I came home Saturday from helping my daughter post shoulder surgery. To help her more, I traveled home with her pug Waffles. This photo was taken at the airport.
A family who lives near her took care of Waffles while my daughter had surgery and for the week while I was helping out. That’s because my daughter was staying at our son and DIL’s apartment — and our son is deathly allergic to Waffles.
The family sent my daughter pictures and videos every day. One that made me laugh was the mom and two kids in bed with Waffles. The kids were fighting over who got to sleep with Waffles, so the mom had them all sleep together!
Waffles hangs out in the daytime in my husband’s office.
I was a little nervous about traveling with Waffles. I’ve never flown with an animal before. But he was a trooper. My daughter has flown with him lots of times since his puppyhood. Now he’s nine years old and a pro at air travel.
My daughter gave me the low down on traveling with Waffles. She said I had to have him in the carrier when I checked in. I was instructed to call the airlines to make a reservation for him and then pay $125 at the check in counter. He used to travel for free. The fee is a new add on along with $35 for a checked bag — which also used to be free.
She said once I checked in, I could walk him on a leash through the security line. I had to place the carrier in the luggage tub to be scanned along with my purse. Then I carried Waffles through the security check point. Once through security, Waffles was back on his feet and I walked him to the nearest pet relief station — of which my daughter knew the exact location.
While we were waiting for our flight, Waffles jumped back into his carrier and snored. I took him on one more trip to the pet relief station before our flight boarded. While I was walking with Waffles, a woman came up to me and said, “This is so unnecessary! You are adding to the chaos!”
“Whoah!” I thought. I was only walking a 20-pound, well-behaved dog on its leash! I turned to her and said, “I don’t have a choice. My daughter had surgery and I need to take her dog home. This is my chaos.”
I got a half grunted “Oh, I’m sorry,” in reply.
Once on the airplane with Waffles inside his carrier, it fit under the seat in front of me. He slept and snored the entire flight.
Waffles likes to sunbathe on the throw rug by the sliding glass doors. That’s where kitty Olive spent her mornings, too. The first thing we do in the morning is take Waffles for a walk around the neighborhood, to our little park, and back up to our home. He is ready to go! He seems to enjoy a strict routine. So do I!
Have you traveled with a pet? If so, did you find it easy?
What do you think of strangers voicing their opinion on what you’re doing?
I’ve never travelled with a pet, no less a handsome boy like Waffles. (Love that name!)
But I think you showed great restraint in not punching that woman in the mouth for her rudeness. I swear people feel so entitled these days there’s no such thing as polite society.
Please tender my apologies to Waffles on behalf of the human race.
😉
Waffles used to have a dark face, but now he’s got salt and pepper. You gave me a good laugh. A punch in the face was my first instinct too. I will tell Waffles that and he knows there are some nice people out there, too. The rest of the time, we were met with smiles and people wanting to pet him.
I hope your daughter did well with her surgery, and is feeling better.
I’m surprised you could fit a pet carrier under the seat in front of you, and was unaware you could travel with a dog under the seat. I have seen people with small dogs on their lap, on planes. So I guess the rule is, you have to stow your pet under your seat on takeoff and landing? Would the overhead bin work?
My daughter did really well with surgery. Now she’s cleared to shower and can take her sling on and off for that! That makes her feel much better.
The little dogs are supposed to be in their carriers for the entire trip. Since I’ve never traveled with a dog before, I followed the rules. I don’t think an overhead bin would be safe. There might not be air in there.
You are much braver than me. I’m anxious enough with things going wrong at the airport with security, long lines, rude people, delayed flights, etc. What a nice and behaved dog! Glad it went well.
I was losing sleep over the prospect of traveling with Waffles. He is such a well behaved and experienced flyer that it was relief. I had one snafu on my journey home. I got kicked out of the security line because my boarding pass had my daughter’s birth year instead of mine! She made the reservation for me, and her laptop autofilled her year.
I’m so sorry you had negative encounter with that lady. Why in the world would she even say that as it seems Waffles was being just fine? I just don’t understand people sometimes or why they speak before they think about what is going to come out of their mouth.
Thank you, Deb. She literally sprinted over to me to make that snide comment. Waffles and I were walking quietly to the pet station, minding our own business. I do think it’s a problem when people feel they have to give their opinion, when it isn’t asked. I remember that happening when my kids were very young. Did you ever experience that as a mom in public with your kids?
Oh I’m sure it happened, as well as a lot of side-eye sort of snarky looks. I know my kids and know for the most part they were pretty well behaved so I tried not to let those types of things get to me. I think people like this often have their own insecurities based on personal experience and sometimes feel they have to look for others to feel better about their situation… Maybe that lady had someone complain to her about a pet at some point?
My kids were mostly behaved, but they were kids and aging adults seem to think it’s their duty to criticize. I think you’re correct about people’s insecurities and have to look at others to feel better about themselves. Fortunately, I met some really nice people that made the experience so much better. One couple doesn’t live too far away and I may run into them again.
We let our pugs choose where they sleep in the bed. Trying to decide for them is a lost cause. Iago (the older one) opts for the end of the bed because that is where the fan breeze is the strongest. Razzy usually sleeps tight next to me in what we refer to as “the prime real estate”. Funny thing, when we are watching TV, he prefers to fall asleep in Cupcake’s leg sleeve as she lounges, but prefers to sleep by me in the bed. Go figure.
Pugs are such cuddly dogs. Waffles like to sleep under our bed. When I can’t find him in the house, that’s where I find him. It must seem like a cave to him. Pugs are such people dogs.
Waffles does just like Razz and Iago sleeps in the sun by the outdoor porch! He looks older, like Iago who is 16 years old. We only have traveled by car. I was amazed at the teachers who brought their pet to UAE. I thought that was very brave. I haven’t had so many strangers voicing their opinion recently. Sometimes I have said something jokingly over something random or odd I noticed but I try to keep to when we get in the car and go forward.
Waffles has aged a lot since I’ve last seen him. His dad was a Black pug and mom Fawn colored. Waffles had a very dark face and markings. He is turning all gray!
I’m never traveled with a pet, but I can imagine it makes traveling just a little more complicated.
Strangers are always expressing their opinions, and so many of them so it, I think, just to be a jerk. I’m sorry you had to deal with that, but I’m glad you made it home safely and that Waffles is settling in nicely.
Thanks! Waffles was so much easier than I had imagined. My daughter was so helpful to explain every step ahead of time. People are rude. Waffles is doing very well but doesn’t like to get his feet wet. So today’s rain is a challenge to get him out for a walk.
Poor little guy! Hopefully, it dries up soon.
I was able to get him to walk at noon. I talked to my daughter on the phone and she verified that he refuses to go out if it’s wet outside!
I traveled half way across the country in two cars, with 3 cats and 2 big dogs….. Sneaking into motel rooms can be fun and interesting if you are into people watching (I could write a book). Never flew with critters.
Wow. That sounds like quite a feat. You reminded me of my dad sneaking his hunting dogs into motel rooms.
It was a crazy adventure.
I can only imagine!
How was Waffles adding to the airport being busy? People are so rude! And what if he was barking? So what. How does that really slow things down. Ugh. You handled that with grace. Sadly I don’t think I would’ve had the same calmness. Good for you Elizabeth. Go Waffles!!
Waffles didn’t make a peep. I’m guessing this woman was not a dog lover! Maybe it was Waffles little wobble back and forth steps that upset her….I think they’re adorable. Yes, I had to take a deep breath to answer her.
You’re calmer than me!!! How is waffles hurting her. Geeesh. Makes me question people. Really. Give me pets any day. People not so much. 🫣🫣😂😂😂😎
I agree with you on that. Waffles has nothing but love in his heart.
Looks like Waffles has taken over the house already
You’re correct. Waffles has taken over the living room, office and our bedroom. I’m keeping him locked out of the casita because we sometimes have guests, including my son, who are allergic to him.
I hate even having to take Betty in the car, much less plane. Betty is not exactly well behaved. As to strangers offering advice, my advice is don’t…
It took me awhile to not offer unsolicited advice. I was sure my advice was so important and helpful. This woman reminded me why I quit that. Waffles is so easy. He jumps in his carrier while in a car or a plane and snores.
No one wants advice…. especially re parenting, which you’re essentially doing with waffles
That’s so true. I used to write a sports parenting weekly column and I’d get the nastiest comments. I thought people could learn from my mistakes and others I saw for years. But they really don’t want to hear it!
Isn’t it interesting how some people think their opinion must be voiced no matter what. I think you made the perfect response. Enjoy your time with Waffles!
I’m glad you liked my response.I didn’t think it through. Just a spontaneous answer to an unnecessary question.
I have never flown with a pet, only in cars (not without occasional issues). I can’t believe that woman thought it was her place to berate you for having a well-behaved small dog. Sheesh. Not appropriate at all. One rule-breaker I recall (long before 9/11) was a woman next to me on a plane with sugar gliders tucked into her jacket’s inner pocket. Sugar whats, you ask?! They are some type of small flying squirrel. I never heard of them before that, either.
Wow! Flying squirrels? How wild is that? I thought the woman who confronted me was out of control. She looked so smug addressing me.
What a rude woman.
You are a good mom, Elizabeth. Your kids are lucky to have you. 💜
Enjoy your time with Waffles (I love his name).
She was rude! Thanks for the kind words. Waffles kept us up all night, or most of it. He had to go out at midnight and was up for good at 3 a.m. I’m exhausted!
OMG- I bet you are! 🤣
My photography class ended at 9:20 p.m. It’s a good thing it was interesting and I learned tips for Photoshop and improving my old scanned in photos of kids at the beach. Otherwise I would have fallen asleep!
I’m glad your journey with Waffles was comfortable.
Me too. I didn’t know what to expect.
Now you know, and next time it’ll be easier. 🩷
I have to bring him back in a few weeks for my son’s surgery. I don’t want to fly a third time for Waffles.
Very understandable
Thank you so much for sharing your Waffles travel story with us, Elizabeth! This made me smile:
“While we were waiting for our flight, Waffles jumped back into his carrier and snored.” What a good boy he is…and boo/hiss to the nasty woman who should’ve kept her yap shut. Geez Louise. Loved your response. Sending hugs and snuggles to both you and Waffles! 💝😊💝
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed my Waffles travel story. I’m waiting for my son’s surgery date and I’ll be taking Waffles back to the Bay with me! 💕
Love it! You are a traveling twosome! 🥰
I’m just waiting for the date and I know I don’t have to worry about Waffles on the plane!
Right! He’s quite the calm companion! 😜❤️😜
Except last night when he wanted to go outside at 11 p.m., 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.! 😅
Yikes!!! Tiny bladder?!? Over hydrated..or curious about the wildlife?!? 😜
I don’t know what it was, but it was pretty annoying! It was a rainy day yesterday and I learned he doesn’t like to get his feet wet. He didn’t get his usual walk in, so maybe it was lack of exercise?
Sounds reasonable to me…he’s quirky like the rest of us! 😜❤️😜
So true! 😊
Waffles is so cute, Elizabeth, and I’m glad the flight went smoothly. That woman was rude, in my opinion, but great response. I love this: “Now he’s nine years old and a pro at air travel.” He’s probably better at flying than I am. 🙂
Thanks. He is a cutie. I was so worried about traveling with Waffles, but it turned out fine. I don’t know what point that woman was trying to make!
We’ve traveled with our dogs before, but I have to admit, we flew private, and they could do whatever they wanted, and no one was bothered. Generally, they are in the car for all trips.
Um, strangers voicing their opinion is the last thing we need. (we, as in all of us collectively!) How rude. Maybe she’s causing chaos, not Mr. Waffles!
BTW, I’m glad your daughter gave you all the instructions, because airline travel can be stressful, and not knowing the protocol would make it more challenging.
So, you’re going to fly him back when she is fully recovered? Thank goodness for you—I- I’m sure your daughter appreciates you so much.
Flying private would be the way to go with dogs. You’re correct, that woman was causing chaos. The way she pushed her way through the crowd to criticize me was chaotic! I’m not sure when I’m going back. When my son gets a surgery date, I may take Waffles with me and hand him back to the family who was watching him before. In case my son doesn’t need surgery, I’ll keep the pup until my daughter is well.
Waffles is a lucky guy, to have so many people caring for him. 😍
Waffles has a world of people loving him. He thinks he’s pretty special. I’ll have to post photos of him from my daughter’s college days. The sports marketing people at her university used him for social media posts promoting the swim team. They’d pose him in goggles, the lifeguard chair, etc.
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Glad all went smoothly. He looks happy to be home. I’m sure you are too.
I’ll be going back up to the Bay area as soon as my son gets his surgery date. My son will find out when the big day is next week. I’m happy to be home while it lasts!
Love that Waffles is such an experienced traveler. Sounds like he did a better job of staying calm than that lady did. Perhaps she needs a therapy animal to help her hold it together.
You gave me a good laugh with that woman needing a therapy animal!
Oh my gosh, on the stranger saying that to you. I would have told her that her opinion was totally unnecessary! Crazy how people can be!
I sm glad he traveled so well. I would have been nervous, too. Haha, about the neighbor and her kids sleeping all in the bed with Waffle. He is a cutie!
I couldn’t believe that women. What gets into people? When I go back up for my son’s hernia surgery, Waffles will go back to the family that adores him. My daughter still isn’t able to take care of him and my son is allergic.
I don’t understand people!
Too bad about your son being allergic. Was he allergic to dogs as a child?
Yes, he was allergic but our dog and cat were outside mostly. He got weekly allergy shots and had two sinus surgeries, kindergarten and fourth grade. In spite of that, we had no idea how bad it was….Also it’s gotten worse as an adult.
Allergies are awful, and I know they can get worse and you can develop new ones. My husband developed a shellfish allergy when he was in his 30s. I can’t imagine being allergic to dogs!
My kids developed all sorts of food allergies as adults they didn’t have as kids. Quinoa plus apples and stone fruit! How awful.
Stone fruit? I never heard of that. I developed my wheat allergy when I was 40.
Never heard of stone fruit or stone fruit allergies? Wow, my kids are 20s and 30s. I wonder if they’ll develop more allergies?