The Golden Labrador Retriever had been well cared for, though its fur was dirty from what looked like days of neglect. My colleague coaxed the pup into her car, as it had been running along a very busy, four-lane highway during rush hour traffic.

Who would have abandoned such a beautiful pet? She was somewhat relieved when within a couple days signs were posted along the highway with her new friend’s picture displayed. As she returned the pet to its now relieved owners, she found out they had just moved into the area a few weeks earlier from across the country. The dog had gotten loose and ultimately lost in its new surroundings.

Most times the first inclination to the family pet that he’s about to go on a journey to a new home far, far away is when he’s been given a dose of puppy Dramamine hidden discretely in a clump of peanut butter; stuffed into a port-a-kennel; and slid into the back of the car, front of the truck or cargo hold of an airplane. Ouch…there’s got to be a better way.

Well, there is. The Internet is full of tips for animal lovers who are moving Buffy with them, to ensure the family pet – probably the family’s most precious cargo – arrives safely.

If you’re carrying your pet with you in the moving van (up front, not in the back) or car, Allied Van Lines provides some tips on pet care during these busy days of travel.

Published: October 4, 2002

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