annie is a BAD traveler ...

[Getupngo]

Took a five-hour (car) drive to Salt Lake City, and my little neurotic Annie whined and could not settle down THE WHOLE WAY.

Here is an email I sent to a friend:

Whiny Dog Arrives Safely in SLC

A hypertensive miniature poodle narrowly escaped death at the hand of her owner today after a harrowing five-hour car ride.

"My person is a real crab," said Annie, who described herself as an adorable white poodle that no one could EVER be mad at. "I couldn't keep her under control."

"Truth be told, I'd have killed the little bitch myself," said the Highway Patrol Trooper who pulled the driver over for distracted driving -- and cited the dog.

The Air News Channel 4 Chopper caught it all on tape. "Traffic was backed up for five miles while the berserk dog went ran across both directions of travel," the reporter said. A crack team of cat-herders was called in to round her up.

My friend asked how much of this was true, and I dryly replied, "There was no helicopter."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I got a sedative from the vet, and it really helped on the drive home. (I gave her some, too!) A half-dose left her active, but not whiny. I wasn't tempted at all to throw her overhand out the window.

Annie actually took a powder at a gas station on the drive home and ran so fast I couldn't see where she went. I finally went back to my car and saw her jump onto the seat of a golf cart -- with a "Let's go to the dog park!" grin on her face.

Maybe I could just get her drunk when we take our first RV trip.

[mitch5252]

..



Weren't you a reporter in a previous life?
That was an excellent story!
Poor Annie.
Poor Janice.

..

[Olive600]

Nightmare. I'm so glad you both made it home safe and sound.

[BirdbyBird]

We know so little about the "fears" they carry with them. glad that yo both survived. Do you use a "crate" at home when you are out? Either way, maybe you can use one in vehicles and MH's at least for safety. It may not stop the whining but good drugs on board may help....the dog our yourself...take your pick!

[cnq50b]

Oh my, I read this at the office & hope no one heard me laughing out loud!
I'm sure it wasn't funny at the time, but nice to see you could so quickly see the lighter side of it...
I agree - you must have been a reporter in a previous life - or could be one now!!!!

Thanks for sharing your 'adventure' with us. Hope it goes better next time.

[Liz]

Hahahahahaha.....oh, sorry. I agree with Tina on the crate. I didn't have much luck with anti-anxiety meds and devices on the market with my previous dog. Thank goodness Thistle is a good traveler. I wish you luck.

[avalen]

oh my goodness, my heart went down my throat for a moment. So glad your both safe and sound.

[Redwahine]

LOL...glad all is well now with both dog and owner

[Excel]

Wow....what a story....glad all is well somewhat....with both of you.... My dog isn't much of a car traveler...she throws up usually before I get to the corner....but, put her in the RV and she's fine (as long as I don't zip her up in her traveling home)....I just make sure when I stop or when I take her out for a potty break that I have her on her leash....when she gets down the steps she gets that glazed look in her eyes (especially if I'm on the side of the freeway) so I know she'd run off frightened & I'd have a hard time catching her. She knows not to go past the curb here at the house, but a freeway would be scarey.....she's my PITA but wouldn't want to be without her.............

[retiredhappy]

Poor hooman and poor Annie. I would definitely put her in a jail so she couldn't get loose again. I would have had a heart attack.

[JoanE]

Great story!

[Getupngo]

I've been thinking about getting a crate for her. I suspect she had been crated in her previous home.

Yes, PITA is the correct phrase to describe Annie. She's a great little girl, but we'll have to get accustomed to the MH before any lengthy travel.

And yes, I was a reporter in a previous life. It's much easier when you can just make it up as you go along.

[Bethers]

My Moxie needed meds for years in cars, never liked them. Never had a problem in the rv and never needed the meds. Go figure.

Have to admit I laughed out loud at your very excellent reporting.

[sharon]

Spew alert!! Poor Annie and poor mom! Hopefully she'll get better with more experience.

[rvgrammy1953]

Oh, dear, poor Annie and poor Janice from here, too...glad you stopped at the Vets and got her some "good drugs" for the return trip....