Editor's P.S.

Southern Living, Nov 2001 by Murphy, Morgan

postscript

Southerners love animals and have been known to domesticate pigs, cows, raccoons, skunks, opossums, squirrels, birds, cougars, wolves, buffalo, and even snakes. But the most loved animal in the South has been man's best friend-the dog.

Our relationship with canines is a complicated one. Southerners have kept these companions for the company they offer as well as for their utilitarian skills. Dogs here are used to hunt, guard, lead the blind, guide firefighters, sniff for bombs, and comfort the sick. They've been praised in our music, "Old Shep" being one favorite. Even Southern writers are deeply connected to their four-legged friends. Mississippi author Willie Morris let his dog Skip drive the family car. Then there's a coon dog graveyard in Franklin County, Alabama, where monuments (with one said to cost $5,000) extol the virtues of fallen pooches.

As Travel Editor, I'm often asked what I do with my dog while I'm on the road. It's simple: I take him with me. Southern hospitality extends to pets too. Here's a guide to traveling with Fido in the South. MORGAN MURPHY

Top-Five Dog Vacations

We looked to Chris Kingsley, co-author of The Portable Petswelcome. com: The Complete Guide to Traveling With Your Pet, to give us the top Southern places to take Fido along for vacation.

* Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: "Allows you to take your pet into the park and theatres, as well as on a 5-mile train ride through the surrounding park."

* Schooner Wharf Bar, Key West, Florida: "All the local dogs hang out at this waterfront, open-air bar to watch the sunset."

* Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: "Dogs are welcome on the...bike paths."

* Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: "Pets can stroll through Market Square and Duke of Gloucester Street, and ride with you on the shuttle buses."

* Annual Reindog Parade, Charleston, West Virginia: December features "music, costumes, contests and a whole lot of fun as pooches take to the streets decked-out in their holiday finery."

Traveling By Air

Most airlines allow small pets to fly in the cabin (albeit with lots of rules and limitations), but some relegate all dogs to the luggage compartment. Stowing your furry companion in the hold is riskier, so make sure to take some commonsense precautions. Don't fly during busy travel times when schedules get delayed. Avoid midday summer travel here in the South; during winter months, afternoon travel is best. Don't tranquilize your pet without the advice of your vet. Do put labels on the carrier, and do tell the pilot that an animal is on board. Book direct flights to reduce the chance of lost live "baggage."

Driving With Fido

Dogs love the open road. Most cats do not (and should therefore always be confined to a crate while in a car). But it is a sad sight indeed to see how most people let their dogs motor around. Dogs sticking their heads out of car windows, ears flapping in the breeze, are a common but disturbing sight. Road debris can easily injure your beloved friend, not to mention what could happen should you get into a fender bender. Sounds nutty, but a doggy seatbelt is one of the best travel aids you can buy. Pet supply company R.C. Steele offers the Easy Rider Car Harness, which loops through your car's seatbelt, for just $9.98. Call 1-800-872-3773.

For an upcoming issue

The South is filled with interesting places. One of our favorites is a beauty salon that also advertises "ammo and live bait." We'd like

to hear about (or see pictures of) your favorite signs. Send them to Travel Editor, Southern Living, P.O. Box 523, Birmingham, AL 35201; or e-mail us at travel editor@southernliving.com. include your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. For each submission published you will receive $25.