I Still Can't Board A Plane With My Dog!

It’s been six long years since I've been on a plane, and the reason is a big one—my large, lovable dog. As much as I want to explore new destinations, it’s hard to leave him behind. He can't board the plane with me because of his size. He has to ride in the cabin with me, not as cargo. He is not a trained service animal. He is only an emotional support animal. 

I saw some options to fly via private jet but my tiny budget won't allow me to pay. Private jets can cost thousands and thousands of dollars for a one way flight, and that's just within the United States. Private jets are for millionaires. 

I can’t help but feel a little depressed about missing out on new adventures. But on the bright side, having my emotional support animal with me means that even if I can’t travel far, I always feel comforted by my animal's presence.

This month is a big deal for me though! I’m gearing up for my first staycation in ages, and it’s happening with my boyfriend, who I’ve been dating for eight months now. I'm planning a 3-night local staycation with him, but there’s a catch—this is my dog’s first time at a boarding facility. I usually just bring my dog with me everywhere I go but this time I'll be going without him.

My mom kindly offered to watch my dog for free while I'm on the staycation, but I feel like boarding him is the right choice, even if it means incurring a small fee. I keep wondering how he’s going to react to being away from me. What if he goes into full-on panic mode? The thought of canceling the whole staycation at the last minute flickers through my mind more often than I’d like to admit. But part of me knows that it’s time to take this leap and hope for the best. 

Speaking of facing fears, I have an appointment at the dentist today at 3 PM to get my cavities filled for the first time. It’s a bit daunting to think about, but I’ve heard that it’s really not as bad as it seems. I guess today is going to be a day of new experiences.