As we begin to pack for our Walla Walla getaway, our two schnauzers, 15-year old Tinker and 8-year old Tally, start to get anxious. We always try to pack in secrecy but they always somehow seem to know. It wasn’t until my wife got out their travel backpack that they began to settle down.  It was almost like we could hear them say, “we get to go?” It’s Dog Dog to Walla Walla, “a town so nice they had to say it twice.” Just as you need two dogs! Only poor Frankie our cat will be left behind to fend for herself for two days. She just made a very rare appearance in my office, as if she knew I was writing about her. Before we hit the road, we’ll take the pups on a “Schnauzerthon,” hoping to tire them out for the ride. Weather permitting, they will get the same special treatment for the next two days in Walla Walla.  

It’s about a four-hour drive into lower Washington state, enough time for them to settle into their beds. Tinker will be worried for the first hour, but will soon adjust once she figures out we’re not dumping her somewhere. She has never forgotten her time abandoned in the woods prior to her adoption. We speculate that her former owner drove to a wooded area and let her out. The vet that examined her at the animal shelter found acorns in her stomach and commented on how smart she was to keep her digestive system functioning. She has since suffered from separation anxiety and is always asking for food. Any change in her routine brings about suspicion. Today’s long car ride will be no exception. 

Walla-squared will fulfill one of our long discussed travel goals while living in the Northwest. Vancouver B.C. will be our next local trip over the 4th of July holiday. The dogs will then get their first international travel experience, after visiting at least 15 states. Oh Cana-dog!