A photo memoir of my first year of dog-friendly travel blogging
This is a photo memoir of my first year of dedication to dog-friendly travel. In the past, Mom and Dad took me on plenty of mini road trips through Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. They took an America road trip without me and missed me every single day. As we became increasingly obsessed with traveling together, we realized we wanted to learn and explore dog travel more. We decided to move to Portland, Oregon and our lives changed forever. In the past year, we’ve journeyed across America, explored the Pacific Northwest, and hiked through Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. My purpose is to show dog owners the beauty of traveling with your best friend while raising awareness of breed discrimination. I hope you enjoy these memories and that they inspire you to take your dog along on your next family road trip.
Kayaking with Dad on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida. Kayaking with Dad on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida. Posing at the Tennessee Welcome Sign. Hiking with Mom on the Gatlinburg Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Enjoying downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Enjoying the arch in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Fearing the corn fields in Nebraska.Observing Sioux Falls with Dad in South Dakota. Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota. Looking majestic in front of Sioux Falls in South Dakota. Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota. Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota. Enjoying cozy hotel beds.Posing with goofy roadside attractions.Posing with goofy roadside attractions.Posing with goofy roadside attractions.Enjoying the Badlands National Park. Hiking through the snowy Willamette National Forest. Hiking through the snowy Willamette National Forest. Hiking with Pluto through the snowy Willamette National Forest. Enjoying more delightful hotel beds.Checking out Mount Hood and the hotel from the Shining in Oregon.Tiptoeing through the tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Oregon.Tiptoeing through the tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Oregon.Hiking to the top of Angel’s Rest in the Columbia River Gorge. Hiking to the top of Angel’s Rest in the Columbia River Gorge. Staying at a haunted hotel in Centralia, Washington.Discovering my new favorite hobby at the Sandy River Delta in Troutdale, Oregon. Discovering my new favorite hobby at the Sandy River Delta in Troutdale, Oregon. Hiking Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. Hiking Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast. Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast.Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast. Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
How lucky can one dog be?
Pin this, pups:
Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I hike the Painted Hills!
This blog is a member of the #feetdotravel community. Join us to share travel stories, get travel advice, or read travel inspiration. Scarlett is also a regular contributor for Travel Pass magazine where you can read more of her work: www.travelpassmag.com.
42 thoughts on “A photo memoir of my first year of dog-friendly travel blogging”
I loved traveling with you sweet Scarlett. You took me to adventures that I have never gone to. Thank you for your amazing doggie friendly blog. You and your parents are certainly the happy wanderers. Woof-woof! Love you dearest Scarlett Begonias♡
That looks like a fabulous year to remember…now I have got my blog up and running, maybe my Labrador and Dudley could emulate this feat in the UK. Food for thought. Thanks
What a great adventure! I am amazed at the similarities between Scarlett and my dog, Kenobi. At first, he feared the water and would freak out if I swam out in the water. And if I went under, he’d rush out only as far as the length of his legs. Once he discovered that he could swim, watch out! He doesn’t want to get out of the water, and will play fetch all day long, if you let him. Poor boy is chest-heavy, though, and really has to work to keep his head up.
I think they do have a lot of similarities since they are in the same dog family 🙂 Scarlett used to freak out when she was a puppy, and I would try to get her to swim in the ocean with me. Now we swim and fetch all day long too. I think they get braver as they get older, just like us 🙂
Thanks Jennifer! We will never stop 🙂 in the winter we do slow down because it’s harder to drive around with the crazy weather in the PNW! We really appreciate your support ❤
He is definitely one LUCKY pup to travel as much as he does! I really miss not having a dog and can’t believe its been 5 years and only since Oct since my baby girl died 😦 Everyone always says though that with as much as we travel it would be impossible to have a dog and I disagree. We do a lot of road trips and I know there are plenty of dog-friendly hotels out there. The only problem I see is museums/castles but then I guess at that point could leave the dog in the hotel for the short time. I really need to get a new pup! #FeetDoTravel
Hey Lorelei! We both feel lucky to have each other. I’m sorry to hear about your baby 😦 . Road trips are the best with a pup by your side. I think the best part of living on the west coast is the ease of traveling with our pets. We use Rover.com if we ever want to leave Scarlett with a sitter when we travel somewhere she’s not allowed. You should check it out 🙂
What an exciting time you’ve had. Your mum and dad are so lucky to have such an adventurous dog who is happy to travel all around with them.I wonder what next year will bring!
Some really wonderful memories you’ve made all together! I love that you show people how traveling with your dog is so much fun. I’m not a dog owner at the moment but I´d love to be one day. I guess, it would make us do more of hiking and road trips! I hope with time every hotel will be dog friendly, cause here in Europe people really love dogs!
Aww, your photo memoir made me so happy and warm inside. I am definitely inspired to take my pups outdoors next time! I wish there were more dog friendly places in Australia for hiking. I think they would love it as much as you do!
Absolutely love love LOVE this. Some stunning photos here. Great way to share the idea of dog friendly travel with others and I’m sure it will inspire many! #feetdotravel
Scarlett, I LOVE reading about your adventures and enjoying your photos. That first photo of the sunbeams on you and the kayak as amazing. Your adventures are such an inspiration. I’m wondering how your family handles meals. When we travel with our dog, we’ve gotten take-out and eaten in hotel rooms if it’s too cold for an outdoor patio. Any advice? 🙂
Hi Sharon! Thank you 🙂 Sorry for the late response to this question. We typically try and find restaurants that have dog-friendly outdoor seating, have our food delivered to the hotel, or we order take-out as well. The only other option is finding a local groomer or a doggie daycare if you want to have a meal out without your pup. Scarlett gets anxiety so we don’t usually leave her anywhere when we’re on vacation 🙂
Wow Scarlett, you have travelled to more places than most hoomans – this is awesome. What a wonderful first year of travel blogging, I can imagine you were a little surprised to see how many places you have actually been when you put it all together like this. Keep on being the inspiration that you are and showing that people can travel with their dogs 😀 #feetdotravel
Really, I love every single photo! You travel more than a lot of humans. A reminder of the many cool places we have in the US and inspiration to keep exploring. My favorite photos are the ones in the canoe. Is it easy to find per friendly hotel? #feetdotravel
Hey Ruth 🙂 thank you! Depending on the area, it can be easy or hard to find a pet-friendly hotel. There are factors such as breed restrictions and weight limits that we have a lot of trouble with. Hopefully one day, we can help change that!
Big Dog Travel Blog 
I loved traveling with you sweet Scarlett. You took me to adventures that I have never gone to. Thank you for your amazing doggie friendly blog. You and your parents are certainly the happy wanderers. Woof-woof! Love you dearest Scarlett Begonias♡
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Thanks Grammy, love you 🙂
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That looks like a fabulous year to remember…now I have got my blog up and running, maybe my Labrador and Dudley could emulate this feat in the UK. Food for thought. Thanks
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It was a wonderful year! I can’t wait to follow your adventures 🙂 you can definitely do it!
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What a great adventure! I am amazed at the similarities between Scarlett and my dog, Kenobi. At first, he feared the water and would freak out if I swam out in the water. And if I went under, he’d rush out only as far as the length of his legs. Once he discovered that he could swim, watch out! He doesn’t want to get out of the water, and will play fetch all day long, if you let him. Poor boy is chest-heavy, though, and really has to work to keep his head up.
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I think they do have a lot of similarities since they are in the same dog family 🙂 Scarlett used to freak out when she was a puppy, and I would try to get her to swim in the ocean with me. Now we swim and fetch all day long too. I think they get braver as they get older, just like us 🙂
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Congrats on the first year. You sure know how to get around and do it with style.
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Thank you! We do have too much fun 🙂
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We love following you on your adventures! Don’t stop ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Thanks Jennifer! We will never stop 🙂 in the winter we do slow down because it’s harder to drive around with the crazy weather in the PNW! We really appreciate your support ❤
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gotta get this heartbreaker to hawaii and alaska!
>
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Yaaaaaaas girl, Pepa too!!! ❤
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He is definitely one LUCKY pup to travel as much as he does! I really miss not having a dog and can’t believe its been 5 years and only since Oct since my baby girl died 😦 Everyone always says though that with as much as we travel it would be impossible to have a dog and I disagree. We do a lot of road trips and I know there are plenty of dog-friendly hotels out there. The only problem I see is museums/castles but then I guess at that point could leave the dog in the hotel for the short time. I really need to get a new pup! #FeetDoTravel
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Hey Lorelei! We both feel lucky to have each other. I’m sorry to hear about your baby 😦 . Road trips are the best with a pup by your side. I think the best part of living on the west coast is the ease of traveling with our pets. We use Rover.com if we ever want to leave Scarlett with a sitter when we travel somewhere she’s not allowed. You should check it out 🙂
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What a wonderful dog life you have, Pub! My travel buddy, who went with me to South Africa, United Kingdom, and many countries on the European continent is retired now. Here you see Vlou and his best friend in South Africa, Kasky, a Basenji. https://animalcarers.com/2015/07/14/flying-to-france-by-vlou-the-traveling-beagle/
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What an exciting time you’ve had. Your mum and dad are so lucky to have such an adventurous dog who is happy to travel all around with them.I wonder what next year will bring!
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Some really wonderful memories you’ve made all together! I love that you show people how traveling with your dog is so much fun. I’m not a dog owner at the moment but I´d love to be one day. I guess, it would make us do more of hiking and road trips! I hope with time every hotel will be dog friendly, cause here in Europe people really love dogs!
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Road trips and hiking are the best, you should definitely get a little friend 🙂
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Aww, your photo memoir made me so happy and warm inside. I am definitely inspired to take my pups outdoors next time! I wish there were more dog friendly places in Australia for hiking. I think they would love it as much as you do!
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I am surprised Australia doesn’t have a lot of dog-friendly places to hike! That is bummer 😦
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Absolutely love love LOVE this. Some stunning photos here. Great way to share the idea of dog friendly travel with others and I’m sure it will inspire many! #feetdotravel
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Thanks Vicky! It was a beautiful year 🙂
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Scarlett, I LOVE reading about your adventures and enjoying your photos. That first photo of the sunbeams on you and the kayak as amazing. Your adventures are such an inspiration. I’m wondering how your family handles meals. When we travel with our dog, we’ve gotten take-out and eaten in hotel rooms if it’s too cold for an outdoor patio. Any advice? 🙂
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Hi Sharon! Thank you 🙂 Sorry for the late response to this question. We typically try and find restaurants that have dog-friendly outdoor seating, have our food delivered to the hotel, or we order take-out as well. The only other option is finding a local groomer or a doggie daycare if you want to have a meal out without your pup. Scarlett gets anxiety so we don’t usually leave her anywhere when we’re on vacation 🙂
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Awww. My heart melted at this. I always had dogs whilst growing up and this is bringing me warm memories.
#feetdotravel
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Awwww, thank you for sharing! It was a beautiful trip 🙂
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Wow Scarlett, you have travelled to more places than most hoomans – this is awesome. What a wonderful first year of travel blogging, I can imagine you were a little surprised to see how many places you have actually been when you put it all together like this. Keep on being the inspiration that you are and showing that people can travel with their dogs 😀 #feetdotravel
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Hey Angie. We were surprised to see how many places we have been 🙂 Thank you, we will keep on keeping on!
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Really, I love every single photo! You travel more than a lot of humans. A reminder of the many cool places we have in the US and inspiration to keep exploring. My favorite photos are the ones in the canoe. Is it easy to find per friendly hotel? #feetdotravel
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Hey Ruth 🙂 thank you! Depending on the area, it can be easy or hard to find a pet-friendly hotel. There are factors such as breed restrictions and weight limits that we have a lot of trouble with. Hopefully one day, we can help change that!
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Wow Scarlett, you certainly saw some sights in 2017. You scored with those pawrents, that’s for sure. 😉
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Thanks Shona! I’m a lucky girl 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Your furry friend is a beauty…..truly amazing experience you must have had
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Thank you so much! It was a beautiful year 🙂
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Love this!! I just started a blog of my travels with my dogs! I loved your photos from your amazing journeys!
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Congratulations! I can’t wait to follow your adventures 🙂 🙂 🙂
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This is fantastic! 😀 Looking forward to more of your adventures!
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Thanks for sharing! Glad to see others want their pups to live life to the fullest 🙂
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Lovely Blog
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Thank you so much 🙂
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What a fun dog blog. I especially like the dog and pig picture. I grew up in Portland, hope you love it like I do.
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We absolutely love it, thank you for checking out the blog! 🙂
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