RV and Newfs Washington DC to Washington State

[NewfDad]

OK folks, I may be proving that I am certifiable here but.

In our move out to Seattle for my job we are going to drive out. I am really not comfortable flying the pups out there, particularly Kilrain, being blind he is really reactive to strange noises and I can't imaging how he would be on a plane. So in driving out there we were thinking about taking a week, renting an RV and driving that out. The relo will ship our cars for us so we would just need the RV. Any tips or thoughts welcome.

 

[ardeagold]

Art...a person I know (who rescues senior and special needs...mostly Goldens) just took 24 dogs cross country...from CA to Maine in rented RV's. Some friends helped him with the transport.

Perhaps you could touch base with David. He's really very nice and helpful

Here's a story about the trip:


http://www.davidrosenfelt.com/golden-retriever/woofabago-2011-is-almost-here/

And the Facebook page detailing the journey called Woofabago 2011:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Woofabago-2011/268696869815119?sk=wall

 

[Jeannie]

If you come close by while in Ohio let me know. I'm only 20 miles from Interstate 70 and US 127. Or about 30 miles from Richmond. When you leaving.

 

[drulzelot]

Art, I'm so jealous, that sounds like an awesome road trip!!! Sorry I can't help with your question, but I'd be really happy if you shared your experience because RVing cross country is on my bucket-list! Hey, we'll even go to Seattle to visit you! ; )

 

[Abbey]

Map out your trip making sure you end up in Boise for the night. We have 2 comfortable guest rooms waiting for you.................

P.S. we are 9 hours from Seattle

 

[NewfDad]

Looked at the maps, looks like there is a good route through Boise and all routes seem to go through Ohio.

 

[Elizabeth]

Going through Montana?

E

 

[Rhonda]

What route are you taking Art, taking I-80 at all? Please let me know we are just minutes off there and would love to see you guys!

 

[NewfDad]

Still figuring the route, would love to see you folks out there if it works out. funny thing is we are leaving the day after the OC NN get together.

 

[Bojie]

I didn't have an RV, and I didn't go as far, but going from NJ to CO in my Tahoe with a car full of "stuff" towing a uhaul and a Newf who had way more room than his humans, the trip was a breeze. I'd never send him in a plane either, and have pretty much traveled the country with the dogs by now. Was easy, peasy in the Tahoe, so I can imagine would be even easier for you. Best advice I can give you is pre plan your route for when you will stop along the way. Have designated places that you plan on staying. Know hotel chains in the areas just in case you don't want to spend another night in the RV. Know how late you are able to arrive and if you need an advanced reservation if you plan on going to camping sites and their rules on dogs. And I always look up emergency vets along my route just in case I might need them (also because I'm a total freak about my dogs Bring lots of bottled water, familiar toys/blankets/beds (don't wash them just before you leave so it still has the smell of home on them). Enough food and know where to stop if you will be needing more so you know who sells your brand (or just bring enough until you can find a place who sells in in Seattle). Bring along a doggy emergency kit filled with benadryl, etc. and copies of your dogs vaccinations. Also, you may need a ramp or folding stairs to get in and out of the RV for the dogs. And I always bring at least one extra collar and one extra leash just in case. And a stack of towels in case you go for a walk and find some mud, puddles, rain etc. It took my in laws 3 days to get here from FL and they weren't pushing it- just to give you an idea on timing I'm the kind of person who refuses to stop, so if you have a pre planned place and reservation in advance, it kind of forces you to. (PS best hotel chain by far for the dogs was Holiday Inn Express- awesome experiences across the country). One last thing, make sure you make a quick stop at your vet before you leave and ask for your dogs health records. Keep a copy for yourself, and one for your new vet when you get to Seattle.

 

[nsmarlis]

How often does an opportunity like that come along? so enjoy the trip. I've driven across Canada & the USA, albeit without dogs & would do it again in a heartbeat. Excellent advice Meg. And it's worth planning the trip so you can stop & see people. A friend drove from the Bainbridge Island, WA to Newfoundland last year & that's what she did.

 

[chumleysma]

Road trip with the Newfs...sounds like a blast...thoroughly fun. I will be sad to see you and Sharon leaving the east coast. Something tells me this will be your last OC get together.