Monty's first road trip

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I had a conference to attend in San Diego in June and since my DH's son is in NAVY and stationed in San Diego, we've decided to make this a family vacation. So instead of me flying to the conference by myself, we drove from Denver to San Diego with Monty. This was Monty's first long trip and I have to admit, I was not sure what to expect. To my great relief, he did just great. In fact, I believe he was born to travel. He slept most of the time while the car was moving.

And when we stopped for a potty break, we made sure there was a park for him to chase a ball.

Or at least pose with Mom for a scenic picture in the middle of nowhere in Utah.

Monty was not too impressed with the "original pet friendly Motel 6" where we stayed our first night. You kind of get suspicious if your dog sniffs every single inch of a hotel room as soon as he enters. He was restless the first night and worried about every single strange sound he heard. So we've decided to upgrade the next night and spent twice the money for a Hampton hotel in Las Vegas. Monty felt right at home. It must be the fancy poodle part, I'm guessing. No suspicious sniffing involved. I tried to barter with the hotel management and offered Monty to pose for their hotel advertising in exchange for a free room.

We made it to San Diego a day earlier than originally planned, mainly thanks to our wonderful co-pilot Monty.

He was THRILLED about the fresh ocean air.

He also loved the view from our hotel room that gave him a chance to keep track of all the ducks living in the hotel pond right outside.

He loved running on the beach and meeting all his friends.

Every day in San Diego was filled with happiness and adventure for Monty and he sure loved it.

And since I'm out of characters for this blog and can't post another picture, just imagine worn out Monty sleeping peacefully on the hotel bed. :-)

Here is a video of Monty's first time on a beach:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/video/monty-on-the-beach

[Donna K & Quincy]

Sounds like a wonderful trip and Monty sure looked like he was enjoying it. How great to get to meet and hang out with DK'ers in the flesh.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I would move to San Diego in a heartbeat. Loved the Coronado, the bridge was very cool as well. Did not get enough time to check out Balboa park, since I wanted to make sure we get plenty of beach time with Monty. A week in San Diego is definitely not enough, especially if three of the days are taken by a conference. What I loved was that there were dogs everywhere.

Rachel, I'm sure Ollie would be just fine if he likes the car. We stopped every 2 to 3 hours for a potty break and made every effort to find a school with a fenced ball park so that Monty could chase a ball for few minutes.

None of the hotels checked Monty's vaccination record or anything. Since he does not shed or smell, I find the hotel fee a bit unfair, since nobody can even tell there was a dog in the room. But I understand extra scrubbing of the hotel room is needed if somebody is staying with a shedding dog.

 

[Rachel and Ollie]

What a cute picture! I love that he is all wrapped up and cozy! 

This is encouraging. Someday I'd like to move back north near my family but being 19 hours away I wasn't sure how it would be with Ollie (though the company on the drive will be nice). I know every dog probably reacts differently, but it's good to hear that he may do okay :) 

I'll have to check out all of those. How do they make sure only clean dogs enter? I guess if someone is paying a pet fee they probably keep their dogs pretty clean. 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Sounds like a wonderful trip! Monty looks so cute with his friends!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Rachel, our trip was 16 hours.

There is actually a lot of dog friendly hotels out there. Just walk in and ask. And if you happen to have a registered therapy dog, mention that. Marriott waived their pet fee thanks to the fact that Monty is a therapy dog. Marriott, Hampton Inn & Suites, La Quinta,  Best Western, etc... these are all fine with dogs. Monty is 83 pounds and hotels had no problem with such a big dog. On the other hand, I had a problem stretching my legs at night since Monty was hogging the bed.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

That looks so much fun, I am just organizing a week-end away for the three of us and found two hotels.  Needless to say after seeing this I am booking the more expensive one.  If my partner asks why I will tell him it was on Monty's advice! lol

[Carol and Banjo]

Banjo did the same thing in Motel 6!    Best Western is our hotel of choice....we've had good luck there.  

What a fun trip!   Monty, it's clear you're loving the beach!!!! Ya!!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

You guys have me scared now.  We are leaving tomorrow on a week-long motorcycle trip (sadly w/o dogs) and two of our nights are at motel 6.  One only costs $45 and I am really worried because the review said they had to buy the shampoo they used!  We are with a group and have no choice, but....... thinking yuck...

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We really enjoyed meeting you, Bill and Monty in person.  This is the best perk of dk - getting to make new friends in the flesh - that you have enjoyed a cyberfriendship with. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a fun trip. I think the hotel was silly to refuse your offer of advertising with Monty.