AZ. No doubt we’ll need to get Josie acclimated to trailer life before Quartzsite. Not sure what lies ahead on that. Oh, I got the itch, but current winter storm reports and road crashes make us nervous.
Some 15 years ago our first trailer dog, Ben, was rescued from across the tracks on death row at the Newark Pound. Then I got our first egg. Best guess: a pit bull, ridgeback mix. I had to go look ridgeback up. He had a minor physical deformity on one foot but, a real sweetheart. Guessing Ben must have been created by the brothers doing some inner-city animal husbandry, and was an unwanted left over.
Trailer dogs do require special adjustments. Trailering across the continent several times, in 3 different eggs, Ben kept a close eye on us. Never barked or whined, always patient. Will he sleep on the floor under the dinette, or with you up on the bed? That usually answers itself, like if he/she’s a tiny toy, or really extra large, or has a companion, or if owners are certified softies. We had a dog bed for him at first, but found along with water bowls, it took up too much precious floor space. That's Ben watching television with us. Dog lovers know what’s right. We also learned the great value of a good supply of sandwich bags.
At night when winter camping he was a breathing hot water bottle. When he got too old to jump up on the bed I got him there. The best camping companion, so tolerant, patient, understanding, forgiving, through all our many trailer trips.
Seven weeks ago we finally lost Ben. It was hard. I thought to myself, that’s it. Do not want to do this again. We’re not that young anymore. But, we are dog people. We need that third party in our nest, in our den, to care for, to make us smile, to provide diversion and to satisfy our paternal instincts. Last week, after much thought, we rescued Josie.
The exact opposite of couch potato Ben. She’s a probable one-year old mix, maybe Weimaraner-Boxer-Ridgeback, from the No-Kill Rescue Dog Adoption agency in the area. But who knows? Opinions welcome, fellow dog lovers. A lively teenager, full of energy, loves to run, has big springs in them hind legs and leaps across our large yard like a gazelle. She will be a trial for us. However, Josie is exceptionally loving and eager to please. I believe all dogs learn from their masters and adjust behavior to their environment. (Of course though, there was the case of Jenny, our alpha female black lab. Now there was a real piece of work.)
Josie loves riding in the truck. Have not yet introduced Josie to our Escape trailer. She sniffs but is wary. Not certain how her intensity will translate into the discipline of trailer camping. Ben was always laid back. When a loud thunderstorm raged outside the house he would get totally freaked out. To quiet him down we got to giving him a non-prescription dog medication called “Composure.” It is for dogs and cats; it addresses stress and calming for anxious animals. Available by catalog, at Pet Supplies Delivered
Josie is such a bundle of energy we may need to use this medication on the next trailer ride. With a new dog you never know until you know. The trailer stands winterized, ready and waiting for the next trip out. Nothing planned before the February rally at Quartzsite, AZ. No doubt we’ll need to get Josie acclimated to trailer life before Quartzsite. Not sure what lies ahead on that. Oh, I got the itch, but current winter storm reports and road crashes make us nervous.
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Ain't that the truth.
