Traveling With Pets

Part Seven: Hitting A Groove

We started our journey with trepidation. Two retirees, one new-to-us RV, a seven-month-old English Springer Spaniel, and a two-month-old tuxedo kitten. Now four days into our trip, we were hitting a groove. Finding our rhythm.

I requested a do-nothing day. After the previous three days of long drives or busy sightseeing, we needed to relax.

Legolas claimed there was no relaxing when a raven had its greedy, beady eyes aimed his direction.

We set out our camp chairs and enjoyed sitting under the tall trees. After a bit, we decided a stroll to the general store would not be too strenuous.

If my original statement had readers concerned about me not liking dogs, and my husband not caring for cats, I hope you can see our attitudes changed. My husband admitted the saucy-mouthed, needle-clawed kitten was growing on him. I’d already fallen in love with the sad-faced yet rambunctious puppy.

After a much-needed day of relaxation, on Day Five, March 5th, we decided to explore the eastern end of the Rim Trail. We prepared better for this hike, packing kibble and the other necessary pet items.

Legolas the kitten was upset to be confined to his backpack. I decided to try letting him walk on the leash. He followed his “big brother” like it was a competition.

The kitten insisted on walking a quarter mile before being content to ride again.

We walked to the main visitors’ center. My husband and I took turns watching animals and going indoors. Outside, there were native vendors. The (mostly) women sold jewelry, dream catchers, and other touristy items. I admired their persistence, as it was quite chilly.

We lingered to have a hot beverage. A latte for me, and tea for my husband. Then we headed up the trail again. The views were absolutely stunning. The you-have-to-be there scenery. The size is difficult to grasp even being there in person.

At the viewpoint, there were more people. The further we hiked down the Rim Trail, the less people we saw. We could see glimpses of the Colorado River far below, and even a suspension bridge built in 1928.

Legolas is tucked in his blanket. It’s too cold for a little kitty!

With each passing day we felt more confident that we could manage two young animals and RV travel. We finally had pets after an over fifteen-year absence.

It was worth the wait. These two characters are bursting with personality.

Hitting a Groove: Relaxing into life with pets didn’t mean we could decrease our vigilance. It did allow us more enjoyment of the present moment.

Lessons learned: Taking a day off helped us regain our energy. It also allowed the kitten and puppy playtime. Hanging around camp gave them a mental and emotional reset away from the well-meaning attention of strangers.

Questions: How would Strider handle the journey to our next stop? Had remaining parked in camp for three days given him the time to overcome his car-sickness?

Find out in the eighth installment of Traveling with Pets.

Novels with animal companions by Catherine Dilts:

The Body in the Cattails, available from Harlequin Worldwide Mystery

The Body in the Hayloft, available here

Co-authored with Merida Bass: Grandpa’s New Year’s Relocation, and Grandma’s Valentine Abduction

YA series co-authored with Merida Bass (jungle animals): Frayed Dreams, and Broken Strands

The entire Rose Creek Mystery series, the Tapestry Tales series, and the Ninja Grandparent Placement Mysteries, are available at Basecamp Books and Adventure located at 3918 Maizeland Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 (phone: 1 719 596 1621)