My travel buddy barks

Her name was Banana. A yellow Labrador Retriever with the disposition of an angel, she was the dog of my heart. She was an 80-pound ray of sunshine, friendly to all people and animals, completely housebroken and a better traveler than some human beings I know.

Since I could bring Banana almost everywhere with me, escapades were a breeze. She got used to car and boat rides in no time – there were no accidents or dizzy spells for this wanderer on the two-and-half-hour drive to Anilao, Batangas, or on the roll-on-roll-off car and bus ferry to Puerto Galera, Mindoro.

Banana adored the ocean, and took every opportunity to get into the water. Her vet even suggested leaving her coat unrinsed for a couple of day after a beach trip, as the saltwater was good for her skin.

One summer, I scratched an item off my bucket list and booked us a trip to the ultimate beach paradise, Boracay. Just my dog and me. Banana was classified as cargo, though the cost was just a little less than that of a plane ticket. The flight was terribly delayed, but Banana was so good-natured, the airport counter staff let us camp out on the floor in front of them (after taking numerous photos with her).

I watched as she was loaded into the air-conditioned cargo hold in the rear of the small plane. I requested a seat in the last row, so I could actually hear her bark during the flight. Upon landing, she was unloaded as priority baggage (although the idea of Banana as mere “baggage” made me shudder), and she was ready to go.

Then followed some of the most joyful, memorable days of my life: human and canine soulmates going for a swim, sitting on the sand, taking boat rides and dining alfresco in many of Boracay’s great restaurants.

Every veterinarian and dog behaviorist will tell you that spending time outdoors is essential to a dog’s health. She needs sunshine, fresh air, the mental stimulation of a world of scents that greets her on every walk. No, running around the backyard is not enough exercise, even for a teacup Chihuahua. And imprisoning her at home because you’re afraid of fleas and mud is doing the animal a grave injustice.

The benefits of having a pet have long been affirmed by quantifiable science, and it does us all, humans and animals, a world of good to spend as much time together as possible. Traveling with a dog, however, means being on high alert, keeping the animal on a leash in public places and always picking up after them – anyone who squirms at cleaning up a little poo has no right to own a dog.

It’s a small price to pay for time shared with a beloved animal, and the knowledge that your pet’s existence is immeasurably enriched by seeing a new place, experiencing life to its fullest and, yes, simply being by your side. The sight of my wet, yellow dog prancing on the white sand is a memory I will treasure for always.

I lost Banana six years ago, and I miss her to this day. She paved the way, however, for the two rescued asPins (asong Pinoy, Philippine native dogs) who share my life now. Kikay was found by Banana herself right on the street, while Kiko, the youngster, was rescued by a friend. Kikay had visited Anilao, our favorite haunt, with her older sister, and we’ve returned even after Banana was gone.

This year, for Christmas break, we’re planning to introduce the little one to the ocean, as he’s yet to experience it. He, too, will learn that the world can be a wonderful place to explore – especially for a dog.