Roadtrip with Fido and Working From Home

So I missed blogging yesterday. I had some food sickness. Hate it when that happens. I can go days now where I am ok after I eat. Then BAM everything that enters my mouth makes me terribly sick. Luckily my hubby was there so I could take a nap on him. Yeah I am spoiled....what?! I am sure he will get me back since tonight we are meeting at his gym on post and he is going to help me create a weight lifting routine. I wanna be buff! Fit is the new skinny you know.

I am happy to report that I woke up feeling super this am. I even slept in till just before 7 am! I am busy getting my lists ready for the day before water aerobics this morning. So much to do. All while trying to figure out our welcome to the neighborhood treat to take to the new neighbors that started moving in on Saturday. It doesn't look like they have finished so lets hope they do before we leave. I had some neighbors once that took weeks before they were moved in. One of our other neighbors says they seem nice. I like nice neighbors :)

During all my busy mad dash planning, packing, and list making I am thinking of looking into some work from home opportunities that don't require me to do a call center job. I am looking for something where I can just sit and do it in my free time or a certain amount of time each day but flexible to when I would be free. I have found a few extra cash opportunities like that but I am going to do some research first to make sure they are not scams. Thinking of trying a few while the hubby is gone for AIT just to give me something to do and earn a little extra cash on the side to help out. I did find a helpful article at http://christianpf.com/legitimate-work-from-home-jobs/ (if you have tried any of these please let me know if they are legit or worth it!)

I am proud to announce that I have finished my pre checks for Butter and Nana's Road Trip Checklist. We will be taking a road trip with the pups coming up and it's always better to be prepared. http://www.gopetfriendly.com/ and http://www.dogfriendly.com/ have some great info and lists for tripping with your pet. I compiled my own list after readying quite a few and picked what I thought was most important gathering from our several cross country road trips. The 2 websites were helpful as well locating a pet friendly hotel for the night.

Preparation for a Road Trip

A Month Before

• If you don't already have one, get a pet identification tag for your dog. It should have your dog's name, your name and phone number. Consider using a cell phone number.   
• Get a first aid kit for your dog. They are easy enough to make or you can buy one  from a vet, pet store, or the internet.   
• If you do not already have a dog harness for riding the car, consider purchasing one for your dog's safety. They are usually sold at pet stores or on the Internet. (We bought a dog hammock for the back seat so they can ride freely. Buster tried to strangle himself with one of the harnesses that clips in the seat buckle. Scariest moment ever. I think they work better for large dogs imo and Butter and Nana love having the whole back seat to themselves.) 
• Make a trip to the vet if necessary for the following:
  • A current  rabies tag for your dog's collar. Also get paperwork with proof of the rabies vaccine. You might need this if you day board your dog.
  • Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccines and will not need any extra recommended ones for where you are going. 
  • Consider using some type of flea preventative for your dog. This is out of courtesy for the dog-friendly hotels plus for the comfort of your pooch and you.
  • Make sure your dog is in good health and able to make the trip comfortably. If you are driving to Canada or Mexico, you will probably also need a recent health certificate.

 

Week or so before

• If your pup isn't used to traveling start taking them on a few short trips so that they get used to the car and are more able to relax for the ride. You don't want them to be stressed the whole time thinking they are going to the vet or find out they are carsick and have messes to clean up! if your pet does get car sick stop by the vet for a mild sedative.  

 

Several Days Before

• Make sure you have enough dog food for the duration of the trip.
• If your dog is on any medication, remember to bring it along.
• Some dog owners will also purchase bottled water for the trip, because some dogs can get sick from drinking water they are not used to. Talk to your vet for more information.

 

Road Trip Day

• Remember to pack all of your dog's necessities: food, water, dog dishes, leash, snacks and goodies, several favorite toys, brush, towels for dirty paws, plastic bags for cleaning up after your dog, doggie first aid kit, possibly dog booties if you are venturing to an especially cold or hot region, and bring any medicine your dog might be taking.
• If using a doggy seatbelt put it's harness on.

On The Road

• Keep it cool and well ventilated in the car for your dog.
• Stop at least every 2-3 hours so your dog can relieve him or herself. Also offer him or her water during the stops. 
• Before you get out of the car make sure fido's leash is on and you have a hold of your pup. We don't want any accidents! 
• Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. If you are alone traveling and stop at a rest stop I just take them in the bathroom stall with me. According to the Los Angeles SPCA, on a hot day, a car can heat up to 160 degrees in minutes, potentially causing your pet (or child) heat stroke, brain damage, and even death.
• As much as some pups might enjoy hanging their head out the window that is not a good idea. It can be potentially harmful to your pet.