A severe snowstorm was looming in, about 24 hours away according to the weather reports. Our dilemma: head out for Christmas or wait for the blizzard to pass? It looked as though the storm was to be a lengthy one. With Christmas only 17 days, our goal was to reach Boston well before the 25th. What to do?

Preparation for the journey from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to Boston, Massachusetts, USA entailed a fair amount of preplanning; especially considering the time of year. December and what the month usually offers s snow, reduced (or no) visibility, slick roads, and cold temperatures meant certain precautions had to be taken to ensure our safety while on the road.

Having driven solo numerous times for long distances, I was confident in my ability to prepare myself for this particular trip. However, this time my five-year-old Lhasa Apso was taking the journey with me. Kye was never a relaxed traveler; even for short drives to the park or veterinarian. This trip anticipated seven to eight days of road travel for six to eight hours each day. I knew this trip with my dog was going to be a challenge.

Back to the planning. Should I tranquilize this family member over that many days? My heart said no. I decided to read whatever I could find on traveling with pets. There were only a couple of options: place the pet in a carrier in the back seat, or strap the pet with a special animal harness to the vehicle restraint system. Emotions took over and I couldn't see doing either to MY dog. Then I read something that caught my attention: animals sometimes get nauseous when they can't see clearly out of the window. And, they often need to feel cozy so that their movement is somewhat restricted. Hmm s I had an idea.

For four days prior to ëhitting the road‰, I put two pillows in my laundry basket and then placed Kye‰s favorite blanket over them. My goal s to get Kye accustomed to the comforts of his new temporary rest area s inside the laundry basket. To my surprise, it didn't take Kye long to mold himself into a corner of the basket and from there his head drooped over its edge where he watched me pack boxes and bags.

On the day of departure, a decision was made to take to the road before the blizzard reached the city. Otherwise, I rationalized, it may be days before we could head out and I was determined the two of us were going to reach Boston before Christmas.

Packing the vehicle was relatively easy, considering it was minus 20 degrees. The morning of December 8th, I secured the laundry basket in the front seat by intertwining the safety belt through the holes of the basket. Pillows were snuggled in and his blanket draped over them.

Kye was not happy. His face looked SO sad. He must have known this was going to be a long journey. However, once I placed him in the basket and he assumed his most comfortable position, I reconciled that this was the best I could offer this dog of mine and he was just going to have to adapt.

And adapt Kye did. For eight days we shot ahead of the snowstorm that continually followed us. At one point, the radio announcer indicated it was only four hours behind. So, we cautiously raced to the border crossing south of Winnipeg and then continued our trek across U.S. roads.

Kye did all right. Our most hair-raising experience was driving the periphery of Chicago during rush hour. Kye must have been tired of the noise of vehicles and semi trucks speeding past us for all he wanted to do was crawl onto my lap. At one point, I simply had to grab his collar and plant him back down in the laundry basket as my stress level began to climb.

We reached Boston eight days later, on December 15th.

Kye is now 11 years old and that experience, over six years ago, has remained with me. I often talk with Kye about the adventure and am reminded when I do so just how special this canine family member is.

My dog. He survived eight days on the road with me in the comforts of a laundry basket. That in itself makes him hold a very special place in my heart.

Way to go, Kye!