Road trip part 2 - the map

I did a basic map of where are trip will take us. Our goal is to leave around July 14 or 15 and returning by July 30. We're starting up in Eastern MA, heading down to DC, then over to Knoxville TN. We'll be there for about a week and then head up to Greensburg PA for a day or so before we find our way home. If you're anywhere on the way, please let me know and I'll remap to see if we could make a detour.

I really hope this gets some momentum. I'd love to see other dog friendly parks across the east. It would be a great option for the book. What I hope to do is meet people and their dogs, take LOTS of photos and collect stories about the dogs and the parks they play in.

This will be my first road trip with the whole Family. We've got to find dog friendly lodging on the way but I'm really hoping that Toby will be able to come. We do have a backup plan by sending him to the grandparents house where he will be spoiled with table scraps and long walks every day.

Rest in Peace Blue

blue getting a treat, originally uploaded by phaird.

Blue lost his battle on Saturday with cancer. His owners went above and beyond for over a year to keep his cancer at bay and even though he had more good days then bad, he couldn't out run his cancer. For the past few weeks, he had been living the good life, getting treats any time he wanted and getting any extra attention but Blue was a working dog. He knew what his roll was and got the best life a dog could ask for.

On Saturday, he walked out side, went over to his favorite tree, relieved himself one last time and fell over. Blue's owners didn't have to ask that question of how much pain is my pet in. Blue took care of that for them.

Blue will be missed greatly, even beyond the park.

Blue not so well

blue looking at the camera, originally uploaded by phaird.

Blue and Jake were at the park this Sunday but Blue isn't doing so well. He has good days and bad now. Some days he doesn't want treats. His folks then have go upgrade his treats to hot dogs or hamburger to get him to eat. At the park, he was doing okay. He took his treats and played around a bit. I wouldn't of even noticed because he seemed okay to me but his dad told me about his decline. They know he's going to go soon but as long as he's comfortable they will do what ever they can for him. This isn't their first loss but everyone is really hard.

A really busy week

Captain, originally uploaded by phaird.

last week after going to the park, I've been running non-stop trying to get stuff done for an art show I put together. This doesn't have anything to do with dog parks and even kept me away from my dog (and family) for 2 days. What it does mean though is I was to busy with that that I couldn't find the time to post this picture of Captain running around after the ball. I've been thinking about it all week. I only took about 12 pictures last week but this one was really great. So I'm finally getting around to posting it. I hope you get to enjoy your park today.

Road trip part one - The planning

watching, originally uploaded by phaird.

My folks moved to TN this year. Normally we fly to visit them but after the last trip, fighting with the airlines, paranoid security, transferring planes and dealing with delays, I decided to look into driving. From Maynard MA, it takes 15 hours of driving and about $100 of gas. It might be a long drive but it could be a great adventure.

When talking with my wife, I thought, well, why not make it a dog park adventure too. So readers, I've got a basic Mapquest layout of just the most direct route. What I'm hoping is that if you are anywhere near this route and want me to stop by our dog park we could stop for an hour.

Our more expanded route will drive down to DC, to visit by brother and his wife. Then head to Knoxville to visit my folks. After visiting for about a week, head north to Greensburg PA to visit more family and then head back to MA.

We don't have firm dates yet but the trip will be during the beginning of July. We plan on being gone for about 2 weeks. I'm hoping that when on the road, we could make 2 stops each day at a dog friendly park in your area, take some photos and hear about your dogs.

What do you think?

Dog survivor

I was just sent this link about a dog that survived 4 months on a island alone. Pretty amazing. Check it out.