There’s something incredibly special about traveling with your furry friend; the views turn more beautiful, the journey becomes more joyful, and the memories more colourful. Here’s how Romeo, the senior wanderlust, enjoyed his trip to the mountains!
– by Divya Sharma
Traveling for me has always meant one thing — Romeo comes along. As a senior pet, a change of air, climate, and environment is essential for his health and happiness, especially with Delhi’s rising pollution. This winter, my mom, Romeo, and I took a peaceful road trip to Jageshwar Dham, nestled deep in the Himalayan forests of Uttarakhand.
I turned the backseat of my car into Romeo’s cozy bed — layered blankets, pillows, his jackets, medicines, suji–oats–dal meal mix, kettle, toys, and his favourite Basil peanut-butter turtles. Even with all this, he chose the passenger seat with my mom — the true raja beta that he is.
After an overnight drive with frequent breaks for Romeo, we reached our homestay, Aranya Anandam, nestled among pines with panoramic views of Nanda Devi. The hosts, pet parents themselves, welcomed Romeo with open arms. A warm meal and a cozy nap later, we headed to the ancient Jageshwar temple complex.
Receiving Divine Blessings
Romeo wasn’t allowed inside, so he sat at the entrance like a tiny guardian. People stopped to pet him, ask about him, and admire how calmly he waited. At the nearby Juna Akhada, the sadhus blessed him and called him a “pure soul” for traveling so far to receive divine grace. Their acceptance was deeply touching, especially when compared to the discrimination pets face in the plains.
We watched a golden Himalayan sunset together — mom, Romeo, and me — and returned to our quaint room. The next day, at Vriddha Jageshwar, Romeo ran excitedly toward a cliff, overwhelmed by new smells and mountain dogs. Mom caught him by his sweater just in time — a scary yet funny moment we’ll never forget.
After a hearty breakfast overlooking the valleys, we drove to Almora for a short stay before returning home. Romeo slept peacefully, his little head resting on mom’s lap, tired but content.
For me, this trip wasn’t just travel. It was faith, family, and fur — all woven together in the Himalayas.
Traveling With Senior Pets – Quick Tips
- Plan breaks every 1.5–2 hours for rest and hydration
- Carry familiar food, bowls, and essential medicines
- Keep them warm with jackets and blankets
- Choose pet-friendly, open-space stays
- Provide emotional comfort — senior dogs thrive when they feel secure
- Let them enjoy nature at their own slow, happy pace
Traveling with a senior dog needs patience and planning, but the joy, the blessings, the memories…. they’re worth every mile!