Teddy Travels: Palm Springs

Teddy joined me on a recent trip to visit my grandparents in Palm Springs, California, which is a 4.5 hour flight from our home in Toronto.

This was our second trip on a plane together.  The first, I documented in this How-To guide.  I must admit, this trip was much easier, and Teddy did not seem to mind the plane ride as much.  Palm Springs is an amazing, dog-friendly city, and I highly recommend visiting with your pup.

We flew Air Canada, on one of the busiest travel days of the year (the first day of March Break).  I was not able to check in online, so had to arrive even an hour earlier (6:15AM) to check in for my flight.  If I had followed the rules (your dog must be in their carrier at all times), this would have been problematic for Teddy, but, I let him walk through the airport on his leash.  Several families stopped us to say hello.

Teddy in the Lounge

I think that because it was so early in the morning, the flight/airport experience was even easier.  He typically would be sleeping at that time, so it was not a big deal for him to be in his carrier.  I first put him in while I went to eat breakfast in the Maple Leaf Lounge.  Here, I fed him a bit of kibble and water, but was apprehensive to give him too much as I did not want him to need to go to the bathroom on the plane.

The flight itself was uneventful.  Teddy stayed under the seat, even when I opened the carrier.  he just slept there the entire time without making a sound.  I did not need to resort to giving him his Bully Stick or Frozen Peanut Butter Kong.

Teddy on Board!

The Palm Springs airport is puppy heaven.  Aside from the gates themselves, the airport is outside.  You head down an escalator to arrive at a giant grassy area marked for dogs, where they can roam.  Teddy peed for what seemed like 10 minutes!

Where to Stay:
We stayed at my grandparents house while we were in Palm Springs.  We bought Teddy a super cute bed, and some toys ahead of time from Target, and he felt right at home!  There are many hotels in the Palm Springs area that welcome pets, just be sure to tell them ahead of time.  My top 3 picks would be:

1. Le Parker Meridien - I often visit this hotel to have brunch at their restaurant Norma's, which is on a beautiful patio (dogs allowed, of course!).  The hotel grounds are gorgeous and it features every amenity you could want or need.
2. The Westin Mission Hills - This hotel is on the same property as my grandparents house, and I have stayed here before.  It features large villas, many pools, a world class tennis court, and championship level golf courses.  They provide beds and bowls for your pups.
3. The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage - This is a newer hotel, perched high in the mountains.  It is absolutely beautiful, and would serve as a wonderful quiet retreat.

Teddy on the golf course at Mission Hills

Teddy spent his days running on the golf course (see the video below, he loved it), tanning by the pool, but the best part, is that dogs are allowed EVERYWHERE.

Where to Eat:

Teddy enjoyed a burger at In-N-Out

Palm Springs is known for its wild brunch scene.  I however, spend most of my days outside, either by the pool, shopping, or playing tennis.  There is simply not enough time for brunch.  Here are some of my favorites, that love your dog too:

1. Workshop Kitchen - With a beautiful dog friendly patio, this place is great for brunch or dinner.  We shared a bunch of dishes with our group of 5.  Teddy had his own bowl of water, but the drinks were amazing too.
2. Sherman's Deli - A Palm Springs classic, this is the first place we always go to on our way home from the airport.  The meals are huge, the food is comforting, and the place is loud and friendly.  Teddy was comfortable lounging on their patio while we enjoyed our lunch.
3.  Norma's - Norma's serves indulgent comfort food on a BEAUTIFUL patio.  What could be wrong?
4. Cheeky's - The menu here changes often, so you never get bored.  The food is farm to table, and the patio is lively and fun.  They serve an amazing breakfast and dinner.
5. Chi Chi - At the Avalon hotel, this place serves good food, at a good price, with a beautiful patio for you and your dog. 

Dorky hat at Petco

Nothing like a trip to Target!

Sun Safety Everyone

On the flight home, Teddy slept in his Sleepy Pod, which I left unzipped so he could rest his head on my feet.  Without thinking, when I went to the washroom, he followed me! I did not realize until I walked back to my seat and saw him sitting on a stranger's lap.  WOOPS!

Hello? Remember Me?

Back on the plane

I would rate our trip to Palm Springs a 10/10

Is there anywhere you like to travel with your dog? I would love to hear about it!

For more how-to's, tips and ideas, make sure you keep checking KeepingUpWithTheodor.blogspot.ca, and subscribe! Don't forget to stay in touch on my Instagram @KeepingUpWithTheodor for a regular dose of cute pictures.

Product Review: Bergan Comfort Sitting Booster

If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that Teddy comes with me everywhere.  As such, he spends a lot of time in the car.  When he was a baby, I searched high and low to find a safe way of transporting him.  At the time, the best solution was his Sleepypod Air.  It was crash tested the same as a child seat, and something that he did not mind spending too much time in.

After many car rides, I began to realize that while the Sleepypod Air is an amazing solution for travel, you need to unbuckle, and reinstall it each time you use it.  I found this too much of a nuisance, so started the search for a more permanent solution.

testing out the booster before it went in the car

Two of the options I began to research were the Bergan Comfort Sitting Booster (intended for medium dogs) and the Bergan Comfort Hanging Booster (intended for small dogs).  What initially attracted me to these, was that Teddy could safely look out the window (which he loves to do), while being tethered to the seat, using his harness, and a clip attached to the car seat.

Teddy actually uses the Bergan Comfort Sitting Booster, even though it is intended for larger dogs.  The reason why I chose this one, is that it is attached using the car's seat belt, versus the hanging booster, which wraps around the seat.

pretty comfy here

Teddy now loves car rides in his booster.  It is large enough for him to lay down, or sit up and look through the window.  I feel that this is a very safe option, as it keeps him locked in, in case we need to come to a sudden stop.  What is great about it, is that its plush liner can be removed for washing, so he can hop right in there, even after muddy visits to the park.

what's going on outside?

I did a lot of research on choosing a safe way to travel in the car with Teddy, so if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

For more how-to's, tips and ideas, make sure you keep checking KeepingUpWithTheodor.blogspot.ca, and subscribe! Don't forget to stay in touch on my Instagram @KeepingUpWithTheodor for a regular dose of cute pictures.

Home for the Holidays? How to Travel with your Dog

I have received a few emails regarding Teddy's first flight, as seen on Instagram.  With the holidays coming up, people are working on their plans to visit family and friends, and don't want to leave their puppies behind!

A couple of months ago, I took Teddy with me on a short flight to visit my grandparents.  I did a ton of research ahead of time, planned what to bring, and still learned a lot along the way.

Please don't leave me behind!

Preparing for your first (or any flight) is just as important as the flight itself.  I will provide you with a list of things you should bring on board, and pack in your luggage, and then walk you through Teddy's experience.

Before You Book Your Ticket

Before I booked my ticket, I called my airline, Air Canada, and reviewed their pet policy with them. They only allow a certain number of pets in the cabin at any time, and they need to know (and charge you, in advance).  Right after you book your ticket, you need to get in touch with their reservations team and let them know that you plan on bringing a pet.  You need to tell them at this time the dimensions of your carrier, and the weight and breed of your pet.  Once this is done, you are booked and ready to go!  

You will not be able to check in online, as an agent needs to verify the information you provided at check-in.  They are supposed to weigh your pup in the carrier, and do a visual check to make sure they are comfortable in there, and that they have room to stand up and turn around.  

If you are travelling within Canada, you do not need any certificates from your vet, but the US and international destinations have different rules.  You should consult their customs offices before you go.

Choosing a Pet Carrier

Choosing a pet carrier for Teddy was a difficult decision.  They really range in price and quality, but I was looking for something that would double as a safe way to transport him in the car.  There is really only 1 pet carrier that serves this function, and is also crash-safety tested: The Sleepy Pod.  

Only here for the treats

There are a few different models of this carrier.  The one that I think would serve me better day-to-day, the Original Sleepy Pod, was not an option, as it is too big for the airplane.  I like it because it can stay buckled into the car, just like a child's car seat, and the top part zips off to turn it into a bed, when away from home.  They do make a miniature version, but Teddy is too big for it.

I Love Teddy's Sleepy Pod Air, and he doesn't hate it either.  He sleeps in it on long drives to the cottage, so was not too shocked when he went in at the airport.  I was sure to leave it open in the house for him to explore in the days leading up to the trip, and even hid a treat in there.  I could not find him the night before we left, and after looking under every chair, couch, and bed, found him snoozing in his Sleepy Pod.

Packing List

Your dog carrier is considered a piece of hand luggage, so you will lose the personal item you are used to.  It is important to have some key items accessible at all times, so, I recommend bringing on board a tote back or backpack, filled with essentials for you, and your puppy.

I packed the following on-board in Teddy's tote:

1. 2 Top Paw Travel Bowls from Petsmart - one for food, and one for water
• These come in a variety of sizes and colors
• They have a carabiner on them which is very  handy, as I kept them clipped onto Teddy's Sleepy Pod
• For use not only in transit, but at your destination as well
2. 1 Gulpy from Global Pet Foods
• It is a system, where a water bottle is essentially attached to a bowl.  You just squeeze the bottle, and water drips into the bowl part for your puppy to drink.
• This is great for when you are on the go.  I often bring it on long walks, but in the airport, when you can't really set up your water bowl and have your dog roam around, it is a great mechanism for them to just sit up and have something to drink.
3. Lots of treats - whatever they like
• Because Teddy is still unsure whether or not he actually likes his carrier, I like to reward him every time he goes in.
4. 1 Kong
• Along with bones, Kongs, filled with cheese or peanut butter, are always great for long periods of puppy distraction.  For this particular trip, I packed Teddy's Kong with peanut butter, and froze it overnight to make getting all of the peanut butter even more difficult.
• I gave him his Kong once we were in our seats on the plane and he started crying to come out.  It tied him over until takeoff, when he got distracted by all of the loud noises and vibrations.
5. Teddy's Favorite Toy- Pizza by Zippy Paws
• If you follow Teddy on Instagram, you will see that he likes to bring his pizza everywhere, and will not let anyone take it from him.  I couldn't think of anything more comforting to him on-board the flight.
6. Pee Pads - I tried to get Teddy to pee on one just before we boarded, but he does not actually know what to do with these, as he was never trained to use them.  He really just tilted his head to the side, thinking "wait, you want me to PEE INSIDE".
7. A few portions of food - You never know if your baggage will be lost, or your flight will be delayed.  I kept some food with me on board, just in case.
8. Leash and roll of poop bags

   

   Teddy's Gulpy and bowls clip right onto the SleepyPod

The items in Teddy's tote covered most of what we needed for our long weekend away, but, there are still some things that were needed in my suitcase:

1.  Teddy's Crate, and Crate Bed - Midwest Icrate
• One of the reasons why I chose Teddy's crate is because it is collapsible.  When it is folded up, it fits on the bottom of a medium sized suit case, and does not take up much space.  For car trips, it comes with a handle.
• Teddy is used to being crated when he is home alone.  He even stays in there when the door is open, and waits for me to tell him it OK for him to come out.
• We stayed with my aunt, and I did not feel comfortable with him roaming around the house when we went to dog-unfriendly places.  Most pet-friendly hotels still require pets to be contained when you are not with them in the room, so that, for example, cleaning staff can do their jobs.  The Icrate is perfect for travelling.
2. Pet blanket - I get mine at Dollarama
• Teddy thinks that everyone's couch is his couch, and even if he is allowed on other people's furniture, I like to protect it with one of his blankets.
3. Pet towel
• Messes happen, and sometimes it rains.  I wanted to be prepared with something to wipe Teddy down in case he got messy. If I was staying at a hotel, I would plan to use one of their towels, but, I wanted to be more prepared for my aunt's house!
4. More food - Just because

The Experience

I gave Teddy a bit of food and water right before we called the taxi, hoping that he would need to go to the bathroom right when we got to the airport, and then not again until arrival.  This was a success, and we did not have any accidents.  Yay!

Teddy in the Lounge

I researched the pet policies at Pearson Airport before heading out, and learned that there IS a dog relief area, it is just outside of security, versus inside of the terminal, which would actually be helpful.  According to their website, pets are not allowed outside of their carriers inside of the terminal, but, this would prove to be difficult, as I did not want Teddy confined for such a long period of time.

I carried him into the terminal for check in, and the agent did not ask to see him, or his carrier.  I took him out, and let him walk on his leash to security.  I put all of his stuff through the X-Ray, and walked through carrying him.  According to policy, the pets are supposed to go right back into their carriers, but no-one said anything to me, so I let him walk on his leash.

Teddy was very calm in the terminal, and people were stopping to pet him.  No one seemed to mind that he was not in his carrier.  

Teddy in the Terminal

I checked into the Maple Leaf Lounge, but Teddy was very restless in his carrier.  I gave him some dinner there while I ate, and then tried to sneak him on my lap.  They said he absolutely had to be inside of his carrier there, so decided to find somewhere else in the terminal to hang out.  

We found an empty gate, and I set up a pee pad for him in case he wanted to go.  We waited there until just before our flight was scheduled to board.  I tried to be discreet and hide Teddy under one of the chairs, but he decided lounging on the chair was more comfortable.

The airport in Winnipeg proved to be even more relaxed than Pearson. We were very delayed on the way home, and Teddy took the opportunity to make himself right at home.  I set up his food and water, he lounged in his Sleepy Pod, and ran around with some kids.

Teddy's Setup in the Winnipeg Airport

When it was time to board the plane, I encouraged Teddy to go back into his Sleepy Pod with some treats.  He gladly obliged, turned around a few times, and settled in.  He was totally fine until the engines of the plane started to make noises, and then he started crying.  I gave him his Kong, which kept him occupied for a little bit, but then the screaming started again just after take off.

It is normal for a dog to become distressed in a situation they have never been in before, especially when there are so many new sounds and feelings.  Teddy started panting as the plane was taking off, so I tried cooling him off by unzipping the carrier a little and feeding him water with his Gulpy.  It worked a bit.

Teddy was still upset after takeoff, so I asked the flight attendant for some ice cubes, and put them in one of his bowls.  I read online before the trip that chewing ice will both stop their panting, and help their ears.  Teddy seemed to really like the ice.

Air Canada's policy is that the pet needs to stay in their carrier for the duration of the flight, but, some flight attendants are a little more relaxed.  I brought Teddy's Sleepy Pod onto my lap and unzipped it a bit, letting his head poke out.  he was then relaxed and fell asleep on my shoulder.

On the flight home, Teddy was completely fine, with a little whimper every now and then.  I think he knew what was going on, so was less stressed out about it.  I know that his experience flying will get better each time we travel together.  His first flight was uncharted territory, with lots of new noises, so I understand why he was scared.

Good luck on your first flight with your puppy! Let me know how it goes, and if you learn any new tricks for getting them to stay calm and happy.

For more how-to's, tips and ideas, make sure you keep checking KeepingUpWithTheodor.blogspot.ca, and subscribe! Don't forget to stay in touch on my Instagram @KeepingUpWithTheodor for a regular dose of cute pictures. 

Happy Holidays!