Have Van Will Travel — with Lab of Love.

Have Van Will Travel with Lab of Love

Yesterday I shared an update about our van conversion. It’s coming along nicely! And after I wrote the post, I scrubbed down the van floor and walls and though it was a dirty job, it now sparkles!  This also means it is ready for flooring. John used cardboard to cut out a template and my next task this week is to pick out the flooring. It will be a vinyl laminate and I’m thinking one that looks like hardwood. I can’t wait to see it in place!

After I shared the van update post on my Facebook page Hali asked if Kylie would be traveling with us. Actually, a few others have asked this same question. And yes, since I first started writing about this adventure two months ago, it was in my first post of “Have Van Will Travel Journal,” that our dogs are one of the big reasons we decided to do this conversion. Not only does it give us more freedom to travel, but it also makes it possible for them to come with us.

Gidget is a bit more flexible so I’ve taken a few photos of her in the van, but haven’t taken any of Kylie, so the question was most definitely a valid one. The reason being is that Kylie has to have everything “just so” and that is what we are working on. We want her to feel as comfortable as possible. Because she has arthritis she does not readily jump in the van (actually she never has jumped in the van or our car) – we lift her in and out – and we will be putting rugs in place for her once the flooring is in, so she will feel steady on her legs and feet. So that is a big reason why I’ve not yet taken or shared any photos of her in the van.

It’s been a few years, but Kylie has gone on vacation with us in the past. Just like John and I, it takes her about a day or so to settle in and get her bearings, but once she does, she adjusts nicely.

So yes, our sweet girl, a big part of our hearts, is going with us. 🙂

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Have Van Will Travel Journal: Cozy Comfort

Have Van Will Travel Journal: Cozy Comfort

It’s been awhile since I’ve updated about our van conversion. Life can sometimes get in the way!

We are heading for Tennessee early November with the van. And no, it won’t be ready in time. But we knew this. We plan to work on it over the winter so it is fully functional next summer. And we are only staying one night in a campground on the way down to Tennessee and then one night on the way back this time around. While in Tennessee we will be staying in a cabin.

So it looks like we will be throwing down some memory foam for a make-shift bed for this short duration we will be staying in the van this first trip.

The good news is that we will have power!  Whether we hook-up to shoreline (we discovered it’s called this whether you are in a camper or a boat) or we use our solar panels – we will have heat when need be and air, too.  This is very good news!

Solar panels fit inside ladder rack and behind it our air conditioning unit and Fan-tastic fan. Far end is open for additional storage.

And for a little more added cozy comfort I got the softest blanket that my sister made (Gidget is posing with it above). She said, “When I saw the dachshund pattern, I couldn’t pass it up!” She thought it would be perfect for our van, “Second Chance.” And she’s right – I just love it – and of course, I knew Gidget would too! So know doubt it will come in handy to snooze under while cruzin’, snuggle under in front of a bonfire, or when hanging out and reading in bed.

The goal is to have van insulated and sub-floor in place before we head out early November. I can hardly believe our vacation is almost here!  It’s been three years since we’ve gone on vacation, and we are both more than ready… and excited about this new chapter of what we hope to be many adventures with Second Chance – the Vamper!

Thank you for sharing and subscribing to my blog updates.

Past posts for Have Van Will Travel Journal

The Adventure Has Begun. New Home on Wheels. Who’d of Thunk?

The Conversion Begins

Inspector Approves of Phase One Conversion

She Gets a Name

First a Name and Now Mascots

Meet Molly Mocha – Frankie Wheelchair Fund Recipient & Available for Adoption!

Meet Molly Mocha - Frankie Wheelchair Fund Recipient & Available for Adoption!

One of my greatest joys in life continues to being able to help a paralyzed dog walk again with the use of a wheelchair.  Meet Molly Mocha who I heard about through one of my favorite disabled dog sanctuaries, Lovey Loaves.

As per Lovey Loaves website: Molly Mocha is 12 years old and weighs 17lbs  and considered a chocolate cream dapple dachshund. Her hind legs are paralyzed and she was diagnosed with IVDD at two years old and has dragged her hind end for the past ten years. She now has an Eddie’s Wheels cart that she uses regularly to run and play! Due to her hind end paralysis, Molly does require bladder expression.

Molly Mocha is available for adoption and she comes complete with her brand new spanking speedy wheels!  Please contact Lovey Loaves if you are interested.

Again…thank you to all that continue to support my mission to help paralyzed dogs in need. Without those generous donations I couldn’t do what I do. It takes a team and I’m grateful for everyone who has helped me in the past and continues to help. To learn more about the fund and/or to donate please visit here: https://nationalwalknrolldogday.com/donate-to-the-frankie-wheelchair-fund/

Molly Mocha’s wheelchair is custom-made by Eddie’s Wheels for Pets. To learn more about them please do visit their website!

…and today I was able to grant another wheelchair to a paralyzed dog in need… which brings it to 60 dogs the Frankie Wheelchair Fund has helped!  YAY!!  And I’m pretty sure I heard a ARF-A-ROO echo on down from heaven from Frankie!

Thank you for sharing and subscribing to my blog updates.