A Trip to Tennessee - Part Two

Even though this visit to Tennessee wasn't going to be like the others, going there was still about bringing dogs along too. And because when going out of town for even a few days, it helps to take two or three dogs to lighten the load on the 'left-behinder.' 

~The cats are always left-behinders~

For us, or me, it does take some thought to decide which dogs travel well and can go with the flow and not mind or become confused about being somewhere else for however many days -- And their loving a fun adventure is a bonus. In past years, those decisions were always easy. This time deciding who would go to Tennessee, really wasn't. 

~Daisy ~

After a lot of thought, I decided on Daisy. Even though when we were there in August, she seemed a little confused about why we were there - However, having Todd there did ease the anxiety I know she felt, and I thought that having Ree there with her would do the same thing. So, I'd decided that both my girls Daisy and Ree would come with me. 

The day of the trip, our boy Max knew what was happening when I got out my suitcase that morning. He even stood for a long time by an empty cooler in the kitchen and watched me intently as I filled it along with a few bags of groceries. 

Then as we were packing up my van in the garage, and getting Ree inside, I looked at the open door to the house, and there stood Max... He was trying to come down the steps into the garage -- something he doesn't usually do because he has never liked steps and has trouble going down them. But when Max looked at me, I knew in that moment, he was expecting (hoping?) to be taken along. I instantly felt a bit of guilt and sadness because I'd decided against taking Max because he seemed so worn out during our trip in August. At the very last minute, I changed my mind and took him instead of Daisy. 

I have to add that there was also another reason for that last minute change of mind. 

The next day Max was going to be 15 years old. Fifteen. A humbling milestone for any dog. Of course Max is a bit slower than he was this time last year, he doesn't see as well as he once did and he forgets/loses his way sometimes. And I don't have to say that of course we don't mind any of this for a single second. Helping Max with whatever he needs, is what we are here for. 

~Max on the night of his 15th birthday~

Max did so well on this trip. I'm glad I decided to take him along and celebrate his birthday with him. And because I live in the real world, at least part of the time, I know it may be our last trip and birthday together, which made and makes every day and every moment with Max one to be treasured and savored too. 

We've had Max for almost 8 of his 15 years. He's a good packmate, devoted family member, companion and friend. ❤