Bladder expression while traveling

[amyestes]

Hi friends,

Wishing everyone here a holiday season filled with love, joy, peace, and good health, whatever you may be celebrating. Tomorrow my brother and I set off on a car trip that is 11 hours under the very best conditions to get to our mom for Christmas, with my special needs cat and his special needs dog in tow. Given the number of stops we anticipate having to make, we will probably be on the road more like 13 - 14 hours.

We did this last year and although it was not perfect, I was much happier than when I have left Miss Kitty at the vet. I am working very hard to maintain her schedule this year. In an ideal world I would be able to express her bladder at least once while we are on the road tomorrow.

I am trying to think of how to do this without spending $ for a hotel/motel rm for half an hour. We are in a rental car. I usually express her into a sink. Driving from near Charlottesville, VA to about 70 miles southwest of Nashville, TN. We were brainstorming tonight and wondering about veterinary offices/shelters (maybe for a donation? ), Petco or Petsmart stores. Anyone else done this? Would love your tips and suggestions!

Thanks so much!

Amy

[CarolC]

Well, personally I really wished I could take my dog into the McDonald's restroom and pull down the baby changing table and lay a pad on it and express there. But since I didn't want to risk it, I expressed her on the hood of the car and poured a big cup of water on it to rinse it off. I also expressed her on the grass. I like your idea of PetsMart, it all depends on what their bathroom facilities are like. Do you need a counter or do you hold her in your arms when expressing?

[amyestes]

Thanks Carol! I usually need a counter -- she grasps the edge and I hold her rear over the sink to express her - however your question made me think if I can enlist my brother to help, I may have more options. I love your ingenuity!