We’ve now been on the road with Aspen & Porter for almost two months. By now, we know in traveling with dogs there is the good, the bad, and the ugly!

The good is VERY, VERY good. These fur babies are our family. As it was even when our home wasn’t on four wheels, no matter how the day is going, a bad mood can not remain bad after a sloppy kiss or enthusiastic “happy to see you” dance. Our dogs are our joy and seeing them happy and loving this pack life makes any sacrifice well worth it.

That doesn’t mean it is without challenges! We knew that this would be a different trip than if we were backpacking. Not only because of the dogs, of course, but to a large extent, our daily life revolves around their comfort. After all, they have no say in where we go or what we do. WE are responsible for keeping them happy and healthy and comfortable.

Previously, whenever I was presented with the question of what would constitute my dream day, each morning always began with a coffee traveler (a la’ bailey’s of course) and a walk with Jim and the black dogs. Preferably on the beach. I can report that this is now our life. Nearly every day starts exactly this way and I am in heaven.

Seeing Aspen’s endless lab enthusiasm in meeting a new day and, especially, a new beach makes me smile. She bounces about like a puppy, a wide grin on her face, ready for whatever the day may bring.

Porter, always an over-thinker, has slowed significantly in the last few months. Even before we left home his hindquarters were starting to weaken. He sleeps more. He is becoming our little old man. Nonetheless, he still has the sweetest face and each morning I roll over to him lazing on their bed, gazing up at me, hugging me with his eyes. Not a cuddler, several times recently he has actually indicated he wants to get on the bed and sleep with us. While this brings a smile to our face, our hearts are beginning to break just a little, knowing as a dog grows up seven years faster than a human, they also age seven years faster. For now, though, he is still our silly guy. Loving life with his pack around him 24/7 and insisting on doing his happy dance even if we have only left his side for a few minutes.

They are our protectors, confident in the knowledge that they have saved us from approximately 10,000 attacks from assorted birds, cats and random leaves. Our near-constant companions, they are a constant source of delight, and one of my favorite photography subjects.

Both dogs, always sociable, are in heaven. Every day we meet and greet new canine companions resulting in play time and much butt sniffing. They have become much more relaxed with other dogs in general and much less reactive to change.

The bad isn’t really bad. As mentioned, we knew this trip would be different. Not only are we now responsible for the truck and camper but also for keeping the black dogs safe and sound. This means we don’t just pile off a bus in town, book a hotel room, and head out exploring. This trip is about doing a little bit of research on our next stop, which often ends up being not at all where we planned. It is about finding shade and walking on the shady side of the street to avoid paw burn. It is about lots and lots of rinses with cool water to help with the strain from the heat. It is about watching for aggressive street dogs and keeping Aspen from attempting to eat not only anything lying on the street but the deadly puffer fish on the beach.

Bad? No. Different. Absolutely. But even the bad has good in it. Our pups are great sleepers ~ always have been, often asking to go to bed by standing on the stairs of the camper. Normally, lol, this happens at the advanced hour of 630pm or so:) The good is that then we have the evening to go out, socialize and what not.

About the worst bad we’re dealing with is Porters aging. His saunter has become even slower and family walks are now divided with one of us racing ahead with Aspen while the other meanders with Porter. Again, bad..not at all. Just a minor challenge in our day to day life.

The ugly really isn’t too ugly.  Aspen is, as she has always been, fetch obsessed and yes~ we are conscious of whom else on the beach might be throwing a ball and judge the circumstances on whether we walk away or allow her to join in. Both still love to bark the alert that other dogs are approaching the camper…. right before they want to sniff and play. While somewhat irritating, it is also absolutely not unique to them and we have learned to mellow out. Lol, if you’ve been to Mexico, you know barking dogs is NOT rare.

Would it be nice if they were both super mellow and just hung around camp off leash as so many other pups we meet do? Yep, we would love that. But they are our family and we take them as they are…. flaws and all. As I write this, they are napping at my feet, waiting out the heat of the day until we can walk down to the beach, content to just be with us. It warms my heart and I wouldn’t doing this trip with them for the world.