Monday, October 13, 2014

Moxie's First Vacation


While it's a bit crazy to travel from NYC to New Orleans with a not-yet-four-month-old puppy, I knew it was the right choice when we were heading south for a wedding. First of all, how could I resist taking the pooch on a national adventure and more importantly, how could I leave her at home?!


Much went into the planning and prep for Moxie's first big adventure and I was quick to Google for just what we needed.

To start, I needed to find a pet friendly hotel and was pleased to come across the lovely Omni Royal Orleans, which was pretty and just the right price - also centrally located in the heart of the French Quarter. Then I set out on finding a dog nanny to sit with Moxie while we were at wedding festivities. After a ton of searching, emailing, and calling I finally found the friendly and accommodating Sarah's Pet Care Revolution, who offered Erin to hang out with the pup as much as we needed. I was surprised with how many pet services there are in NOLA and was also surprised with how many were booked full (or unresponsive at that). What a relief when I was contacted by Sarah's, letting me know that they were happy to help. In addition to that, I also made sure that Moxie had her doctor's seal of approval and we were all set with her flying on American Airlines, as well. And further, I also had to find out the best restaurants and bars that allow little pooches (Bring Fido was a good resource).

After much planning and prep (even going so far to ship pup supplies to the hotel), we were ready for our trip.


Fearing for the worst (as I've heard some horror stories of dogs traveling), we encountered the best and our pup was amazing - greatly exceeding our expectations. Our flight took off at a very early 6 a.m. and I did all the right things to ensure a drama free trip (like not feeding her breakfast before departing, ensuring we had ample supplies, etc.). Moxie was excited and ready to go - and we were too.

As mentioned, she loved her crate and wasn't phased by the sights and sounds, much to my relief. From being in a car, carried through the airport, carted on a plane and all around, I was pleasantly surprised with how good she was.


We arrived in NOLA and Moxie made the hotel room home. It was hard not to, as she had all her favorite things - from toys to blankets, and more.


We were quick to set out around the city and made our first stop (and Moxie's first lunch out) at the highly rated, dog-friendly Cafe Amelie.


Among others, one of the highlights of the trip (for little Moxie at least), was free reign of the hotel room bed. Normally, she isn't permitted into our bed at home, so this was a very special treat and unique occasion. From playing peek-a-boo to lounging about, Moxie was in heaven.

She also enjoyed trotting around town the city (or being carried, as she prefers) - meeting people and pets along the way. We went to a cafe for beignets, toured around the French Quarter - and the cherry on top, was her blessing for St. Francis of Assisi Day at St. Anna's Church (full post to come on that one, as it deserves it!). 

By the end of our long weekend in NOLA, we were all ready to head back to NYC. As nice as it is to be away, it's always the best to return to a home you love.

Moxie, too, was ready, and took the chance to hop in her carrier, well before we were ready to head to the airport!


2 comments:

  1. I love the peek-a-boo on the bed pic. I imagine she will want to get onto yours once she is home ;-)

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  2. Thanks, Amy! She is crying to be in the bed every night, but we're trying not to budge on that (trying is the operative word)!

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