Whittlin’ down, weedin’ out, and travelin’ light did not mean putting my Daisy-dog out to pasture to chase sheep while we were chasing the music. I have to admit though, traveling with a herding dog takes some commitment and patience. Since my husband Alan has never owned a pet, he doesn’t totally understand Daisy’s purpose in the grand scheme of things. Daisy and I came as a package deal though and he understands enough to know that she’s grand in MY scheme of things so that’s enough for him. For Alan, the pitter patter of little doggie feet on his heart was unexpected; he’s risen valiantly to the occasion in graciously accommodating all of Daisy’s needs, especially when we’ve traveled with her.
I have to admit his patience perhaps reached epic proportions on our maiden voyage to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in our 13’ Scamp trailer. Daisy hung over his shoulder as chief navigator much of the 2,000 miles, thankfully with no slobber, but unfortunately lots of doggie breath.
Navigator
On drippy, indoor days the trailer became a cave, since less than 60 sq. ft. isn’t much living space for a herding dog and her two humans. On nice days, Daisy happily spent much of her time attached to the trailer by rope, usually a fairly long one depending on the campground. For our next RVing adventure in our “run-away-from-home” trailer, a 17’ Casita, I’ve come up with a better living space situation.
I recently purchased a 10’X13’ Coleman pop-up screen room, especially to accommodate the “travelin’-light-with-dog” issue. It will be our front porch and Daisy’s doggie digs. I’m in the process of designing a way to attach it to the front door of the trailer so the inside and outdoor space will flow as one. (Will post pictures when it’s finished.) Not that Daisy will want to come inside. She instinctively likes watching the scenery and knows that a screen is a barrier between herself and the squirrels. So this should work well.
It’s not a perfect solution. Windy, stormy days will still send us all inside the warm, dry cave. Still, I expect the screen front porch will keep all of us smiling most of the time as we chase the music down some backroads. . .
