Back Story

I’ve always wanted a dog since I was a kid. My mom knew I wanted a dog but her and my dad weren’t dog people, so getting a dog wasn’t an option. I always told myself that when I got older, I would finally get a dog and that was my plan for years. But life had other plans.

When I reached my late teens and early twenties, I began having an interest in travel. I started with traveling domestically, and finally visited my first country in my mid twenties. All I could think about was travel and getting a dog wasn’t a priority. It wasn’t until my late twenties that I started considering getting a dog again. Even though I really wanted a dog, friends who had dogs told me that it wouldn’t be a good idea to get a dog now because I traveled too much and… travel was definitely my passion.

In my mid-thirties, when I moved to North Carolina from New York City, I finally decided to get a puppy. Her name is Ruby and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. I still travel, but travel looks different now, and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.

The Biggest Shift: Travel Isn’t Just About Me Anymore

Travel was always something that I would do whenever I wanted to. I sometimes would make a joke that “I’m getting an itch to travel,” and would start looking up destinations, flights, and accommodations. I would also sometimes start booking flights and accommodations. As long as I had the money and time, I was going.

Now being a dog mom, booking a trip whenever I want isn’t that easy for me. I know if I book this trip, I will be excited, but I’m also leaving my pup. I now have something that depends on me, and I’m super overprotective of her.

Planning Trips Around Ruby’s Care & Routine

Usually when I travel without my boyfriend, Ruby usually stays at home with him. Which is so convenient because she can stay home where she’s the most comfortable and I know her routine will be the same even without me there.

A couple of months ago, my boyfriend and I traveled for the first time internationally since having Ruby. We went to Aruba for our anniversary, and decided to leave her with our dog trainer at his training and boarding facility. We knew that she would be taken care of, as well as trained while we were gone. We only had to pack her food, treats, and toys because they had everything else she would need there.

The Emotional Side: Missing My Pup From Miles Away

I remember the first time I left Ruby and I felt terrible. I had a work trip to New York City planned before my boyfriend and I brought Ruby home, and as much as I thought about canceling the trip, I couldn’t. She was only two months, and was home with us for a little over a week before I left. A couple of hours before heading to the airport, I held her and kissed her, and couldn’t stop crying. I didn’t want to let her go, and felt so guilty to be leaving her so soon after bringing her home. I also felt guilty for leaving my boyfriend alone with a new puppy so soon. Ruby is the first dog either of us has ever had.

While in New York City, I was looking forward to going home. I missed my boyfriend and Ruby so much. I kept thinking about the things she may be doing that I could be missing. Even though Ruby is now one, I still miss her like crazy. Even more now because we built this strong bond since she was a pup and I miss everything about her when I’m not with her.

I did a combo trip to St Vincent and the Grenadines and then to Trinidad and Tobago this April, and it was the first international trip I took since having Ruby. It was hard. I went with a friend who also has a dog, so we spoke about how much we missed our dogs… ALOT. I always stay connected to love ones while traveling, and Ruby was definitely one of them.

How I Stay Connected to Ruby While Traveling

One way I connect with Ruby is through our doggie camera. I usually check the camera to get a glimpse of her. The camera also allows me to speak to her, so sometimes I will call her name, and say a couple of things to her. I can also throw treats from the camera, which I love and so does she.

Another way is through WhatsApp video chat. I usually call my boyfriend while traveling and sometimes we like to throw a video chat in, and I always ask to see Ruby. He would put the camera in front of her so we could see eachother and I would speak to her and blow her kisses. Everytime I see her on camera, I just want to snuggle her and kiss her a gazillion times.

The Joy of Coming Home Has a Whole New Meaning

While on my flight back home, all I could think about is getting home, and how excited I am to see my boyfriend and Ruby. We have a bedtime for Ruby, so sometimes I’m disappointed when I get home extremely late, and they both are down for the night. But when that happens, the next morning is just as magical. When she sees me for the first time after traveling, she’s jumping all over and whining, and I can’t stop petting and kissing her.

When a Destination Is Pet-friendly, Ruby’s My Plus-One

Now when I plan to travel domestically to a city that’s pet-friendly, I bring Ruby along. She’s the perfect travel buddy. When I brought Ruby to New York City with me, I planned most of my itinerary around Ruby and going to pet-friendly places. Next year, my boyfriend and I will be doing a lot of domestic traveling, and Ruby will be right there with us.

What I’ve Learned About Myself as a Traveler and Pet Parent

Becoming a dog mom has added a new layer to how I see myself, not just as someone who loves exploring the world, but as someone responsible for another little being who depends on me. I’ve learned that I’m more intentional with my time, my choices, and my energy than I ever realized. Travel used to be all about the thrill of discovery, chasing new experiences, and hopping from place to place without a second thought. But now, I think about how my absence affects Ruby, how I can make her feel secure, and how to create a balance that honors both my love for travel and my responsibilities at home.

I’ve learned that I can explore new countries without feeling like I’m abandoning my role as a pet parent and I can return home with a fuller heart, knowing she’s part of what makes coming back feel so special. Instead of seeing travel as an escape, I now see it as something I integrate into my life.

Most importantly, I’ve realized that loving a dog doesn’t limit my freedom; it deepens it. It gives meaning to the journey, a reason to be present, and a reason to return with more stories, patience, and gratitude. Ruby has made me a better traveler… and travel has made me an even more grateful dog mom.