May 21 & 22, 2018

On Monday, we left Wakaw, SK on our way to get our new Airstream at Can-Am in London, ON.  We made it to Brandon, MB and stayed at a lovely pet-friendly hotel.  This was Poppy’s first time in a hotel, and she behaved herself quite well.  She was so happy to get out of the vehicle.  However, we really miss travelling with an RV.  We have packed most of the goods from our International Airstream into our GMC truck, so we have no room to spare.  Poppy’s crate takes up most of the backseat, but it is worth the loss of space.  She feels safe in there.

On Tuesday, we got an early start. (We woke up at 5:30! Eek!) We headed straight to the border.  Since we were so packed, we knew we’d set off a red flag.  However, that really didn’t set off the red flag.  Daisy did.  We anticipated some questions since her vet discontinued her vaccinations due to congestive heart failure.  Her rabies vaccine was due in May.  Since her final vaccinations were still valid during our winter trip, all was well.  Thankfully, our vet gave us International Travel Certificates for both dogs (this time for free!) and Daisy’s certificate explained why the vet deemed it detrimental to continue vaccinations.

We had to pull over for inspection.  Poppy stayed in her crate, and we went inside with Daisy.  Paul had to complete a customs form while our vehicle was inspected and the officers waited for the official vet’s response.  They were all very calm and kind and kept us informed about the progress.  Finally, the vet looked over Daisy’s forms and gave her the all-clear.  She told the officer that they don’t really expect dogs over 12 to have vaccinations (Daisy is 15).  That was news to us and the 2 customs officers looking over our case.  We knew there might be some issues with Daisy, and we were willing to take the longer Canadian route.  However, we were worried that if we were turned away, we would always have to answer the question “Have you ever been denied entry to the US?” in the affirmative.  Now, we have to consider whether we will return to Saskatchewan by travelling through the US.

Also, they didn’t confiscate the dogs’ food even though we no longer had the bag.  We were hoping for this, and it was a good gamble.  We just don’t have room for a fresh bag. We have to wait until move-in day!

Next, we were on the road and made an obligatory stop in Rugby, ND to take some pictures of the girls.  We have pictures of our first dog, Honey, here from when we moved West from ON back in 1995.

Rugby is the Geographical Center of North America.  These days, Daisy is the center of our universe, requiring much medical attention.  However, for Poppy, wherever we are, she finds the Geographical Center of Attention!  It’s true!  She always manages to plunk herself down in the middle of a circle. That way, she’s in cuddle distance to everyone.

Next, we passed through Bemidji, MN and had another photo shoot.  Here are the girls with Paul Bunyan and Babe and art in the Rotary park, (and look at what is across the street from the park!):

The girls were pretty restless and weren’t going to pose for me.

We stopped for the night in Duluth, MN.  We found another pet-friendly hotel, but this time it was harder.  We tried at another hotel, and we were directed to this one.  It’s beautiful and smells really nice!  Best of all, we each get our own bed again — real beds!  –not like the uncomfortable Chinook beds (Oh, my aching back!).

We will end tonight with pictures of Daisy.  A) getting a bath in the Chinook (she requires bathing every week)  B) lying on the Airstream sofa before we handed it in to the insurance company (We had always protected the upholstery with covers.  Why?  So that the insurance company can get paid more in the auction?  We will USE our next Airstream to the max!  No more upholstery covers! And we will cook inside!  And we will use the toilet!  OK.  I’m talking big now.)

Fifteen more hours of driving to go.