Finding Their Road Trip Rhythm

The first few days of our trips are when routines are invented—not just for us, but for dogs. Once Clover relaxed enough to understand that this wasn’t just another outing, her real personality reappeared.

The first sign that Clover wasn’t completely convinced about this whole adventure was not obvious unless you knew her well. She seemed perfectly happy, but every time we stopped she refused to do her business. Raven, on the other hand, treated every rest stop like a NASCAR pit stop—out, done, and back in the truck.

Once Clover decided this road trip was her new normal, another familiar behavior returned. She slowly expanded until she occupied approximately 97% of the back seat, leaving Raven—who is noticeably larger—to negotiate for the remaining 3%.

Mealtime has required its own diplomacy. Clover has never believed Raven should be allowed to eat if she can help it. We’ve developed a serving order that keeps the peace, but I made the mistake of bringing bowls without rubber bottoms. They slide across the trailer like hockey pucks. This has the potential for ruining the peace.

Interestingly, the dogs will happily drink from the same water bowl together. Apparently sharing water is acceptable. Sharing personal space is another matter unless Clover is in the right mood. Raven adores her in spite of her sometimes intolerant behavior towards him.

Road Trip Moments

Every campground presents its own challenges. One had goose poop. Another had cigarette butts scattered through the fire ring. If there is anything Clover likes to eat better than goose poop, it’s cigarette butts. Fortunately, I realized her interest in the fire pit soon enough to prevent her from becoming the campground’s volunteer litter cleanup crew.