Lots of people have pets that are treated like members of the family. That means taking them on vacations and even weekends at the beach. I spoke with Layton Matthews of Goodyear, Arizona, and he was looking for advice.
LAYTON: Cap’n Greg, I’ve got a problem with a little bitch.
CAP’N GREG: Have you tried dinner and a movie?
LAYTON: Haha. I should’ve been more specific. It’s a three-year-old Yorkie named Mabel. Cutest thing you ever saw.
CAP’N GREG: A dog, huh? Then the movie probably wouldn’t do much good. What’s the problem?
LAYTON: I’m headed to Rocky Point for a week, and I don’t know if I should bring her along. What kind of hassle am I looking at to cross the border with a dog?
CAP’N GREG: Actually, not much. Like about everything else, when you visit a foreign country, you follow their rules and you’re good to go.
LAYTON: Like what?
CAP’N GREG: The Mexican border people may not even ask for it but just in case, take proof that Mabel has had her shots. And also, her current license paperwork. When we bring our Pom/Silky Jezebel across, she has her current tag attached to her collar, and we’ve never had an issue.
LAYTON: Okay. What if she gets sick?
CAP’N GREG: Rocky Point has a number of full-service vets. Many carry the same medications you get in the States, except they are a lot cheaper.
LAYTON: Good to know. Do they offer grooming, too?
CAP’N GREG: You bet. Also, much cheaper. Some can work you in without an appointment, but it’s always good to check first.
LAYTON: My Mabel is mighty picky about her looks.
CAP’N GREG: So is Jezebel. We drop her off, go to Capone’s for pizza and beer, and when we come back, she could win Best of Show at Westminster.
LAYTON: I’ll check it out.
CAP’N GREG: One more thing, on your way down, stop at the Why Not Travel Store. They sometimes have donated dog food you can pick up and leave at Barb’s Dog Rescue just north of town.
LAYTON: Great idea. Thanks for the info, Cap’n Greg.
MABEL: Woof. Woof.
LAYTON: And Mabel thanks you, too.
