I have a very specific method of packing for upcoming travel, thanks to my emotional 8.5-pound Shih Tzu, Elle. I covertly create stacks of clothing, as if I were simply putting away clean laundry, and wait to bring suitcases out until the very last minute. As soon as Elle sees the bags appear in advance of one of my frequent trips—travel journalism is one of my regular beats — she tucks her tail, glares at me from underneath her signature top knot and leaves the room in a huff.
However, I get the opposite reaction when she sees her “supplies” appear — a favorite “baby” (the stuffed animal she’s insisted on sleeping with almost every night since I brought her home 13 years ago), leash and harness, treats and her food. In that case, she springs to life, pouncing on the suitcase, wagging her tail and barking at me, as if to say, “Hurry up, Mom! There are places to see and adventures to be had!” It’s not surprising that she loves a change of scenery as much as I do.
If you, like our contributors at Atlanta Pet Life, love spending every possible minute with your four-legged best friend, this issue will be a delight. We’ve packed our pages with helpful tips on how to best getaway with your pet. Claudine Wilkins, attorney and founder of Animal Law Source, has provided a helpful toolkit in “Traveling with Your Pet” on page 28, so you’ll know how to best advocate for your animal when flying. Among other fun stories, Laura J. Moss offers her hints for making your cat comfortable on road trips (“Trip Tips” page 26), and Nicole Letts shares what are sure to be travel goals in her “Pets at Work” column (page 10) about the Italian travels of stylist Annette Joseph’s Dachshund.
No matter where your travels take you this season, we wish you safety and joy as you explore with your pet.
Jennifer Bradley Franklin
Interim Managing Editor
Atlanta Pet Life
