Shonah and Todd's Travels: April 2015

It's been a long time coming, but Shonah finally convinced Todd (the allergic one) to adopt a dog as a travelling companion. (Honestly though it didn't take much convincing toward the end as the roles were reversed when it came time to sign the adoption papers) While working in Chicago, neither of us felt it would be fair to adopt a dog there, when we did not have much time to spend with it due to our hectic work/travel schedules. We began searching for our travelling companion about eight months ago. Our target was definitely a rescue, an adult of 1 to 2 years, and small in size (15-20 pounds due to our limited living space). Based on that criteria, we focused our search on a terrier mix with the right disposition (not too wild and crazy). Well, we looked and looked, not agreeing on any of the dogs we saw until we were at an adoption event in Orlando and when a cute, calm puppy was brought in... Before anyone else could snatch him up, he was in Todd's arms (for about 2 hours) while Shonah worked out the details, paperwork and payment with the rescue.

Chip is a male whose mother is an Australian Shepherd that got pregnant in a high kill shelter in Alabama before being saved by the no-kill rescue we visited in Orlando. While we are not sure about Chip's dad, we are thinking that he was probably a Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier based on Chip's look, size, and disposition. He was approximately 11 weeks old when we adopted him which means that we've been having 'lots of fun' working through all of the house breaking and obedience training that we were hoping to avoid with a 1-2 year old dog. He's quite smart and is a fast learner, but also has a 'very' independent personality that is definitely testing his position in the household. He weighed only six pounds when we got him and had small paws, so we were hoping that he'd stay small, but since then he has been slowly growing every day (including the paws, yikes). It'll be interesting to see if he will meet at least one of our initial goals of less than 15-20 pounds.

While travelling full-time with a dog may present some challenges and could limit where we can go or how much time we need to make a border crossing, we have been enjoying the extra companionship and are willing to work through those challenges. We are currently residing just outside Titusville, Florida for 7 weeks while Chip is attending Puppy Kindergarten once a week so that his new parents (meaning us) can learn how to teach him and for him to have some fun. So far, he is enjoying spending time at the doggie park almost every day, going for bike rides in a back pack, but hasn't yet developed a love for the water where he will eventually learn to paddle board with Todd and Shonah.

Todd, Chip and Shonah

Chip at 11 weeks old

So cute, we just had to have him...

Chip is quite a good traveler, enjoying time in his special seat up front, though as this picture shows, he (and Todd) sometimes like to nap while driving.

Since his first bike ride with Shonah, Chip has gotten very used to riding while in either the front or back positions.

Chip's first experience at the beach went well, if you don't count not liking the water

With somewhat limited space, Todd and Shonah gave up one of their bench seats inside and modified it to become the home for Chip's crate and supplies.

Some of you may recall Shonah and Todd's first dog (also named Chip) who is a Sony AIBO (autonomous robotic dog). Chip Sr. is currently keeping Todd's parents company back home in Ohio. We miss him very much.

...makes no difference who you are... Any trip through Florida would not be complete without a stop to enjoy some of the many theme parks around Orlando. Truth be told, Shonah is the roller coaster lover and Todd just tries not to get sick on the rides.

While in Orlando, we purchased a two day Disney park-hopper pass and a two day Universal Studios multi-park pass. We have both been to Disney World before, but Shonah had never been to Todd's favorite park, Disney's Animal Kingdom. So that was first on the list. In addition to a "Safari Tour", the Animal Kingdom has some high quality shows and a roller coaster or two. A day at the Animal Kingdom was followed by a night at the Magic Kingdom where we enjoyed the classic Main Street Electrical Parade, a roller coaster (or two), Celebrate the Magic light show, and the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular fireworks display.

Next up was Universal Studios, where we (Shonah) enjoyed the more impressive roller coasters and we got our first taste of their new Harry Potter themed Daigon Alley. It's impressive to see all the ways more money can be made from the Harry Potter franchise. In addition to all the merchandising, parents can buy their children $50 wands to wave in front of animatronic displays to turn them on and off. Many hard core fans also wandered around in wizard capes adding to the overall ambience.

Back at Disney on day three, we took in Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot in the same day. A few more coasters, a tour around the world, Epcot's classic nighttime IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth show, dinner in "China", and a concert by the 90's alternative rock band Gin Blossoms rounded out the day. After that, we were ready for a day off before spending our final theme park day at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure where Shonah was able to truly indulge his roller coaster itch by riding the Harry Potter Dragon Challenge coaster ten times in a row (for those familiar with it, the Red dragon was his favorite)!

Mickey and Minnie greeting guests at one of the many entrances into Walt Disney World.

Black Rhinoceros on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Reticulated Giraffe on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Ankole Cattle on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Wildebeest on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Elephant on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Greater Flamingos on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Male Lion on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Grant's Zebra on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Mama and cute baby Ape at Disney's Animal Kingdom

The Cinderella Castle in Disney's Magic Kingdom lit up by the Celebrate the Magic light show narrated by some of everyone's favorite Disney characters.

Todd and Shonah's selfie at the entrance to Universal Studios.

Tim the Minion in the Univesal Studios' SuperStar Parade

Shonah posing with Jerry the Minion at Universal's Minion Mayhem gift shop. (If you can't tell Shonah is a Minion fan!)

Ollivander's Wand Shop in Daigon Alley (from the movie Harry Potter) where kids of all ages could purchase their interactive wizard wands. At $50 a pop, Universal and author JK Rowling are doing "very" well.

A side view of the guarding Ukranian Ironbelly dragon at Gringott's Bank, from Harry Potter. The dragon breathed fire at the crowd every 15 minutes.

Shonah trying to steal a bite of Chief Wiggum's donut in Springfield, home of the Simpson's animated cartoon.

So many classic movies showcased at the entrance into Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park.

Minnie and Mickey at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Beast and Belle at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Lumiere at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Woody at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Miss Piggy at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Mufasa, Simba, Rafiki, and Sarabi at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Pumbaa and Timon at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

And of course, Disney would have to have Elsa and Anna from the movie Frozen in attendance.

Lightning McQueen at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Mater at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Shonah and Todd with Sorcerer Mickey and the Magic Brooms.

Little Todd and his $4.75 Mickey shaped pretzel.... Enough said.

STEV had a fantastic parking spot at Disney's Hollywood Studios which also made for a great advertising opportunity for EarthRoamer since the parking spot was right at the front gate.