I really want to take these guys camping with me too and as I see Kit_e has mentioned, having dogs with you really opens up a whole lot more camping!
What I'm curious to know is what everyone does re transporting their dogs in their cars? I see from some photos the dogs are on the back seat but I am thinking more of going the crate route, as then it can be their bed outside as well.
Sorry to take this thread a bit OT but it is kinda the same discussion!!
Duchess,
Currently I only have a 2wd sedan *sigh* and both mine get harnessed and attached to the back seat ... I have a short lead with a seatbelt buckle on it and they get "belted" in. BF's dog gets harnessed and tied to the ute backboard (looks more like security door mesh), but she's short leaded and will not move around much anyway.
I myself would prefer to crate mine as well which is a tad hard in the sedan. I've investigated puchasing transport crates, but find most companies only hire them for airport transport, which is frustrating to say the least. If you can find something like the blokes that hunt pigs use for their pups, grab it, as this is more what I'm after rather than the flimsy fold down style that looks more like a cockatoo cage.
Ultimately, I'd like to transport all 3 dogs on his ute in crates, but they do take up valuable space and leave the pups open to the elements.
Dogs aren't allowed inside the Hilux (alas ... weren't allowed in the CT either ... hee hee). I have a young dog that's never been on a long ute trip and an old dog that doesn't like a 100kph breeze too much. I'd much prefer them to be crated (less worry for me) in something that has a cover to keep them out of the sun. My old ute (which died alas) had a canopy with steel mesh sides, so they could move around at will but not get out ... and this is my preferred transport option. Till this is sorted out, we will do our weekend trips with 2 cars when we take all 3 dogs ... or at least until the oldest one crosses the Rainbow Bridge (he's 12 now).
So sorry to hear of your losses Duchess. It's a hard thing to go through (at the time), but they'll be waiting for you. I think of my Digger alot, as he was my best and loyal friend and will never be forgotten. I think those pups will keep you occupied with their antics enough to ease the pain somewhat.
Kit_e