Travel with Pets

How often it happens with most of us who are dying to have a pet at home but the thought of traveling (or not traveling) with them and the anticipation of all the difficulties associated with both the options, ultimately prevent us from having those facile happiness in life. Specially in a country like India, a pet friendly travel system both socially and legally has a long way to go. While the option of leaving your ‘kid’ at home or at a “dog-sitter-house” would make your heart feel the contrition, travel with pet is no less challenging.

Inspite of the difficulties and lack of sensibilities the trend is slowly changing in last ten years. There are many pet owners who are travelling with their dogs and cats. Also, on the other hand, there are number of hotels, resorts and home-stays which not only allow pets but also make sure to customize the premises to make as much pet friendly as possible. While public transport still remains a concern and a long way to go, the pet owners mostly prefer to travel with cars wherever possible. We are happy to share with you the travel experience of Jhumur Gautam the proud owner of her Pit Bull –Dodo in her own words.

Travel with Pets – an enticing, yet responsible, affair

While most people love to travel – and do just that, whatever the means or destination, there are a few who adore the companion more than the journey. Adore the moments made and celebrated rather than just stick to nature’s serenity. Yes, there are people who value relationships more than the miles under their belts. The best part of travelling is your company and when you involve your pet in that equation – it is a partnership made in heaven!

Whether you have a cat or a dog, if you cannot see the sight of them, snobbing and sobbing, looking at you leaving from the door, travelling can surely be a difficult affair. You might want to enjoy the thorough sceneries while away but the thought of your pet sadly curled up in a corner hoping for your quick return may well take away some of that excitement.

But for those who just couldn’t do it, I am a first-hand-guide on how to take your first steps (and paws) forward with your pets. Recently, life became a different attitude when Dodo happened.

A small, tamed, creature suffering from all sorts of problems and who had probably been abused to the limits before being discarded one fine day. That – absurdity – made us the squad that we are today. Me, my daughter and dodo. The inseparable trio that we are today makes my travelling even better than what it used to be before.

Okay, now off to the journey – the one that I am going to describe here for all pet lovers wanting a getaway with their furry friends. The destination was Lansdowne; the first ever adventure with my Dodi by my side.

Lansdowne – first small steps

Going to Lansdowne was a warm, yet closely-knit, affair where we had a private cottage to entertain ourselves in and Dodo absolutely loved it.

The endless sniffing and excitement to discover new terrains made her the happiest I’ve ever seen since being found on the road. It was as if, the first sniff of independence after months of confinement. Travelling ain’t just a refreshing change for humans but also for your four-legged friends who might need some fresh air and change of scenery to be mentally and physically balanced.

While we saw some effing kids all the way through the journey, who were both scared and excited to see Dodo – a miniature pitbull in all it’s flair – the crowd at times was too intimidating for a dog who’s been through hell and back.

After Lansdowne, we understood the need to be actively present with Dodo and to help her ease out in newer circumstances, which might not always be the same for a fragile dog under recovery.

But Dodo’s leading the way attitude surprised us. She was suave about her moves, slept well in between our laps inside our traveller, and was probably the most well-behaved Pitty in the entirety of Lansdowne. Until next time! Let’s move to the next adventure with Dodo.

Continued….

( READ THE FULL STORY IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF TRAVELLERS’ WORLD MAGAZINE IN PRINT )

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