RVing With Your Pet
By Julee Meltzer
Moreover, even if the dogs did decide to let the child live, what about the spats that occasionally occur over food, toys, and simple misunderstandings? Our female weighs over 90 pounds and the male tips the scales at 125. Consequently, when they do get into the occasional scuffle, our motorhome suddenly looks a lot like Saturday night at the dog fights. Luckily, our dogs rarely fight. But if they do, how will I be able to protect this tiny little creature when the snarling starts and the fur flies?
Then there were the cats. Our oldest cat, Pickles, has an insidious habit of using his claws to get your attention. For example, if you're standing next to the bed (where he spends much of his life), he reaches out and inserts a single claw into your thigh. Naturally, my husband and I have an impressive collection of scratches and scars that commemorate the times when Pickles felt ignored. Pickles also has a tendency to howl late at night for reasons that are entirely unclear. Since he's nearing the end of his years, we tend to tolerate Pickles' irritating behavior. However, how are we going to protect the little baby from his sharp claws? Will she become permanently scarred before her first birthday? And when she finally slips off to sleep after a long restless day, how will we feel when her nap is cut short as a result of his unremitting howl?
Our second cat, Ginger, has her own unique set of eccentricities. In particular, she has a habit of racing through the motorhome after she eats. The vet called it a "behavioral anomaly" but we call it "kitty pinball" as she flies through the RV knocking over dishes, running into the dogs, and generating total pandemonium. The problem is that her claws are out the entire time. Thus, if you happen to be sleeping when she races through the bedroom, you can expect to be scratched. These teeth–clenching sessions typically only last a few minutes but when they do occur, no one is safe.
The fact that we put up with these crazy animals is bad enough, but now I find myself losing sleep over my daughter's safety. Bear in mind, all of this drama will take place in a mid–size motorhome that is not much larger than an efficiency apartment when empty. By the time we add a crib, a changing table, a playpen, and everything else that comes with the territory, our "self–contained" motorhome will look more like a walk–in closet. Maybe we pushed the full–time RVing lifestyle one–step too far.
On the last day of my hospital stay, I had finally been able to get a little sleep. As a result, my irrational fears about our animals started to subside. With the benefit of rest and a beautiful little daughter at my side, I began to experience a sense of calm and actually became excited about our new life on the road with Rosie and family.
That's when the nurse with the dog story walked into the room. The first question she asked was "Are you the woman with the German Shepherd dogs?" I nodded cautiously and said "Yes. Why do you ask?" The nurse then proceeded to tell me a story about a woman that had recently given birth to a beautiful baby boy. Apparently, the woman's husband was a police officer that owned a trained German Shepherd. She then described in great detail how the dog attacked and killed the baby boy the day he came home from the hospital. When we asked for more details, the nurse became increasingly vague. Ultimately, she wasn't really sure when or where the incident actually happened.
That's when it occurred to us that we were hearing one of the classic myths about babies and dogs. However, as questionable as these stories are, they do serve to sustain society's long–standing uncertainty about certain breeds of dogs. After all, these were some of the same issues I was wrestling with, during those long nights at the hospital.
But of course, you probably want to know what happened when Little Rosie finally made her entrance into the uncertain world of RVs and wild animals.
When we headed home from the hospital with the baby, we had worked out this elaborate strategy that entailed putting the dogs in the bedroom. That way, the baby would be safe from the dogs until they were fully accustomed to her presence. As it turned out, the dogs were of no consequence. There was no mauling, no fighting, or even barking. In fact, the two dogs have been so astonished by this tiny little human – they have displayed a level of gentleness and affection that we've never seen before. In the three months that she's been home, the dogs have behaved perfectly. For the first month, both dogs refused to go on extended walks because they didn't want to leave the baby unguarded. Likewise, whenever the baby starts to cry, the dogs immediately run into the bedroom to make sure she's okay. They do like to lick her face now and then but fortunately, the baby doesn't seem to mind.
In the meantime, neither Pickles nor Ginger has laid a paw on the baby. For some reason, the baby's presence has resulted in a more relaxed environment. Pickles likes to "baby–sit" Rosie by sleeping near her whenever she's napping. Meanwhile, Ginger hasn't had a single episode of "kitty pinball" since the baby came home. In short, all of the animals have demonstrated a level of consideration and gentleness that is difficult to explain. However, it wouldn't be the first time that I've underestimated these amazing creatures.
As for the never–ending folklore about babies and beasts, it's too bad the nurse didn't have a story about good dogs. But then again, it's hard to compete with news like the misfortune of a new baby being mauled by a dog – even if it isn't true. Regarding the incredible shrinking RV, we're little by little learning to live with a world filled with stuffed animals, baby furniture, diapers, and tiny clothes.
This story only underscores the fact that our pets are not simply possessions but true members of our family. If we had any doubts, they've been put to rest with the birth of our daughter. In addition, full–time RVing with dogs and cats provides us with a very interesting and rewarding life. The addition of a baby girl has only made it that much better.
When you get ready for your next RVing adventure, be sure to bring your furry friends. It's been a long winter and we're all anxious to hit the road. Happy RVing and we'll see you next month.
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