I Never Planned to Be “That” Dog Owner
When we brought Zeus home, I had this vision in my head.
I wanted him to go everywhere with me.
Now, that’s funny because if you’d asked me before Zeus came along, I would’ve told you we weren’t those dog owners.
Our previous dogs went on walks, hikes, and the occasional trip to the pet store.
But restaurants?
Football games?
Running errands?
Not really.
Then Zeus happened.
Suddenly, I wanted my little sidekick with me wherever I went.
Zeus Was My Summer Adventure Buddy
That first summer, I wasn’t working, so Zeus became my copilot.
He came with me to pick up my son from summer camps.
Sports practices.
Friends’ houses.
Even outdoor football games.
It only took one outing for me to realize something.
I wasn’t prepared.
Very quickly I learned that French Bulldogs don’t do well in the summer heat, and fresh water wasn’t optional.
The first thing added to our travel bag was a folding water bowl and a bottle of fresh water.
That lesson has stuck with me ever since.
Then Life Changed
When fall arrived, I went back to work.
The weather was still nice enough that I probably could’ve started bringing Zeus to the office.
But honestly…
I didn’t feel ready.
I kept asking myself,
“What am I supposed to bring?”
Then Zeus broke his leg.
Not long after that…
Electra joined the family.
Before I knew it, I wasn’t taking the dogs anywhere.
Doggie Daycare Wasn’t Our Answer
Like a lot of people, we tried doggie daycare.
Electra loved it.
She thought every day was a party.
Zeus…
Not so much.
He became overstimulated.
He didn’t enjoy having so many dogs in his space.
By the end of the day, he just wasn’t happy.
It also wasn’t exactly cheap.
Eventually I found myself thinking…
“There has to be a better way.”
That’s When I Started Taking Them to Work
Instead of trying to make daycare work…
I started figuring out how to make work work.
What would I actually need to keep two French Bulldogs comfortable for the day?
Over time, that question became our office travel bag.
Now I rarely leave home without it.
What’s Always in Our Travel Bag
1. A Pop-Up Camping Kennel
This was probably the biggest game changer.
I needed something that would fit underneath my desk while still giving the dogs their own safe space.
A pop-up camping kennel turned out to be perfect.
Zeus treats it like his office.
Electra…
Well…
She’d usually rather be making the rounds saying hello to everyone.
2. Zeus’s Blanket
If you’ve read the story about how Zeus became obsessed with blankets after breaking his leg, you already know why this comes everywhere with us.
“This is your place.”
The moment it goes into the kennel…
He settles down.
3. Potty Pads
Not because I expect accidents anymore.
But because I’d rather be prepared than surprised.
I line the bottom of the kennel with one just in case.
Especially when we’re spending several hours away from home.
4. Fresh Water
French Bulldogs can overheat quickly.
Fresh water is always packed before anything else.
At the office I bring a collapsible water bowl.
During summer walks, I also carry one of those squeeze water bottles with the built-in bowl.
It’s probably one of my favorite purchases for warm weather.
5. Their Favorite Treats
Treats make everything easier.
Whether I’m rewarding good behavior, asking for a little patience, or just spoiling them…
They’re always in the bag.
Especially if Zeus is involved.
6. A Pupsicle
If I need thirty uninterrupted minutes to get some work done…
The Pupsicle usually makes that possible.
It’s become one of my favorite enrichment tools.
7. A Yak Chew
Once the Pupsicle is gone…
The yak chew usually takes over.
It keeps busy dogs occupied and gives them another appropriate outlet for chewing.
8. Extra Poop Bags
These don’t need much explanation.
Except that forgetting them is a mistake you usually only make once.
9. Cleaning Supplies
Accidents happen.
Mud happens.
Drool happens.
I always keep a small bottle of cleaner and paper towels in the bag.
Thankfully I don’t need them often anymore.
But when I do…
I’m really glad they’re there.
10. Bitter Apple Spray
This one is packed specifically because of Zeus.
He’s incredibly smart.
He’s also convinced that if something fits in his mouth…
It probably belongs there.
The bitter apple spray has saved more than one office item from becoming Zeus’s latest chew toy.
Looking Back…
When I brought Zeus home, I imagined taking him everywhere.
Then life happened.
There were injuries.
Another puppy.
Schedules changed.
Plans changed.
Ironically…
Today, Zeus and Electra probably go more places than I ever imagined they would.
The difference is that now I’m actually prepared.
Years of trial and error have turned one small travel bag into something that makes every outing easier—for me and for them.
🐾 Frenchie Tip
Your travel bag doesn’t have to be perfect on day one.
Ours certainly wasn’t.
Every item inside was added because we learned a lesson somewhere along the way.
Start with the basics.
Then after every outing, ask yourself:
“What did I wish I’d packed today?”
Eventually, you’ll have a bag that’s perfectly customized for your own dog.
💬 What’s the One Thing You Never Leave Home Without?
Is there something that’s always in your dog’s travel bag?
I’d love to hear what your must-have item is—and maybe discover something new to add to ours.
