Vanlife With A Dog | (tips and tricks)

Hey guys!

I've had a few questions about my sweet little fur baby Eliza, so I thought I would share the ins and outs of traveling full time with her. If you are interested in learning about how I handle vet care on the road, how we keep Eliza from overheating, and the biggest pros and cons of traveling with your pup, you've come to the right place!

Socials:

Donations:

[sunnydae]

I cannot imagine living life without a dog💖

[chungrigby]

I traveled with my Remi for a decade out west. He was very smart, super loyal 100 pound German Shepard. I slept like a baby in the wilderness knowing Remi was beside me. He was truly my best friend too. He passed away at 13 in the wilderness last year and I buried him on a hill with beautiful sunrises... Fortunately a wild dog I help in the wilderness have me her pup Carl before she died. Carl is so loving and we are very close. (PriusLife Nomads Off Grid Community)

[jessicahickey]

“A dog like Eliza is literally the perfect van dog in every way.. I am biased, but I am also right” yes

[hannaharmer]

The dainty lady! Eliza can look into your soul with those eyes- she's the sweetest nugget! Aunt Hannah misses her! It's incredible how she's transformed into such a confident pup. She's so lucky to have such a wonderful mama.

[briancclevenger]

Dogs are all love on four legs. They are the best companion wherever you go in life. I have been blessed to have had many in my life, from a German Shepard under my crib as an infant to my current fur buddy. They bring so much joy to your life and for you, on the road, she's also your part-time guardian angel as well. I wish you both many days ahead together as they are with us today and gone tomorrow. Pet her for me and you both stay safe and take care.

[carls]

something you might try for doing the dog seat belt is to put a hook of some sort on the floor or cabinet near the floor where Eliza can lay on the floor and be connected using the dog seat belt thing. Loving your vids. Keep it up please. :)

[Samtzu]

She is a beautiful dog (those eyes!!) and she trusts you completely.... you two make a good pack....

[huntressflorals]

Dogs are the BEST!! Especially love that you talked about vet care, that was my biggest concern as I contemplate van life with my pup! thank you 💐🐕

[BigJFindAWay]

Thanks for telling us all about Eliza. I was really hoping you would. She really is a remarkable dog and I can see just by watching your videos that she's the ideal dog for vanlife. You're lucky to have her. She's lucky to have you.
Remember the video you posted about the fire? I could tell Eliza was apprehensive in that video. Very good to pay close attention to her moods.
Those food and water bowls for her are amazing.

[danm]

Helpful & informative, great idea for this weeks video. Eliza's eyes are her voice, so expressive.

[norm]

You are so fortunate to have found such a wonderful travel partner, yes they can be very needy, but they offer so much more such as someone to talk with, security and most of all support. Have a wonderful week.

[andreaflynn]

Maddie, I LOVE your videos!! I'm a teacher "of a certain age" with 3 kids and a husband (and a loyal German Shepherd), so van life is not in my immediate future, but my dream has always been something like this. Your videos are so well done, so heartfelt but fun and practical as well, and it makes me yearn for the times when I can do this, probably after I retire. But who knows. One thing the pandemic taught us is that even teachers can work remotely. Keep making those awesome videos!! I love seeing Eliza and her adorableness!!

[Tatiidany]

I loved the Eliza commercial i would donate my whole entire check!

[Rgp]

If I had it to do over again I'd spend years living on the road and your dog is the right friend to go with. Enjoy your adventures and cherish your health and youth. The hard part is the short lives dogs live. Make every day count!

[ghaywood]

Eliza is so cute. What a beautiful girl. Safe travels for you and Eliza.

[thehrinkingbean]

Safe dog travel award goes to Ruffland Kennels. It will take up space in your van but they are light weight enough to move easily. We were almost rear ended once and it scared the crap out of me. Loose dogs in vehicles = really bad for human and dog. I feel so much better having them!

[sunshinechaser]

I love your dog ❤! She is always so chill and laid back. Being a single female on the road, the chances of someone messing with you are alot less when u have a large dog on your side.

[ivi]

Dogs are amazing creatures. I had a Doberman growing up and I’ve had a boxer for the last four years and we love her so much. She is part of our family and even goes on vacation with us. They are so innocent, so loyal and loving

[miniskooliewanda]

Gosh you got me teared up when you said, "A love letter to my dog"....I love that. I currently have an 8 yr old Chihuahua, Tia (and a 9 yr old cat, Tabasco, aka Tabi), but when I move into my tiny-home-on-wheels I'll be getting another dog to come along with being, Tia is a great "alarmist", but I want to have a more "intimidating-looking" dog. So in case someone gets the idea to try to steal my tiny-home-on-wheels, they'll have second thoughts. Eliza is GORGEOUS, such a sweet girl, you're so lucky to share your life and adventures with her. Thank you for sharing this vlog, Maddie. Hugs from me, cuddles from Tia :-) P.S. I don't know any specific brands, but I would recommend (I'll be doing this too when the time comes) getting a long "lead" for Eliza, so that if you're ever, God forbid, in an accident, that she doesn't run away/into long enough to allow her to move around as she needs to while you're driving, but short enough that it would keep her out of harms way :-)

[mytranslucentreflections]

Oh my goodness, yes! (About being aware of danger when it's around- and especially being aware, without being completely paranoid about it when it's not there!)