Road trip with Oscar, by Oscar, who does not forget anything.

My human once packed for an entire weekend and forgot my leash. I sat by the door with my best "really?" face while she unpacked half the car to find it buried under the cooler.

It taught me something: packing for a dog is not about bringing everything. It is about bringing the few things that actually matter, and knowing who has your back when you are away.

So I made a list. Not a long one — a smart one. Cleo would tell you to add a lint roller, but she is a cat and she is biased.

The Essentials

• Leash, harness, and my favorite toy. The toy is non-negotiable.
• Food, water, and a collapsible bowl. Hotel bowls are a gamble.
• A trusted sitter on standby. Travel plans change; a good sitter does not.

That last one matters more than people think. A dog who stays home with someone kind is often happier than a dog dragged through a long car ride. There is no shame in staying behind with a good human.

My human keeps all of this — plus the person she trusts with me — on my card. One look and she knows exactly who is looking after me, and how to reach them.

Tail up, windows down,
Oscar 🐾

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