Leaving your pet behind can be the most heartbreaking part of a trip.
A few days before embarking on our two month trip to Southeast Asia, Karen and I watched as we packed our dog, Tobi, into the back of her parent’s station wagon. They would be taking care of her while we were gone.
In the two years we’d had Tobi, she had rarely been out of our presence. It was as traumatic a separation for her as it was for us.
I’m sure other pet owners know the exact same feeling when you’re about to embark on a journey.
But we tried to remain strong as Tobi gave us a pleading look from behind the rear window glass. We waved as they car pulled away from the curb, and faded into the distance. Karen’s eyes were already wet with tears.
It’s only two months, I told her. Though I’m sure other pet owners know the exact same feeling when you’re about to embark on a journey. Taking your pet with you is impractical; and so the absence is unavoidable.
How to ease the pain and stay in touch with your dog/cat/gerbil while you’re gone? Here are 4 ways to keep their memory close at hand.
1. Bring a wallet-sized flipbook
As a pre-trip present to Karen, I surprised her with a flipbook of our dog Tobi. It was pretty much the “best of” from the day we picked her up as a puppy, all the way to a week earlier at the beach.
She loved it. And of course, started crying in anticipation of the moments overseas, in some lonely train station or dirty hostel, that we’d pull out the flipbook and celebrate Tobi.
Turns out we also showed the flipbook to pretty much anyone who even hinted at asking if we had any pets back home. Everyone seemed to think our dog was the “cutest dog ever” but then again, they would probably say that to any owners.
2. Shoot and store a video clip on your camera
Before leaving, I briefly considered this option, perhaps shooting a clip of Tobi prancing along the beach or hanging out in the living room.
But at the time, video clips used up storage space on your memory card, possibly limiting the shots you can take on your trip. Also, viewing the clip would use precious battery power.
Now, with memory cards a fraction of the price they were a year ago, storage space isn’t much of any issue. Plus, if you bring an extra battery, you’ll probably be okay.
And there’s nothing quite as heart-warming as your pet wagging their tail in glorious 15 frames per second.
3. Set up a pet webcam
Lee LeFever, over at TWINF, told me about his own ingenious solution for checking in on their dog while on their round the world trip.
“We hooked up a web cam pointed to his bed when we were gone. We used Skype 2.0 with it set to auto-answer. Whenever we had a connection, we could pull up Skype and get a little window into Amos’ world in real time.”
“Only one person at a time can use it, so we can’t expose the feed. We can even hear sound along with the video and if there were speakers, we could talk to him, but we figure that might drive him crazy.”
Brilliant. You can read how to set up your own here.
Finally, you could just be creepy and…
4. Gather some pet hair in a plastic bag
For those pet lovers that are extra attached to their pet, you can always physically bring some pet hair with you on the trip.
Creepy? A little.
But I suppose some people still pack a rabbit’s foot for good luck. A tuft of pet hair has got to be the less cruel alternative. I know every time I vacuum our apartment, I find enough shedded hair to put together a whole other dog.
Of course, voodoo pets aren’t for everyone.
So feel free to pick the method of remembering your pet that’s right for you, and don’t be shy in whipping out your memorabilia when a fellow traveler inquires.
Ian MacKenzie is editor of Brave New Traveler, and co-founder of the blogging community TravelBlogger. Aside from writing, he spends his time exploring the fundamental nature of existence and wishing he did more backpacking.Any other ideas or tips for remembering your pet on the road? Share in the comments!
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12 Comments... join the discussion!
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Yeah, I’m pretty sure you can take them on flights. I think if they’re over a certain size they have to ride in cargo though — so better call an airline ahead to get all the details. I heard they have to sedate the pet if it’s down there…
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On a recent flight to Vegas, a woman brought her Schnauzer on. I don’t know if this was airline-approved or if she snuck it on in her purse. It drove everyone on the flight crazy the entire time.
Anyway, my girlfriend likes to put a couple photos of her cat on our digital camera before we go away anywhere, but the video clip is an even better idea.
Thanks!
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Maybe this is creepy, but I always spend time with my cat before leaving and picture in my head the sun rising and falling as many days as I will be gone and picture where I will be. They say cats can read pictures in your mind. She sits there looking at me when I do this, so I feel it must work!
I do get sad when I have to leave her, but this way I feel like she is not at home wondering what has happened to me!↵ -
I’ll probably be leaving my dog with my parents when I leave, it sounds like I am in the same situation you where so I’LL happily take this advice, might leave the hair at home though it annoys the hell out of me here definately don’t want to take that with me.
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jenn – that’s not creepy. that’s telepathic
dan – yeah i didn’t actually bring any hair myself. though i’m sure i could have found fibres stuck to my backpack.
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I am the owner of a kennel in Terlingua Tx. and often get to take care of dogs while their humans travel. Through out their travels I send slide shows to them of what their dog is up to at camp. It really helps shorten the distance. I’ve even put dogs on the phone with their humans. The fact of the matter is, you’ll have a better time on your journey knowing your dog is having fun. I’ve cut vacations short because I was worried about my dog.
Kym↵ -
I had to leave my dog with my sister last weekend and I`m not sure if I`ll be able to make any longer trips without him. It was hard for both of us. He didn`t eat almost anything and was just laying and looking at the door. It was only two days, so what would happen if I leave him for two weeks… With this comment I want to tell, that we need to think not only about us keeping them close to heart while traveling, but also about them staying behind.
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@ ehotel — i agree. as a traveler, you really have to decide whether or not to get a pet at all, because the pain of separation is hard on both of you. in our case, our dog gave us the cold shoulder for weeks after we got back.
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Find a Dog Camp or kennel that offers lots of activities and socialization with other dogs so they can play, go on walks, swim etc. to keep their minds off You. Trust me, your dog would rather be with you but there are places that devote their days to making sure your dog is happy!
Another idea is to find another dog owner, whose dog is your dogs best friend, and take turns caring for each others dog. Imagine being a dog and getting to play all day with your buddy!
I have dogs that don’t want to leave my kennel when their humans come to pick them up~
Check out your area for a kennel like mine. Start out with daycare to see if your dog likes them. Talk to other clients that go there. Do the other dogs look happy? You may have to drive out of your way and you may have to pay more than you like but hey, if your best friend is happy, you will be too!↵ -
Nice…great post
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I always remember my pet when I travel and you know why? I have her photo on my personalized checks! I purchased my bank checks online and I get to have the option to put her picture up front. I always use my checks and this way, I can always get to see her whenever I’m away.She’s a cute Beagle, by the way. Maybe some of you would like this kind of idea. It saves money, too!, around 50% off the usual price (bank price)!
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