Monday, March 14, 2011

Looking forward to the weekend (and it's only Monday!)

Buzz riding shot gun

Traveling with a diabetic dog is not an easy feat by any stretch of the imagination. But we are heading to my parents house this weekend anyway, a 12 hour roundtrip car ride.

Traveling with Bella was easy peasy. She slept on my lap for the entire car ride, went to the bathroom when we stopped, let us eat lunch in the car without bothering us, etc.

Then came Buzz. Having two dogs now, we kept them both in the backseat so one wouldn't feel left out. This alone caused unimaginable stress in Bella, causing more than a few trips to be pretty unbearable for my husband and me.

And one day, Bella was totally fine with it and trips home were soo much easier.

Then came diabetes. We have to make sure we pack his test strips, meter, treats, insulin, syringes, etc etc etc. We have to make sure we aren't traveling at the time of day when we would need to test and give insulin. We have to make sure we stop so he can exercise and pee. A lot. Then comes the stress of dropping my husband off at his parents house (our parents live relatively close to each other, both in smaller homes, so we usually stay separate). At my parents house, my mom assumes the role of Darren, helping me test Buzz's sugar and giving him insulin. They don't have any dogs there - my family dog passed away in 2009 - so at least that part of traveling is pretty easy.

Then it comes time to leave and do the traveling part all over again. But we are going to brave through it this weekend. My niece's birthday was at the beginning of March and my nephew's is at the beginning of April, so we are heading home so I can take them out for a day on the town (they both just turned, or are turning, 6!! I feel so old!!).

I am so excited to see my family and Darren's family, and with proper preparation (lots of proper preparation!), I know that traveling with diabetes won't be so hard. I'll let you all know how it goes!! :)

3 comments:

  1. Hi,
    I know exactly what this is like I rescued a dog here in Brazil. She was actually a cruelty case. She had two happy years and then developed diabetes. It changed my whole life. I wish you all the best and know that you really love Buzz. Dogs in Brazil.
    www.janeiro-emmy.blogspot.com

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  2. Good luck with traveling with the two dogs! Especially Buzz with his diabetes. You two are brave for taking a 12 hour round trip with your dogs! I don't know if I would travel with Riley or not...she's a great traveler, but I don't know if I could handle it!

    Elyse and Riley

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  3. No wonder you're looking forward to the weekend. There's nothing like family time. :)

    We drove back to Iowa (from Texas) with Gus last summer. It was difficult enough and I can only imagine the added stress/anxiety when you throw diabetes into the mix.

    Buzz (and Bella) are so lucky to be in your family. They are obviously loved to pieces.

    Enjoy your trip...I hope the car ride goes smoothly!!

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