We managed to drive nearly 500 miles that first day on the road — from New Jersey, through Pennsylvania, and into Ohio.
One great thing about Ohio’s turnpike (also known as Route 80) is their rest stops. We pulled off the highway for a walk and piddle break and found my favorite thing about the whole trip: a fenced in area specifically for walking and exercising dogs. How wonderful! If you’re ever driving that way, rest assured that the human areas of the rest stop are just as nice.
A nice turnpike employee provided us with a list of what motels were available at each exit, and we quickly found an Econolodge that welcomed pets. I knew that Red Roof Inn and Motel 6 would also allow pets, but hadn’t found any nearby when I was running out of steam.
I was exhausted and starving, and happy to see that the local Pizza Hut would deliver to the motel.
When the delivery guy showed up, I had the money ready and waiting by the door. My plan was to grab the pizza and hand over the money before my big brown escape artist even realized the door was open. So much for that idea. Moose weaseled his way out the door before I even had a hand on the pizza box. Lally, not wanting to be left out of the adventure, followed her brother down the motel hallway. I ran after them, only to realize I’d left my room key safely in the room.
After a brief and merry chase, the pizza guy and I managed to corral the dogs. He offered to hang onto them while I ran down to the front desk for another key. And run I did. Talk about feeling stupid! Belatedly, I came up with a great plan: put the dogs into the bathroom while I got the pizza. Hindsight is always 20/20, isn’t it?