What do you do about your pet?

[LadyReb]

I will be attending an event this spring that will have me away from home for a week including driving time. When I am away for 2-3 days my dog can stay alone since he has a nice big yard and house, but I can't leave him for an entire week. I don't want to board him so the logical thing would be to take him with me. I have seen others leading their dogs around the camps but what do people think about this? And what do they use for period collars and leashes? I never paid any attention to them before. I have only had Dakota for 6 months so this problem has not come up before. I researched the breed and found they were brought here by German settlers in the 19th century so that should not be a problem. Would I have to ask permission from the organizers?

[blue_zouave]

Dear Evelyn, you need to ask the organizers, and probably also the people you'll be camping with. There may be a rule against dogs in the place you'll be camping. Another consideration is his disposition, especially around loud noises. I've seen dogs, even calm dogs, extremely panicked at the sounds of battle.

For a period leash and collar, I had leather collars and leashes for my dogs. You could also use a leather collar and a length of sturdy natural fiber rope.

And as a veteran of reenacting with a shi-tzu/chihuahua cross and a pug... it's soooo much easier to leave them in the kennel!

Zou

[rock city guard]

Originally Posted by blue_zouave

And as a veteran of reenacting with a shi-tzu/chihuahua cross and a pug... it's soooo much easier to leave them in the kennel! Zou

A what? is that even a dog? Dogs weigh atleast 70lbs don't they?

[LadyReb]

Z,
Thanks for the advice. Next weekend we have an event 45 minutes from our home and I plan to take him on Sunday to see how he reacts. There won't be much going on that day except the battle. Guess I need to make a trip to the hardware store.

Originally Posted by blue_zouave

Dear Evelyn, you need to ask the organizers, and probably also the people you'll be camping with. There may be a rule against dogs in the place you'll be camping. Another consideration is his disposition, especially around loud noises. I've seen dogs, even calm dogs, extremely panicked at the sounds of battle.

For a period leash and collar, I had leather collars and leashes for my dogs. You could also use a leather collar and a length of sturdy natural fiber rope.

And as a veteran of reenacting with a shi-tzu/chihuahua cross and a pug... it's soooo much easier to leave them in the kennel!

Zou

[ole]

If it's not bigger than a football, it's not a dog.
Ole

[blue_zouave]

Originally Posted by ole

If it's not bigger than a football, it's not a dog.
Ole

LOL, the pug was nearly 30 pounds. She looked more like a bulldog. Zeke the mutt boy was Union through and through. He proved it by peeing on the Confederate flagpole!

My unit had a standing joke about my dogs... skinny Zeke was good only for soup, but the pug was pre-basted and tender timed!

They've both gone to doggie heaven now, which is inhabited by slow running, toothless, clawless kitties.

Zou

[samgrant]

I'm with Ole on size.

I'd just make your pet a mascot of your regiment or whatever, there is lots of precedents for this. There were several animal mascots during the war which were regarded as integral to the unit; dogs, eagles, etc., tho I don't recall any cats which is just as well. If you've got a nice chicken, remember Gen. Lee never went anywhere without his chicken.

[catspjamas]

I'm fortunate that my brother is able to keep my dog for me while I'm at events. Even better is when he comes to the event and brings her! My unit does not allow dogs, which I respect most of the time, I have taken her to a couple of events. She has her "period" outfit, a leather collar and leather leash. Though to be really period she would have either, or just a rope. I have never stayed in camp overnight with her though, and probably never will. I have been awakened in the middle of the night by someone hollering for their dog. Not good. While it is fun to have my dog with me, it is alot more work. You have to be respectful of the fact that some people don't approve of dogs at events, some are scared of dogs, you have to clean up after your dog, and I skip things like the church service because I don't think it's proper to have my dog there, and I can't go to the sutlers for the same reason.

Have you thought about hiring a pet sitter to come out and take care of your dog? If you take your dog to the event take along his vaccination record, especially rabies. Accidents can happen.

Joni

[samgrant]

I don't know if this is quite apropos, but years ago while camping in Tennessee, over the radio, they kept saying:

"Put your cat in an onion bag".

Maybe that's just a regional thing.

[southern_belle1861]

Originally Posted by catspjamas

Have you thought about hiring a pet sitter to come out and take care of your dog?

I fully support that. Seeing as how dogsitting is some of my income