Tags
camping with pets, RV Life, RV Pets, RV Safety, RV Tips, RV with dogs, RV with pets, Travel Safety, Travel Tips, travel with pets
Safety is key when you’re on the road, especially when it comes to our pets. This month I experienced a real-life example of why it’s so important to carefully mind your pets while traveling. The same can be said for any scenario involving pets, not just RV traveling.
We were heading home from a trip in the Canadian prairies and stopped overnight at an RV park in the Rocky Mountains. We had stayed at this park on the way east and were looking forward to relaxing a little and walking among the trees, Stellar Jays, and Salmon Berries after an eight-hour drive over the mountains heading back west.
Pandora
After setting up, we decided to stretch our legs and take our eighteen-month old dog (Pandora) for a walk. As we were walking along one of the gravel lanes, we noticed a Boxer with a pink collar bounce up behind us. Her leash was trailing behind her and a young boy was running behind her calling her name. As the dogs began nicely saying hi and sniffing each other, nothing prepared me, my wife, or our dog for the sudden ferocious behavior the Boxer displayed towards Pandora.
She suddenly attacked Pandora, going directly for her throat. Pandora pushed back against me, seeking protection. Being an extremely passive dog, Pandora had no desire to engage the other dog, and she was certainly fearing for her life at this point. My wife stepped forward to grab the Boxer’s pink collar but was impeded when her ankle was scraped by the dog’s claws.
We then noticed the boy’s mother had appeared and managed to grab hold of her dog and pull it off Pandora. The campers at the site where the incident occurred voiced their amazement and shock to have witnessed this attack. The mother dragged her dog away and asked if we were okay. We, including Pandora, were still in shock but my wife did a preliminary inspection of Pandora for wounds and broken bones. However, our gentle dog was not able to communicate any injuries, as her anxiety level was through the roof at that point. My wife had not yet noticed the scratches on her ankle, as she was focused on Pandora. We told the woman we thought everyone was fine.
We were fortunate that Pandora was not hurt, but this was a stark reminder to keep dogs under strict control while outside your RV. If you have a strong, large, and/or aggressive dog, remember to think carefully about who should be holding the leash. We should always try our best to take all precautions possible. While there may be a stigma attached to these added precautions, it keeps other dogs safe while your dog enjoys some freedom.
Most pet rules are simple but please do take them seriously, whether traveling or at home. You can also check out these additional tips for traveling with your furry friend!
About the Author:
Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.
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Going RVing to Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime journey thousands of RVers tackle each summer. My husband and I followed in their tracks this year, and like many people, we endured a few challenges unique to the North Country. Once we were back on familiar territory in the lower 48, we realized that if we had known these five things about RVing to Alaska, our trip would have gone much smoother.
Motorists often neglect to think about the objects that keep their vehicles rolling down the road in comfort and safety. RV owners are no exception to this rule, and in some cases are less likely to pay attention to the tires on their rigs. Even though tires are definitely not “out of sight”, they do tend to be “out of mind” for many people. Yet, the importance of keeping your RV tires in top shape cannot be overstated.
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When it comes time to inspect your water heater, it is a good opportunity to check for water leaks around the appliance, as there are several valves and connections that could leak or fail. With the water pump on or city water connected, look for leaks, drips, standing water or stains around the water heater, especially the rear where the connections are. Before winterizing, inspect the P&T valve (shown at the left) for proper operation by ensuring that the lever can be easily lifted with no binding. Check for excessive dripping from the valve, although some intermittent dripping is normal. If the P&T valve drips continuously, have your water heater checked by an RV Repair center.
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You have loaded up your RV and have finally pulled out of your driveway. Your much-anticipated camping trip has finally begun. You’re cruising down the highway when you see a tow truck stopped on the side of the road to help the unfortunate traveler who has had a flat tire. What do you do?
The Move Over Law originated in the U.S. after James Garcia, a paramedic from South Carolina, was struck and injured at an accident scene on January 24, 1994. It was about 6:30 a.m. and a driver was distracted while looking at the accident scene when he hit Garcia. The driver slowed down to 45 mph but it was still too fast. Garcia smashed into the windshield and bounced off over the van. He was extremely lucky that his only injuries were a broken left leg and arm. Garcia spent the following year working with his state legislature, and on March 1996, the United State’s first “Move Over Law” was passed.
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Just to review, we started the 
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