Trying to decide what's best

[P458999]

In a few weeks, I will join the growing ranks of those who have to live in their car, and I am struggling to decide what is the best thing I can do for my canine companion, who I adopted five years ago.

Before that he had been in the same family but with various members for several years, but he’s been with me the longest time. He has become my best mate and the only reason I have kept going this long. Like me, he is an old fella and according to his breed, likely has another 12 – 18 months left in him.

In my head, I am planning a last road trip, pick a direction and see what happens and where I end up. I did something similar about 15 years ago in the same car, driving around Australia for 6 months. It’s a make or break trip and I would love to have my mate along with me, but I also recognise that aside from the condition of my car, a number of medical conditions I have, are likely to make long-term survival on the road difficult.

My worry is that if something where to happen to me out in the middle of nowhere, what would become of him. Equally, if I give him up, what will the time he has left going to be like. Will someone care for him as I have. Will he be happy with yet another change as he comes to the end of his time. Having been with me 24/7 since before COVID, the thought that he might end up sat alone in a yard all day or experiencing other major changes to the life he’s become used to, horrifies me.

At my age, I care little about what happens to me, nor does it upset me to the same degree as it does when I consider or discuss his future. He is like a child to me and I want to do what’s best for him.

So which is the lesser of two evils, take my mate with me, which may result in a premature end for him, or give him up to go live with someone who won’t care or cater to his needs as I have done?

[Ggrand]

Hello Dear P458999,

A very caring and warm welcome to our forums….

I’m just wondering if it’s by choice that your going travelling around Australia…only answer if you feel you want to….

Hard decision…for you to try to make, you said he is like a child to you, no doubts you love your dog unconditionally….as he does to you…I think leaving your dog behind will cause you a lot of stressful thoughts about how he is being treated and cared for….No one loves him like you do…

I think making the necessary precautions and letting family/friends/people know your whereabouts when you can….and making a comfortable place for him in the back of your car….I don’t know what type of car you have, but maybe place his soft bedding on the back seat or even in the front seat next to you….you could talk to each other, give each other cuddles…Be there for each other.. a dog isn’t just a dog they are our companions, friends, buddies our everything…..and without them with us….life just isn’t the same…I know taking him with you in the hot summer months can at times be difficult because it’s hard to go shopping…leaving our precious dogs in the car can be dangerous for them…My brother took his dog on roughly 12 week trip from Sydney to top of Queensland looking for his forever home…my brother mid 60’s and his fur baby is around 14 years old…..he had to go shopping very early hours in the morning or very late at night for that reason…it worked out okay for him….

There are plenty of pros and cons, a lot to think about…only you can make that decision…I know my brother told me, that he would do it all again with his fur buddy….because he had to not only think about himself but also think about his dog….and his dog gave him reasons to keep himself as healthy as he could….

Not sure if I’ve helped you at all….but I do wish you and your fur buddy all the best wishes I have…

Please Dear P458999, keep us updated on your thoughts, we are here for you as best we can be…

My kindest thoughts with my care..

Grandy…

[Croix]

Dear 458999~

Thanks for coming here, I hope the things people say will help.

I guess you may be asking a bigger question than your car trip, time limitations and your companion:

Why love at all?

We do, and that is despite knowing for everyone the relationship will end sometime. However how much richer life (long or short) is becuse of love and companionship?

That works both for you and your dog.

You can't know the future or what will happen about you, or your friend, in fact you do not even know how much time you will have at your journey's end to organize  a good home.

The only certainty is if you take him with you that while you are able to travel you will be together.

Croix

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

I do agree with Grandy and Croix in you taking your dog with you. But I'd also consider 2 more ideas.

Firstly if financially tested, small towns often need a cook or labourer.

And, you don't need to travel far in your car to enjoy your life. 

Finally, can you swap your car for a van? More room and some might have drawers and fridge.

TonyWK

[ecomama]

Hey P45, welcome to the forums. 

Definitely take your dog with you. I agree, you have his best interests at heart. 
You'll be great company for each other throughout your next adventure. 

Have you seen any YouTube channels on Van Life? 
So many people around the world are living in their cars, WITH their pets (one lady has a little disabled goat!) and although it takes some pre-planning, there are so many adventures they share, it's wonderful to watch. 

I wish you and your buddy all the best.
Safe journeys, 
Love EM

[P458999]

Thank you for the replies. It’s nice to read how you all feel that I should keep my mate with me, however some comments made me realise that I have given the wrong impression, and I wonder if that swayed your opinions.

Due to a number of health issues, some of which began around five years, I have been unable to work. As such I eventually had to turn to Centerlink for support. All savings have long since been depleted.

I would dearly love to work, and frustrated that all the skills and experience I have gained over the years are going to waste, as well as not being able to earn a decent income, as I have done previously.

In a few weeks’ time I will be homeless, as the property will be sold. There is very little in the way of accommodation in my or surrounding suburbs, and even less that  I can afford, and even less that will take an unemployed male 60+, with or without a dog, hence I find myself with limited options.

Yes, I would dearly love to swap my car for a van or even a station wagon, however my car is old and I suspect lacks the value to ensure a reliable alternative.

I agree, there will be problems to overcome when travelling with a dog, not least shopping, toilet breaks (his and mine), trying to find somewhere safe to stop over, shower and so on. That is part of what bothers me and makes me question whether he would be better off with someone else despite the upheaval.

[Guest_1584]

Hi op.

Gees you've had a great run out of your car anyway and eh the older cars were more reliable and simpler to fix than newer ones.

l actually wanted an older classic instead, 70s 80s, last time l was looking but the one l've got came up through a friend and l bought it. l was kind of disappointed though tbh it's that damn complicated l can't do anything to it and l did have my heart set on an older classic.

On your choice though my vote is go for it and take your mate with you. Dogs are simple fellas they don't need much just your companionship and hey they love road trips, driving and all those new spots to sniff.Yeah it'll be a pain sometimes finding somewhere but that's what tents and nice river spots are for.

Maybe as you won't be paying rent you can give the car a bit of service , buy a nice little tent and some comforts.

lf he does go along the way he'll go happy, it'd beat moping round the house if your a dog l bet.

Good luck anyway with whatever you decide.

rx

[Croix]

Dear 458999~

My wife and I had to leave our house for three weeks and entrusted our dog to a pretty good friend for the duration. Certainty well fed, allowed indoors and basically pampered.

Upon our return we were just about bowled over by a furry missile who left us in no doubt our reappearance returned  life to normal (for all of us actually).

I'm not saying you may not have prblems, however they are simply new ones, I'm sure you have had plenty in your 60+ years anyway. I strongly suspect your canine companion will give you the heart and encouragement to find solutions.

As an aside dogs are great conversation starters, and we often talk with complete strangers who also have a dog or two, it can lead to the most surprising places

Croix