Dog travel: Why you should not take your pet on vacation

OK, let’s talk about dogs. Specifically dog travel and the recent string of incidents involving United Airlines. People seem to be divided into two camps: Those who want to vacation with their pet and those who don’t.

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I am and always will be in the “don’t fly with your dog” camp. Here’s why: It’s a dog.

That’s it. That’s my reason.

“But Ron, you don’t understand. My dog is part of the family.” OK, but it’s a dog.

“But Ron, my dog will miss me.” Maybe, but I think it will get over it quickly. It’s a dog.

“But Ron, you don’t understand. My dog is my baby.”

No. No, it’s not. It’s a dog.

Dog travel: It’s not a thing

Listen, I get it. I love dogs. I’ve had three dogs at one time. And I’d get down on the ground and roll around with them. I’d throw the ball and play tug of war. We’d drive around and I’d open the window so my dogs could stick their face in the wind. I’m a total dog guy.

I’ve paid for ACL surgery, laser therapy, and braces for dogs. Yes, my dog Gertie, rest her soul, had to have braces. I loved the Gert. It sucked when she died. But at the end of the day, Gertie was a dog. Did I pack her into a carry-on and fly her with me on vacation? No. Why?

How can I explain this so everyone will understand? She was a dog. Dogs are not people. Dogs are not babies. They are not human beings. Dogs are just that — dogs.

I would gently suggest that if you can’t stand the idea of being separated from your dog while on vacation, then that says more about you than your pet.

So while I would never suggest that it wasn’t United Airline’s fault for what happened in these recent incidents, maybe we can all dial back on the dog travel?

“But Ron, you just don’t get it!”

I’m going to stop you right there.

It’s a dog.

You can hear “What are we talking about here?” everyday at 4:45 p.m. on 97.3 FM.

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