Monday Mischief #28 - Flying with Mr. N. Never again?

Mr. N is a good traveler and he's used to new experiences. He's traveled via bus, light rail, trolley and planes before as well as by car. I take him almost everywhere where dogs are allowed.

Last week, we traveled to visit the boyfriend's family. We deliberately booked a direct flight because we were flying with Mr. N. It started off smoothly. Mr. N was cooperative in his carrier, we made it to the airport early and went through security without any trouble. There were even people offering chocolate and cocktail samples at the airport.

Display at airport bookstore

Once we got on the plane, the trouble started. The pilot announced that they found a crack in the wing so they had to examine it and get approval before we could fly. Well that took over three hours. Which we spent sitting on the runway. I finally asked to get off the plane so Mr. N could go to the bathroom. Shortly afterwards, they ended up having all the passengers get off the plane.

I rushed him outside. The Portland airport does not have an indoor bathroom area for dogs so I had to go outside, walk him around and go back through security. Then everyone had to reboard the plane.

So between going through security, waiting on the runway and the actual flight, Mr. N was in his carrier for over eight hours. For the first couple of hours, he was good if a little restless but by the time we finally departed, he was clearly displeased. He would whine every now and then and try to get out of the carrier.

By the time, we landed, everyone was stressed. Most of the passengers missed their connections, a group of high school kids had to rush to catch their international flight and we were hungry, frustrated and tired. And Mr. N clearly thought that this was cruel and unusual punishment.

The boyfriend went to go deal with the bags and I took Mr. N out. There was no grass outside but I finally found someone who told me about an AstroTurf area for dogs in a corner. He went and then as we were waiting for our ride, he threw up. I didn't have anything handy so I held him up to the trashcan which had an opening just big enough for his head to fit through. I told him he was a good boy for waiting until we got off the plane.

I hope our return flight goes more smoothly or I may never attempt flying with Mr. N again. And that would make him very sad.

*Onyxx is vacationing at She Speaks Bark's house this week. Visit her blog for Onyxx pictures as well as stories of his shenanigans.