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And Then There Were Five: Adventure Cat Amelia Joins Our Pet Friendly Travels

2/23/2015

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Traveling cat Amelia test out her road trip crate.A traveling cat is born of this "don't you dare leave without me" face.
Typist: Bethany
Having shared my entire life with dogs, much of that time exercising and adventuring outdoors, camping and backpacking, as well as road tripping all over North America, I consider myself quite knowledgeable about canine companions. I am comparatively very new to cats. My mom is allergic to felines so I wasn't lucky enough to share my life with a kitty until I adopted Emily. I didn't even plan on cats being a part of this blog since it is based on pet travel and adventures. Not all cats are cut out for travel. Emily, for example, would have hated it. She never ventured farther than a sunny spot on the front porch. However, it turns out Amelia is an adventure cat. She leaps into her stroller for epic neighborhood excursions, begs for comfortable rides in her front pack and walks nicely on her leash. I have even taken her on a few long car rides. Last weekend I took the giant leap of bringing her along on a four night road trip to Oregon. To be honest, I had no idea what I was doing even though I had been sort of planning to take her on some sort of trip since last summer. My policy with Amelia is usually to let her decide whether or not she wants to come along. When getting ready for a Seattle adventure, I set up her stroller or get out her front pack and let her jump in. So when I was trying out the travel set up and Amelia first used the litter box then curled up for a nap, I knew she had made her choice.

The Cascadian Nomads five: a collie dog, a cockatoo, a dachshund dog, a corgi and a cat, Long Beach, Washington.
Amelia's first Cascadian Nomads trip to the shore of the Pacific Ocean, Long Beach, Washington, Cascadia.
Packing for a weekend getaway with a traveling cat proved to be relatively easy. Amelia needed less stuff in tow than an adventure cockatoo! As always, I brought along my complete K9 first aid kit but for future cat road trips, I am going to look into what needs to be added to keep Amelia safe too. Here is my list of what I brought for Amelia's first weekend getaway:
  • Car travel crate: this crate is smaller and more sturdy than the more spacious two room crate but still has space for the litter box (as needed) as well as food and water dishes.
  • Cat: Not all cats want to travel. Amelia does not dart at doors, hide under beds or fail to use her litter box. She is very comfortable in her harness, on her leash, in her front pack and in her enclosures. My only concern was the car ride since I have only taken her on one two hour car trip and this trip was over three hours. I planned to stop as much as needed to keep Amelia content but she acclimated wonderfully and didn't need any extra time.
  • Padded bed and fleece blanket: these were for both crates, kept Amelia comfortable and helped control litter mess.
  • Toys and scratcher: I brought a few of Amelia's favorite toys including a fresh catnip ball and her door knob hanger sisal scratcher.
  • Mesh tunnel:Amelia loves her tunnel. I brought this so she could safely enjoy sniffing around places we visit without her harness and leash.
  • Two room crate: This larger crate was for safety in the motel room and when Amelia needed to be left alone in the parked car.
  • Front carrier pack: For hikes and excursions.
  • Harness & Leash: Amelia always wears her harness and leash while in her front pack and, obviously, on walks.
  • Treats, food, dishes & water: I was very concerned about Amelia becoming dehydrated on this trip. I added extra water to her food. Just like with dogs, I brought plenty of water from home so it was what she was used to.
  • Disposable litter boxes: Having never used these boxes before, I wasn't sure how it would go so I brought three of them. I ended up scooping up after Amelia often enough that one box lasted the entire trip.
  • Cat litter, bags and scoop: Next time I will put the extra, clean litter in a more spill proof plastic carrier and bring more plastic bags.
  • Absorbing pet pads: Just like with dog travel, I don't use these "pee pads" for pee but for other mess control. On Amelia's trip I always kept the pads under her water, food and cat litter.
What To Pack: A weekend road trip with a traveling cat.
Traveling cat Amelia in her two room crate complete with litter box, food and water dishes, bed and blanket.
The two room travel crate complete with litter box, food and water dishes and cat.
Traveling cat Amelia bathes atop dog crates in a pet friendly Oregon motel.
Amelia makes herself comfortable atop the dog crates in the motel.
Amelia views the Fort Stevens State Park beach from her front pack, Hammond, Oregon, Cascadia.
Amelia views the Fort Stevens State Park beach from her front pack, Hammond, Oregon, Cascadia.
Considering all that could have gone wrong with my first attempt at traveling with a cat in tow I think the trip went really, really well. Once I got good at controlling the cat litter mess, I realized I could probably have Amelia along more often and on longer trips. The pets seemed very at peace when all traveling together and I felt the same way. This trip was one of the most relaxed and restful vacations I have had in a long time because a piece of my heart wasn't left at home. Best of all, Amelia had a wonderful time. Just like when touring the Southwest with Leo last year, it seemed Amelia honestly appreciated her great fortune in getting to experience seeing parts of the world even many wishful humans will never see. Having a travel partner, be they human, canine, psittacine or feline, that genuinely recognizes the wonder of wandering, is all we ever need from each other.
Traveling cat Amelia admires the view of Young's Bay and the Columbia River from Astor Column Park, Astoria, Oregon, Cascadia with her travel companions cockatoo, Leo, dachshund dog, Wilhelm, collie dog, Huxley and corgi, Brychwyn.
Traveling cat Amelia admires the view of Young's Bay and the Columbia River from Astor Column Park, Astoria, Oregon, Cascadia.
Any cat travel suggestions would be greatly appreciated by us traveling cat newbies. Please leave a comment!
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Solo Travel With Pets: What To Do When Nature Calls

2/9/2015

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Solo Travel With Pets: What To Do When Nature Calls, photo of a portable travel toilet and it'e accessories in a tote near happy traveling dogsThe portable toilet and it's accessories in a tote takes up less space in the car than the pets and their food and their toys and their blankets and their...
Typist: Bethany
There were plenty of rest stops when the dogs and I drove west through Iowa and Nebraska on our road trip back to Seattle from Buffalo. However, not one of those rest stops had enough shade for me to safely leave the dogs alone in the car to go to the bathroom on a ninety degree day. There were absolutely no rest stops as I slogged through an over one hundred degree day of driving towards Phoenix with three dogs and a cockatoo.
Even though it seemed I was in the middle of nowhere, I learned from many road trips with my dad and grandfather that even men shouldn't just randomly unzip when being a polite, law abiding visitor. Pet friendly Mather Campground at the Grand Canyon National Park had clean, convenient restrooms but pets are not allowed in National Park buildings nor could they be left unattended at the campsite. What does a solo traveler with pets do when nature calls? I don't mean the pets. I always have bags and supplies to clean up after them. I mean, what happens when a lone human has gotta go but there are pets in tow? The pets can't be left alone if it is too hot, cold, unsafe or illegal. A human can't hold it for an entire pet friendly road trip or camping excursion. There is one easy and convenient item to bring on pet friendly solo travel that keeps humans comfortable and pets safe. I always carry my own travel toilet.

The idea for pet friendly road trips and camping with a portable toilet might have come from living in a van during summers as a child, traveling the country with my parents, brother and two dogs. My mom and dad always had a camp toilet stowed away for road side "emergencies." The toilet I have takes up even less space and has saved me from the horrors of having to leave my pets alone in any unsafe conditions when I have to go. I can conveniently use my toilet at my campsite to avoid breaking no pets unattended campground rules, worrying about the pets being stolen or risking the pets annoying neighbors while I am out. Of course, whipping out a travel toilet in a campground, rest area or on the side of the road may not be for everyone, but neither is solo travel with pets. The safety of my pets matters more to me than modesty. Wait. I am making it sound like I just sit down and go out in the open. Getting in trouble for indecent exposure or public urination wouldn't be very safe for my pets either.  No. I set the toilet up in the van or outside of the car with a quick do-it-yourself hide attached to the car door. This still might not be a solo pet travel bathroom solution for everyone but it is a safe for the pets and good for the human solution to bathroom breaks to consider when traveling alone with pets.
Solo Travel With Pets: What To Do When Nature Calls, the beginning of creating a privacy screen for a portable toilet near three traveling dogs
All it takes is a sheet to quickly create a DIY privacy screen to use the toilet without putting the pets in weather, theft or lawbreaking danger.
Solo Travel With Pets: What To Do When Nature Calls, how to make a portable toilet privacy screen outside of a car pictured with two traveling dogs
The clamps I use to create toilet privacy are the same as the ones that are always in my road trip tool kit. A larger sheet or a spare towel or two can be used for more privacy which may be necessary if the vehicle doesn't not have tinted glass. This toilet hide took about two minutes to set up in a downpour. I always park in the most remote location legally possible.
My travel toilet, plenty of waste bags and all other necessary accessories are kept together in a large tote which I always pack near a door for quick and easy accessibility. Even if I don't have to use the toilet or make a toilet privacy screen, having clamps, a spare sheet, rags, trash bags, toilet paper, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer near a door can be helpful for a lot of pet friendly travel situations. Just like with cleaning up after my pets, I clean up after myself with the same care. I am always aware of human waste disposal laws and I never, ever leave waste of any kind behind. I keep thick trash bags with my toilet because, just like with pet waste, I double bag my toilet waste if I must pack it out. Leave-no-trace travel ethics are yet another reason why all solo travelers with pets, male or female, should consider the merits of packing a travel toilet.
Solo Travel With Pets: What To Do When Nature Calls, a portable toilet can be easily set up inside the vestibule of a large tent pictured with three camping dogs
The glamping tent has a huge vestibule, a perfect spot for a camp toilet.
Solo Travel With Pets: What To Do When Nature Calls, a portable toilet can be set up inside of a vehicle pictured with three camping dogs
When car camping with the smaller tent, the portable toilet is easily set up inside the van.
Rushing through using a rest stop or campground bathroom due to fearing for the safety of the pets is no way to travel. I know. I've lived it. Every moment of solo travel with dogs, cats, cockatoos or any pets, should be safe and enjoyable for all creatures on the trip. The incredible bonding I have done with the pets when it is just them, me and the road can't be described in words. Bringing my own toilet on pet friendly road and camping trips has taken so much of the stress away from my solo travels. Plus, the travel toilet and it's refill packets are much less expensive than an RV. So I forgo a little bit of modesty, pack my travel toilet bag and head out on pet friendly adventures, keeping my pets safe even when nature calls.
Solo Travel With Pets: What To Do When Nature Calls, Solo Road Trips & Tent Camping With Pets, What To Pack To Keep Pets Safe When Nature Calls
Cascadian Nomads was not asked to or paid to promote any products or businesses mentioned and linked in this post. We paid for all mentioned and linked products ourselves and we are in no way compensated for clicking on the links we've provided. We're just sharing information and stuff we like!
Have you ever traveled alone with just a pet or two or more? What did you do to keep your pets safe when you needed to use the toilet?
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Don't Leave Home Without It: Get The Gear, Organize It & Walk The Dog | #DogWalkingWeek

10/2/2014

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Dog Walking Esstentials: Blue Merle Cardigan Welsh corgi waits for a #DogWalkingWeek walkDog Walking Essentials hang from the pet stroller.
Typist: Bethany
There are certain things that I never leave home without. My smart phone and my house key are good examples. Those essential items fit nicely into my PoopPac which I always have attached to my Umbilical Belt or the pet stroller. I keep all of my dog walking necessities, like the PoopPac, Umbilical Belt, dog water bottles and travel dishes, organized inside of our entry closet door. I can easily and quickly be ready for a dog walk, an urban hike or a day trip at anytime. Sometimes when I am not in the mood for a walk (yes, that does happen) it helps to have everything so accessibly in one place to make it fast and simple to get out the door. Once I am out walking the dogs, I am always glad to have made it happen.

The Dog Walking Closet: Get Organized And Get Walking #DogWalkingWeek
The Dog Walking Closet
I never go anywhere without my PoopPac and all the attcheed essentials. #DogWalkingWeek
Dog Walking Essentials
Make sure you have a good pair of shoes, socks (I recommend double layer socks not just for blister prevention but for dryness and warmth,) rain gear, warm clothes and clothes to protect from sun with your dog walking gear too. When I was a personal trainer, professional conversations amongst colleagues almost always centered around how to motivate people to get off the couch and exercise. The best piece of advice that still holds true is that if your gear is ready, and going is effortless, you are more likely to go. So if you are trying to get out for your dog walk early int he morning, set up your gear the night before. When you plan to walk immediately after work, try putting on your walking shoes before you leave work. Anything that makes getting out of the house for your dog walk uncomplicated means you are more likely to actually go and definitely more apt to enjoy yourself. Oh, and while you're doing all your planning and organizing for your walks, don't forget the dog(s)!
If you'd like yo know more about the dog walking gear I never leave home without, check out these posts:
  • Excuse Me Miss, We've Had Some Complaints About The Smell | #ScoopThatPoop PoopPac Review
  • Hands-Free Leash Extravaganza- Umbilical Belt Review and DIY Hands Free Leash Ideas
  • Hydration Choices For Fit Dogs- Dog Water Bottles and Travel Bowls Reviewed
  • A Long Walk In The Rain And Only The Dogs Got Wet- Wander Wrap™ Rain Skirt Review
What items do you never leave home without? What tricks or organization ideas to you have to make sure you get out the door for your dog walks?
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What To Pack: Three Dogs Go Glamping (Glamor Camping)

6/28/2014

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No luxury spared camping, or glamping, with dogs.
Typist: Bethany
Every time I take the dogs on an amazing adventure, I think of the saying about hoping to be the person my dog thinks I am. All three dogs believe perfect road trips and glamorous camping weekends just magically occur. While I enjoy the idea that Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley imagine me waving an enchanted wand to make it all happen, in reality it takes hours to gather up and pack everything necessary for a pleasant time away from home with three dogs. Here's the secrets to the magic it takes to create the ideal camping trip with dogs:
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I am the first to admit that I over pack but I would rather have two extra leashes for each dog than no leash at all. I never go anywhere without my complete pet first aid kit, PoopPac, hydration for the dogs and Umbilical Belt hands free leash. I prefer a set up of x-pens for the dogs when we are camping for more than one night but such configuration doesn't work everywhere so I pack multiple tie out options.

Three of the most important items I always travel with are paper towels, as many rags as I can fit and Pooch Pads. I use Pooch Pads to absorb a different kind of moisture than what they're intended, though. I place Pooch Pads under water dishes wherever we go; in the car, tent or a motel room. The dogs would likely say that making sure I always pack a few toys is the most important part of the magical camping trips I take us on. And this is all about the dogs!
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All packed and ready to go!
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And like magic, we arrive and bond with nature.
The Big Shrimpy Landing Pads the dogs travel on double as beds when we arrive at the campsite. I bring plastic for underneath the pads to keep them dry and slightly more clean. While throw rugs seem like the ultimate glamping item, rugs are very easy to pack and take up little space in the car. In fact, wrapping propane canisters or hiking boots in throw rugs is very efficient! Camping with dogs is made so very much cleaner and more comfortable with throw rugs on either side of the tent door.

Everyone sleeps better when the dogs have their travel crates along. And by everyone, I mean neighboring campers too. Nocturnal critters are way less likely to arouse Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley when the dogs are comfortable in their own safe spaces. To save floor space in the tent and to keep Wilhelm warmer, all I need to bring to make his stacked crate accessible is a small folding stool. The interior of the tent is just as glamorous as the natural scenery outside.
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Home away from home: Three dogs at glamp.
Tah-dah! *insert enchanted twinkling sound here* The magic of a glamp for three dogs revealed! Sometimes packing for road trips and camping with dogs is about more than having everything it takes to be prepared for anything. It's okay to bring an item (or twelve) that's simply for luxurious comfort. Or maybe pack a few extra items that really make you the person your dog thinks you are...
Do you glamp with your dog(s)?
What do you bring to create canine camping magic?

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    The Cascadian Nomads are:
    Cascadian Nomads Bethany with the dogs and Leo at Wilson's Arch, Moab, Utah
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Cascadian Nomads are not veterinarians, behaviorists or animal trainers. Always consult with a veterinarian before starting or changing your pets exercise routine, before traveling with your pet, before changing your pets diet or before using any new pet products. Since all pets are unique individuals, consulting with a veterinarian, behaviorist or animal trainer about your pets specific needs is always recommended.
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Cascadian Nomads Pet Adventure Blog: Budget pet adventure inspiration through stunning photography and amusing dog, cat, cockatoo and human stories.