Traveling and Viewing Life Through Dogs' Eyes is Fascinating

When we set out on our two month trip to escape the cold, it was the first extended journey with both dogs. In the back of my mind, questions circled about how to do this, and will they like that. Now, I am glad to announce, “They did great!”

Eventually, they got used to the cage and enjoyed sunning in the warm air. At first they barked when another dog walked by but with the help of a squirt gun and the repeated comment, “No noise” they figured out the expectations. Dagney, being a princess and spoiled, insisted she be let out of the pen more adamantly than Cisco. She would settle onto my lap and seldom moved knowing the result would be to go back into the enclosure.

Once she moved from my lap to the ground and laid down just outside the gate. We laughed at her contentment. There was no difference outside than inside the confinement other than she could control the situation.

Because we resided in RV parks, enclosures became a way of life for the pups. Since they had to be on a leash outside, they enjoyed the freedom of dog parks. The unknown of who we might meet kept them on their toes. This sight got their attention and required the use of the squirt gun. Maybe the area should be called a pet park since apparently it is not just for dogs.

Both dogs got clingy during a trip. The close quarters allowed for more cuddling and affection. At home in the morning the dogs go outside to do their morning duties. In the motorhome we had to get used to waking up to this and quickly taking them outside.

It seems both dogs were a little insecure in the new environment because they started exhibiting new behaviors. Cisco, who always frolics with his stuffed animals, began to hold his favorite giraffe in his mouth like a pacifier. He would suck on it and even feel asleep with it in his mouth.

Dagney began licking more than usual. I read that dogs may lick when they are anxious, so to help her self-soothe and to stop a behavior that drove me crazy, I bought her a licking pad. She loved the peanut butter, but I am not sure it decreased her licking.

While visiting my brother, Cisco met his cousin, Lala. They quickly became best friends. When they played the shared their toys, they rolled on the floor, and chased each around in circles. It was a sight to watch. Dagney chimed in when they both raced out the doggy door. She stood on the inside and growled when they wanted to return from outside. I think they annoyed her with their rambunctious behavior. And maybe she was jealous.

Did anyone know that Yorkies are great pullers? These two could run in the Iditarod if they had a team of 120 dogs. They get the idea but aren’t strong enough to go very far unless it is a downhill slope. However, we were able to maneuver for potty breaks when we worked together.

If anyone is wondering what happened to my foot and needs a good laugh, I share that story in the link below.

A Golf Handicap Creates an Emmy Performance

Strange that no matter what is happening around us, the dogs always get our attention. Our trip was a blast. We had many adventures, some even without the dogs. However, at the end of the day, Dagney and Cisco bring us the greatest joy.

One final story

This morning, we were to begin the final trek of our journey home to Idaho. We had spend the night at an RV park in Ogden, Utah. During breakfast I noticed Cisco was staring out the window when he let out a bark. Curious what he could be barking at, I watched him with interest. He was on the floor and looking out the front window. From his angle, he couldn’t see much other than the snow and water.

When he barked a second and then a third time, I finally realized he was warning us of the big, bad globs of snow sliding down the window. As it moved he became more agitated. When an even large chunk appear from nowhere, it sent him into a real tizzy. I picked him up to provide comfort but couldn’t stop laughing.

Days are made better through the eyes of our dogs.

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To read about our travels, follow us on Facebook, RVing in Retirement.

Or read Live a Satisfying Life By Doing it Doggy Style. Available on Amazon.

Dogs get it. They know the secrets to patience, faith, and unconditional love. Humans who imitate a dog live life to the fullest. Dagney and her friends demonstrate daily how to embrace each day to discover joy. The stories heighten readers' awareness of animals' ability to embrace happiness.

Bonus chapters at the end of the book include pictures, quotes, and activities to prompt personal reflection. Happiness is not beyond our grasp. We simply must embrace the enthusiasm and passion of our pets for the value living life doggy style becomes apparent.