We're off!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Originally posted by Vermontcat
Samantha says she is so happy that her golden-eyed Tubby is back!

Tubby is resting up right now, I'm sure, so we can have a good photo session one of these days.

Originally posted by Cataholic
Welcome back! Why couldn't Tubby and Peanut go with you guys? They coulda seen the country!

I wish they could come with. The problem is that Terry is too worried about them and he would be a basket case thinking that they are scared with the different surroundings, noise from the engine and movement while we're actually driving. I've tried convincing him they would be fine, but we haven't actually gotten to the point of taking them yet.

He did say that maybe sometime this summer when we go to a local state park for the weekend we can do a trial run. I know Tubby would be fine because he's always been an adventurous sort , but Peanut is such a scaredy cat that I would worry about her - and I can't bring Tubby and leave her home alone because then I'd worry that she was lonely, so it's kind of a catch 22. I think she'll be fine as long as she has her little hiding spot (which I will be sure to provide), and once we get there and plant it for the weekend, I'm sure she'll be fine.

There are other things to consider like what do we do with them when we go someplace and leave the motorhome (most parks don't allow animals alone in rv's - and for good reason) and where do we put the litter box - not to mention the food and water bowls and if we're outside most of the time, is it fair to them to put them through all this then keep them inside while we're outside, and so on.

We're probably making way too much of it all and should just throw them in the motorhome and go, but they are both getting on in years and we don't want to upset them too much unneccessarily. Hopefully we'll get them out this summer though, because I really miss them while we're gone, and they miss us too.

[Logan]

I have told this story before, and I know that a motor home is very different from a pop up Skamper Camper, but, here I go again!

I lost my sweet Shrimp Boat because I thought she was miserable staying at home every time we went camping. We drove to a state park in SC, took Shrimp Boat and our Lab, Chuck, with us in the car, and when we got there, we took Shrimp Boat out and put her in the camper as soon as we got it set up. Nowadays, I would have used a cat carrrier, but back then, I didn't even know what a cat carrier was! She escaped out the door of the camper in the dead of night, when we were bringing things inside, and we never found her. I spent three days, knocking on camper doors, asking everyone I saw about my precious girl to no avail. She had tags with current information, but no one ever called.

Moral of the story.........I am with Terry. Leave Tubby and Peanut and when you get home, have a joyous reunion with them. I would never want anyone to go through the grief I did in 1989. Thankfully, Mimi joined me very quickly after the loss of Shrimp Boat, and boosted my spirits somewhat. And she is still with me today, at 13 1/2 years old. But I have never gotten over the guilt of losing her.

Glad you had a terrific trip, and welcome home!!

Logan

[lynnestankard]

Debbie - WELCOME HOME!! Sure missed you and am so pleased your back safe and sound, NOT as pleased as Tubby and Peanuts obviously - BUT pretty pleased!!

Lynne

[Edwina's Secretary]

so are you thinking about going to the open house your favorite shelter is having...on the 20th I think you said? We could meet there, hang out for a bit to support the shelter then have lunch or something.

I haven't heard anything and it isn't on their calendar yet. I'll have to call them and see how it is coming along.

The Red Door

[NoahsMommy]

Sounds like you had a very nice time! Except for the motorhome getting hurt...

I tend to agree with leaving the kitties home. Losing them would be terrible.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Originally posted by Logan
Moral of the story.........I am with Terry. Leave Tubby and Peanut and when you get home, have a joyous reunion with them. I would never want anyone to go through the grief I did in 1989. Thankfully, Mimi joined me very quickly after the loss of Shrimp Boat, and boosted my spirits somewhat. And she is still with me today, at 13 1/2 years old. But I have never gotten over the guilt of losing her.

Glad you had a terrific trip, and welcome home!!

Logan

Thanks for the welcome back everyone.

And yes, this is one of the things I've thought of too, and one of the many reasons we haven't brought them along yet. I don't think it will be too much of a problem though, because Tubby knows what "NO" means and to stay away from the door when we're coming and going. I think he learned his lesson when I slammed a heavy door on his tail a few years back. (ouchie!) And Peanut never makes an attempt to run out the door - too scared I guess, but yes, I would be devastated if they did get out and got lost, especially at their ages, and Terry would be an absolute basket case for months to come.

So as you can see, there are many reasons why they haven't come along yet, and this is definitely one of them. There really is much more involved than just dumping them in the motorhome and taking them with, and we just haven't gotten to that stage yet.

[Logan]

I hope you know I was not trying to lecture.........only speaking from a miserable experience, that 13 years later, I have still not gotten over. I'm just glad you are home, safe and sound, and your babies are still with you!!!!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

No problem, Logan. I appreciate the words of wisdom as I always try and learn from others' experiences - although, unfortunately, sometimes the stubbornness I inherited from my father dictates that I learn on my own.

And I know you only had Tubby's, Peanut's and my well being in mind, and I appreciate you caring enough to take the time to share a bad experience of yours in the hopes of keeping T & P and me from having to go through the same thing.