Day 1: Portland to Boise is the Plan

Well we're doing it. We're on the road. The whole morning was just dread. I barely slept because I knew what was coming. Getting Austin into the car. He knows. The second the suitcases came out last night he started pacing and today he just followed me around with this look on his face. When it was time to go he did his classic move... the deadweight. He just lies on the floor and goes completely limp. He's over 100 pounds so its not like I can just pick him up. Its his ultimate protest and it works pretty well. We had to basically half-drag half-scoot him to the door. I felt terrible.

We went to the vet yesterday which was its own stressful thing. She was great though. We got two prescriptions, Trazodone for the anxiety and Cerenia for nausea because he gets motion sick. The vet said to give them to him about an hour or two before we leave. So this morning after the deadweight fiasco I managed to get the pills in him with some peanut butter. Then we just sat on the floor together for an hour waiting for them to kick in. I was just as anxious as he was I think.

And We're Off. Sort Of.

Finally got him into the back of the car. We have this dog hammock thing that covers the whole back seat. He's in there now and for the last few hours hes mostly been sleeping. Which is a huge relief. The meds are definitely doing something. He's not totally knocked out, he kinda shifts around every once in a while, but he's quiet. The only thing is the drooling. So much drool. The hammock is soaked in one corner but I dont care as long as hes not panicking.

We did our first real stop a little while ago to let him go to the bathroom. He was a little wobbly getting out, probably the meds. He did his business and got a drink of water but getting him back in the car was almost as hard as it was this morning. He just planted his feet and would not move. Had to use a lot of treats and coaxing. Now he's settled again but its just... a lot. I'm just watching his reflection in the rearview mirror, making sure he's breathing okay. It's so quiet and I feel like I cant relax for a second.

Our goal for today is Boise. That's about 8 hours of driving. Feels like forever. I'm just hoping the meds keep working and he can just sleep through most of this. I dont know how we're going to do this for five or six more days. Just have to get through today first I guess. Its gray and raining which feels about right for the mood in this car.