Pet parents have a bit of a predicament when holiday festivities mean traveling far away from home. Do you hire a pet sitter? Take them with you? Stay home altogether? Once couple decided there’s only one choice here—take their 17-year-old Golden Retriever Jake along with them, even if it means a long car ride instead of a quick flight.
This family isn’t taking a single moment with Jake for granted and rightfully so. The sweet senior is a sight for sore eyes in the coziest car set-up for their long journey home. Take a look and be inspired to do the same with your fur babes.
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When Tasha Ryland (@tasharyland) was growing up, she probably didn’t realize her childhood pup would still be such a major part of her life, but what a beautiful gift. Laid-back and just happy to be included, Jake took the car ride in stride, just as he does with everything in his life.
The secrets to the Golden’s long, fulfilling life, according to another video, are keeping up with routine care (specifically his joints and arthritis), staying active, eating real meat and vegetable that Mom cooks, and keeping him comfortable. Above all else, Jake’s happiness through experiencing all life has to offer seem to have benefited him for the better.
As Tasha says, the bond is strongest by showing him how much he’s loved and appreciated each day, taking him to see and do his favorite things, and not taking a moment for granted. This brief clip is proof what a lot of love can do for a senior pup, and it has the internet reminiscing about their own dogs.
“I’ve done the same thing with my two dogs! They are family and deserve to spend the holidays with everyone too,” one person shared.
“His little bed head. I had the honor to take care of my lab girl up till 14.5,” another said.
“17.5 wow!!! My golden just passed at 12.5 and I would have given anything for more years. Yours is so precious,” another added.
If nothing else, may Jake’s story inspire all of us pet parents to make them a apart of every family celebration—because they are family.
Holiday travel tips for pet parents
Every pet should get to experience the holidays with their people, and it doesn’t have to be that stressful. Dr. Jo Myers, DVM at Vetster told Parade to be prepared before you go—including knowing what vet you can call if an emergency arises.
With a little pre-holiday proactive planning in place, anxious pets will feel at ease if your vet prescribes medication, supplements, or anxiety wraps to make the trip smoother, so get them seen beforehand.
Likewise, Dr. Myers says platforms like Vetster connect pet owners with licensed veterinarians via video-chat, so a vet can assess symptoms, provide professional advice, and even prescribe medications without the stress of scrambling to find an in-person clinic nearby.
“Pet parents should prepare a travel bag packed with everything their pets need, including food, treats, disposable bags, any of their favorite toys, and medications,” Dr. Myers said.
To travel safely with pets in the car, utilize carriers or crates in the car to keep your pet safely contained during the drive, and make stops every three to four hours “to give them a bathroom break, time to stretch their legs, and refuel on food and water,” Dr. Myers adds.
If traveling by plane of train, check all rules and regulations well in advance so not to get held up. Once you arrive at your destination, do a once-over to be sure there aren’t any hazardous items your pet could get into and set up a crate for them to have a safe, quiet space to retreat.
Every pup should be as loved as sweet Jake. Here’s to as many holidays together as possible. Enjoy every moment!
