Help! To Bring Or Not To Bring?

[Camilla and Darwin]

My family is going up to our cabin this weekend. I am so excited, because it will be the first big trip we have taken Darwin on. I kind of assumed since it's a rustic cabin... they would be okay with Darwin inside... NOT!

They told me he wasn't allowed in the cabin. Well, that is alright... I guess. There is a big porch and a wide open area that we could place his crate on. We will most likely be outside for most of the day, at the fire pit, by the pond, hiking, etc. They also said he could sleep with us inside, otherwise we wouldn't even consider it. 

My question... he is not on Frontline, because the vet has said that fleas and ticks are not common in our area. If we gave him Frontline today... would it be in effect by Sunday? Would the collar be enough to protect him? It is still freezing every night where our cabin is, and the highs are only around 55 every day. Is that too cold for Fleas and ticks to be abundant? 

Do you think it's safer to just board him, or should we just get a flea+tick collar, and deal with having to keep him outside the whole time? 

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a tragic event.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I agree, that is truly tragic, and thank you for the advice.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thanks for all of your advice! We have come to the decision to board Darwin. I think he will have fun at doggy daycare, and we won't have to worry about ticks, him getting cold, leaving him alone for too long, etc. We also decided to stay for just one day and night, so it shouldn't be too big of a deal. I am definitely going to have to work on getting my dad more used to Darwin... but perhaps it is better to do that closer to home.

It's funny that you mentioned making a doodle cake, Nancy. I have actually been working on gumpaste doodles for a cake I'm planning to make. I used four doodles here on DK as inspiration for them as well! I will have to post a picture of it when I get it all finished.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Camilla, I truly hope you have a good time with your family. I think you made a good decision, and I also think that getting your dad more used to Darwin will work, over time. Darwin will eventually win him over, I know!
Have a very happy Memorial Day!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I can't wait to see the cake. When looking at your blog, I really enjoyed the pictures of your cooking results.

[shelly]

Oh, Camilla! Were you the one who posted about your family not accepting Darwin on a family visit??? I think it was you.... I know the happiness a close family can bring and I know all too well the frustrations it brings too. If you are comfortable with the boarding, perhaps that may be best... BUT if you are going to spend your time worrying about Darwin, then I would definitely bring him...Wasn't it your dad who came out in the middle of the night when you guys got locked out of your car? He seems like a man who truly loves his children and would do anything for them.... Perhaps once you get there he will see that Darwin is really well behaved. However... I would worry a lot about the ticks, well, just because that's me... so some type of preventative would truly be needed. I hope you can make a decision that will bring you peace and let you enjoy your vacation - especially that you really like the family time....GOOD LUCK!

[Zoe, Benny and Tyler]

Frontline starts working right away as it goes into the blood circulation of the dog. I am not sure about a collar.