One Cross-Country Trip, Two Best Friends, and a Mission to Fix the "What-Ifs."

In 2024, I set out from Phoenix, AZ, with my dog, Teddy, and a dream of seeing the country in my RV. We covered thousands of miles — from the mountains of Idaho and the plains of South Dakota to the heart of Ohio and the shores of Myrtle Beach.

But behind the scenic photos was a stressful reality.

Teddy is a "runner," he's anxious, and he isn't a fan of other dogs. I found myself trapped in my RV. I missed out on museums, dinners, and sights because I was terrified of what would happen if I left him. When I finally worked up the courage to venture out, I set up a one-way camera. My heart broke watching the screen: the second I was out of earshot, Teddy was pacing and barking in a panic. I was a helpless observer. I kept thinking, "If I could just tell him 'It's okay, Teddy, lay down,' he'd be fine."

I also lived in constant fear. If he slipped his lead in a town where I didn't know a soul, who would I even call?

I realized then that I was choosing between seeing the world and keeping my dog happy. I didn't want to choose anymore.