I’ve noticed a lot of humans asking our companions what we bring when the "Doghouse on Wheels" hits the road. While Patches is usually distracted by a squirrel or a Rhode Island Red, I’ve been quietly compiling the ultimate manifest.

If this is your first time taking your dog on a "49-state mission," listen closely. A successful trip is all about minimizing stress and maximizing nap quality.

? The "Just In Case" Catering

• The Menu: Bring the food they know. Now is not the time for a culinary experiment.

• The "Extra" Rule: Always pack two extra days of food. You never know when a minor stop at the service center turns into a week-long stay. Checkout our stay at Red Bay AL.

• The Water Standard: If you won't drink the water from the tap, why should we? Bring extra filtered water. My palate is far too refined for "mystery hose water."

? Comforts of Home

• The Bedding: If your pet has a specific bed or a "security towel," bring it. Sleeping in a vibrating house that moves at 65 mph is weird; having our own scent around makes it feel like home.

• The Toy Vault: Patches and I have "Motorhome-Only" toys. It keeps things exciting! Just make sure the "fetch" toy is included, or there will be protests.

? The Boring (But Important) Stuff

• Documentation: Bring our shot records and the Vet’s phone number. If we have a "run-in" with a strange bug on the Bluff Trail, the humans need to be ready.

• The ID: A collar with a name tag and a working phone number. I’m far too smart to get lost, but Patches... well, she follows her nose.

• The Clean-up: You will get wet. It will rain. Bring a dedicated dog towel unless you want "Wet Dog Smell" to become the official scent of your upholstery.

• The "Bags": Be a good pet owner, and pick "it" up, I really prefer sniffing "nature" and not what your dog had to eat last night.

? Shadow’s Final Advice:

"Pack the brush, pack the meds, and for the love of all things holy, pack the treats. If you follow my list, you might just find that your dog is as relaxed as I am in front of a fireplace."