Murphy's First Vacation

[Tuesday]

I am so proud of my wee little dog. We took a week-long family vacation to the beach this past week, and Murphy's usual babysitter (Gramma and Grampa) were on vacation with us. We decided that at 3 1/2 years old, it was time to see if we and the boy could handle it.

Murphy has always traveled well - he gets in his box and sleeps, no matter how long the trip. This time it was a 155 mile trek down the peninsula of Florida to the Englewood area (for those fishing fanatics, just about 25 miles north of Boca Grande Pass). We stayed in a [sarcasm font] "dog friendly" "resort" [sarcasm font]. Without going into too much detail, the place was less than great, and there were a lot of local dogs that the "workers" owned. Unfortunately the first morning there, Murphy was jumped by a very overweight Jack Russell Terrier while being walked on his leash to find an out of the way tree to water. Murphy hasn't been around a lot of other dogs, but did what dogs are supposed to do when meeting other dogs - butt sniffing. JRT wasn't buying it and went in for the bite on the haunch. No skin was broken, Murphy wasn't limping and didn't even seem bothered by the bit, so I didn't make TOO big of an issue. Just politely asked where there was a safe place to allow my leashed dog to relieve himself. Needless to say, we didn't see JRT again the rest of the week. Walking with a Pitching Wedge also gives an air of confidence as well.

Other than that one issue, Murphy did an amazing job. He's always been afraid of water since he was less than a year old when he was on patrol around the pool and fell in. He gives the pool a wide berth and his water dish the stink eye while eating. You just never know. I wanted to take him down to the little beach by our house, but wasn't sure if he would even walk down the stairs without freaking out.

One afternoon, he dragged ME down and played in the sand and had a blast! He wouldn't get too close to the water and bit and barked at the waves, but he wasn't scared at all. We played fetch a few times and he had fun running from the waves.

I'm really glad we took him, and in the future will have more due diligence in our search for the right place to stay (and ask more questions about "local" animals), but I won't hesitate to take him on vacation with us again!

[Idaho Cairns]

Looks like a nice stretch of ocean! Murphy seems to be enjoying himself and maybe he liked being in the company of the other dogs at the "resort". I'd sure like to be strolling along the sand and surf about now, after all this winter. Glad you and Murphy had a good time and thanks for the fun in the Sun photos--I needed that today while the wind and snow blew around here.

[_whits_]

Look at that handsome boy enjoying fun in the sun!

The question is: will Murphy ever allow himself to be left behind on any future vacations?

I too am always concerned about dog-friendly vacations. Perhaps we could have a posting, or sub-forum where people can list dog-friendly places they've been that they found worthwhile? Or would that be against forum rules?

[Idaho Cairns]

Google searches for "dog friendly" hotels/motels will give you lots of options--especially since many have customer feedback that describes their experience with the businesses. We have stayed in some wonderful places that cater to dog owners and had great times. It can almost get silly--I understand the doggy towels provided by an Oregon Coast motel for drying off sea sprayed dogs but, a doggy treat on the pillows! Still, some sharp business people have come to realize that there is gold in catering to we "dog people" which takes a lot of the burden of traveling with pets off our shoulders.

[hheldorfer]

Looks like Murphy had a grand time. Such a handsome boy, cruising the beach!

[pindrop]

Sure looks like Murphy had a great time and he is very handsome as he eyes the camera. btw..Idaho - that is excellent news on google search for pet friendly hotels/motels. Hopefully Murphy won't be left behind again as he has shown you how well he performs in public places.

[lindasue]

Love the last pic on the deck!

[Liz in PA]

Awesome!

We've taken Hogan with us to Acadia NP in Maine 3 different times,,,dog heaven!

Murphy has very similar coloring to Hogan, including the red snout. When Hogan was abour 5, he started to get white around the eyes, and his face got darker..sort of a reverse racoon...it'll be interesting to see if that happens to Murphy, too.

[Dempsy's Mom]

I think you got Dempsy's trip to Waterloo beat! Murphy looks like he really enjoyed his vacation. You will have a hard time keeping him home now that he knows what you have been up to without him.

[bradl]

Dog smiles are contagious! Love the pics.

[Lynn in TN]

Murphy you are so handsome and it looks as though the beach agrees with you. I Love the pictures thank you for sharing them!

[josie&holly]

Lovely pictures of a very happy looking Cairn! He obviously enjoyed "his" vacation!

[Idaho Cairns]

I like the paw print photo with those paw prints clearly just above the line of the foam, the line of a previous advance and retreat from the edge with the dog looking at the leader saying "Yeah, go ahead and walk in that nasty moving stuff but I'll be darned if you get me in it!". Cairn psychology written in sand--lovely.

[dianer]

Thanks so much for sharing. It takes me back to my cairn Max when we lived by the ocean. We love to vacation with our cairns but two is a little more travelling circus than back when we just had the one. Lately all we have managed is an couple hours at the dog park. The airline we take to Orange County now doesn't fly dogs so no more staying at the Disneyland Kennel.

[janis]

Love the scarf! It says I love the beach!

[TazTalk]

Oh, Murphy the beach boy. Sounds like he acclimated to the sand and water quite well. You captured his enjoyment.

[Kathryn]

Great photos, and Murphy does look happy. The only problem with them? I, DH, Allie and T Bone are not in them.

We are expecting up to a foot of snow in the next few days. That beach and patio sure looked great...