I would like the address the safety aspect of this video, especially for women. I am a retired truck driver--one of the first female SOLO over the road drivers. I traveled with a dog, and refused jobs that wouldn't allow me to have a dog in their truck. My dog saved my bacon more than once! Somebody tried to break into my truck at 3am, and my dog came unglued! No way I could have slept through that! They already had the seal on my vent window cut, and were trying to remove it when Sebastian woke me up. He would not accept, 'Come back to bed.' Another time I was taking him out at a deserted rest area. He was a good 50 foot away from me when a man approached me and asked for change. Sebastian, and don't ask me how he did it, was IN MY ARMS, within seconds, looking at this guy just like he was saying 'I DARE YOU!' Nope, no way I would travel without my dog!
Sandy Peasley-Moore awesome 🖒🖒😁❤🐶🐶 nothing better than a fur friend for protection❤🐶 I have two small dogs they alert me but sadly are chickens one has only one tooth and she's the meanest lol, I actually inherited her 💔( good friend owns her and I found her with a bad stroke she's been in the hospital 7 weeks😢 so I have her toothless girl, anyways, keep on tricking as they say😁
My God Bob your death speech was incredible. I thinking that I am going to cry for the next hour. I guess that is your gift to me - to relive with all my dogs that have died through the years and I am 70 - there have been lots of dogs.
Clay Carter, I’m right there with you....crying over the loss of all my sweet, furry companions, as well as those of my grown kids that I loved like my own. But for every tear shed, there’s a precious memory of the joys experienced in knowing them.
I can relate to animals. Better then some ppl. They can sense who they like over others as well. In my past life. My X had me be the one to sut with a dog if had to be put to sleep. She got panicky , that panicked the dog. That one Rusty I will never forget. He was too aggressive to the neighbor. That was to watch our animals. While we were going to be away. Protective I think. He looked like a rottweiler. But was pure breed Australian Shepherd. He looked into my eyes. As the vet gave him the shot. I watched him fade away. His head on my legs. Sad he was overly protective. I've better memories of loving animals in my life. Then of ppl.
I bought my truck and then a travel trailer because of my first dog. We completed quite a few outdoor adventures on her bucket list... among them, backpacking, mellow river rafting, rock climbing/scrambling, snowshoeing, kayaking. After she died at almost 13 years, she was cremated and I took a road trip thru Yosemite and down Hwy. 395 to spread her ashes at many of her favorite spots. I now travel with a new dog and wouldn't have it any other way.
Even a small dog can provide a great deal of protection. After all they only need to do 2 things.... 1- alert you to a potential threat, and 2- Keep the bad guy busy while I get my good friends Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson to help me out.
I agree with you 100% on this, each point. If I could share something: In making a Will; it may be important to designate someone who has agreed to take your dog at the time of your death. Young or old, you never know when your time will be up, And to know that a person you've chosen will love and care for your dog if and when you become incapacitated by illness or in the event of your death; can put your mind at ease - that your companion in life will continue to be loved and cared for.
This is my all time favorite video ever😊 You really touched everthing from the heart. I do travel with 4 dachsunds🐕. I am a solo woman traveler. I have so many SMILES throughout my day that I have since lost count. Looking forward to meeting you at the RTR 2019. SHEILA🐕🐕🐕🐕
I was a long haul trucker for 46yrs of 49 and all of Canada. Loved it one nite. I was crossing Arkansas headed to calif. I started talking to another trucker that past me. We went to another cb channel to yap lol. He told me I had a cover on one of the boats I was hauling. Come free. I stopped to fix it. He stopped too. He let out two wiener dogs. Said they were his alarm systems on his semi. They liked me. I couldn't have a pet. Company policy. We ran together to okla city. Went to bed. He parked next to me. They started barking like crazy in the nite. They sensed someone too close to our semis. I got up. The person was going to steal off the boats I had on the trlr. I hauled new boats from the factories back then. I'd of felt the vibration of the person. Getting on my trlr. I could feel a cat walking across it. I was responsible for my load. Till I got to the dealers. That driver used them as a tax write off. As his alarm system. Was neat. We played leap frog all the way to Calif. As my truck would only go 68mph top speed. His truck could go faster. Was fun. He pulled a tanker from Arkansas. Pets are a good thing.
I'm 2 yrs your senior. I have had and lost many cats and dogs (people too). I have joy in serving people, it's easy for me. I've come to the point where, I'm ready for the freedom of being pet free. Great video series. God bless
Being a caregiver of both my dad first and now my mom, know this to be so true. You never grow as you should without a life of service. To serve others has no greater reward. Yes it is heart breaking but if you think of the blessing we get from serving our planet it out weighs all the bad in the would. Selfless sacrifice is the creat creators gift to us all. Great video Bob, very good content. Thank you.
Good series Bob. I have a small dog, and she is my companion. When I lose one dog, I always visit a shelter to adopt another one. It is very sad to lose a dog, but it is worth it for years of love and joy and then you face that one bad day at the end. They enrich my life so much, I cannot live without a dog by my side. The good parts out weigh the bad parts.
Dude's gettin' deep ! Bob the philosopher, this episode was the best because it gets away from just the daily mechanics of camping, and gets into the reasons for living a fulfilling life. Thanks Bob.
I've been RVing Mexico for the past 3 months and have rescued 4 street dogs in the past 2 months. 3 tiny pups and 1 one yr old. One of the pups sadly got sick and died a week later. And I just found one yesterday. I dont know what I'll do with all of them. I just hope I can get them back to the US to maybe adopt one or 2 out. So many street dogs in Mexico its sad. But they all seem very docile and unaggressive. The tiny pups are fairly rare so I couldnt help but try to rescue a couple of them.
I must be different Bob, I have been married for 38 years. I hug my wife daily. Every time I see my adult children and grand children I hug them and they hug me. I watch many of your tribe hugging each other.
You apparently didn't get my point if you listened intently @ 6:25 of this video Bob made a generalization that "most of us, the longer a husband and wife are married the less they touch each other", making it sound like fact. And yes I do treasure it every day, because tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone. I also have 3 rescue dogs that I love and care for as if they were my children.
I love my German Sheppard! She's part of the family. When I go get my son, I make sure to play with her. Pet her. Scratch her. And hug her. It will be a sad day when she dies. But as you said, in my own words, sometimes people just suck! Dogs don't lie, cheat, steal, stab you in the back. Dogs love unconditionally. And what a sad life it would be without them!
Mr. Wells you are an inspiration to me. I still cling to my "work every day all day and even often on the weekends" life for now ,because I really need to for ethical reasons but you give me hope for the future and let me see that this is not how it will always need to be. Hope is the most powerful thing we humans have and you are sending it out to tens of thousands of people with every video you make. Thank you so very much for that. I have bought and read your book and try to buy things thru your links in return but I dont think I could ever make up for the amount of hope you give me man.
I have now more food for thought LOL. I like what you say about the reasons too have a dog! More than not having one. Thank you for bringing that into perspective for me. My husband really wants a dog and now I do also. Always loved dogs have had them camping before. Thanks peace and love.
Love the companionship of my dogs, but not sure how much protection I get from mine! Large was born deaf and blind, and three small - the deaf small one is the most brave!
Bob, you've made so many wonderful and valuable videos, but none more meaningful to me than this one. I am enjoying my final months with my senior best friend, and at the same time dreading the day I must experience his physical departure. I hope I have the presence of mind to remember your words of wisdom when that day comes. Thank you so much.
Trek For Truth ...sorry your puppy is at the beginning of the next cycle...I wish that your next puppy is the reincarnation of this one...has happened to me a couple of times...me and mine will be there in spirit when he passes...I know that I don't know you, but I hope you can use some good thoughts from a stranger...pretty strange am I...take care... ďà wòöķįęè
God bless you, Bob. Your empathy for your fellow man shows. Dogs can be little devils, but they are all angels in disguise. I wholeheartedly agree with you about dogs. When my parents were still alive, their neighborhood began to change for the worse and they asked me to give them information about burglar alarms. The police department told me how much the residents of their town have to pay for each false alarm, and that by the time they can get to your house, the perpetrator is usually gone. They recommended my parents get a dog for one of the same reasons you did. A dog is a proactive burglar alarm, barking before anyone can get into your living quarters and discouraging them at the same time. Plus they're the best friends you'll ever have and won't tell your secrets!
First I really liked your comments in this series, I been following you and enjoying you for a long time. I'm 70 years old now but i expect to be joining you in the fall on the road as well. I have a cargo trailer i expect to complete the conversion on this summer. When its complete I' use it up here in the north east for a lot of short haul trips to work the bugs out before i set off on the road. I'm looking forward to catching up to you out on the road this winter, I would like to shake your hand and say THANK YOU for helping me to get started on what has been a life long desire. I would be happy to exchange personal e-mail if you would like but have no idea how to do that to be honest. Take good care of your self, John
Whenever one of my dogs has passed (all rescued). I find comfort in knowing they were given a wonderful life and I think of all of the good memories. Death is a natural part of life.
A dog's short life teaches us many things, three of which are: 1) everything is impermanent, including us 2) we should do our best to value the short time that we have with the people and things we care about because we will lose them all eventually 3) we all must learn how to let go and accept that the only constant in life is change It's the clinging that hurts us and brings us problems, in fact the clinging is sometimes like grasping fine sand (which is lost all the faster the harder we try to hold onto it). Accepting that loss is normal is the best way to value what we have before it's gone. If you learn anything from a dog, let it be to always love freely and boundlessly, to live in the moment and find joy in whatever life brings you, and NEVER dwell on the past or the end that is to come.
Having a dog in the back country is an absolute necessity. I lived and worked on the trail for a decade. My dog then and now has saved my life. People, cougars and Bears, my dogs have faced it all. Small dogs are nice but, in the back country you need a companion that can take care of business. Pit Bull mix and Rhodesians are great all around back country dogs.
Three years after you wrote this I am sad that my dog will die. What you have written tells me I will have another dog. Plus so many dogs need homes and someone to serve.Thank you for a beautiful post.
Hi Bob.... I have full timed quite some time now in various rubber mounted homes. I've been quite lucky to travel with a feral-turned-constant companion cat for 18 years. She camps, hikes, climbs and have visited sea lions caves too ! She warns me of bear threats and has stalked elk and deer . Yes , a Vet bill can be expensive and THIS cat will rarely "go" in nature anymore but these are small sacrifice considering what I receive . She rewards me with happiness , the most melodious purring and constant vigilance to hazards . Bob , Thank you for your candor.
I once worked at a nursing home and one of the nursing duties was a 5 min back rub at bedtime. Some of the residents were totally shock and teary-eyed when they were touch with comfort and kindness. It always felt like to me, these elderly hadn't been touch or comforted in a very long time. So go hug your grandma and grandpa or you elderly Mom and Dad as often as you can.
dogs have been a part of my life for 70 yrs and always felt no other animal could compare.but i was fortunate enough to meet a horse that i eventually bought. i now am adding horses to the list .having observed other horse owners i know that i am not the only one with a horse that knows their human inside and out,and takes care of them . dogs and horses, what a wonderful life .
Best of your videos. I have had 3-4 dogs in my pack for 11 years. EACH one of them has SAVED my life from animal danger once and PEOPLE danger many times. The alerts they have given me are countless. I owe my life to each one of them many times over no question. The district ranger at the forest service where I was hiking alone one time said I was safer hiking with my dogs than other Rangers! Their sense of smell, sight and inherent instincts are incomparable! I will NEVER be without a canine companion as long as I live--in the city or back country. VERY important topic.
Thank you for your perspective on death of my best friends--I dont know why I never thought of the pain I experienced in that way as a full life experience...very insightful.
Beautiful reflections Bob. I am a pet owner and I am planning on sharing my van life with my German Shepherd Scarlet. She's my girl. I hope to one day meet you and get philosophical with you about life. You are a very cool human. Thank you for your insights.
Thank you so much for posting this video. It’s been almost a year since my dog passed away and I’ve recently started thinking about getting another, and I’ve been weighing the pros and cons. Your message was so timely for me.
Great words. As an RN-Paramedic for over 40 years, I have seen my share of death. and I have come to the conclusion it is a natural part of life and at the end very peaceful. for all creatures. We live. We die. so please love as much as you can, your dog (pet) your family your self. My Dogs remind me every day of how special life is and how short it is for all of us. Thank BOB your the best
Bob, I understand what you are saying about the death of your dog. We lost one of our 2 dogs a few weeks ago. It is so sad; I still wake up almost nightly thinking about Belle and how much I miss her. But I have also noticed a greater appreciation not only for my own life, but also of my family and my remaining dog, Poochie. Our Poochie is getting so much love now that her sister is gone. She is getting older too, and we want to make her last years the best we possibly can. Thank you for sharing your heart with us :)
Bob, I never had a dog, but the death part of this video hit me so deeply that I WILL be searching for a dog. I can’t thank you enough for the way you poured out your wisdom and knowledge on this topic. I feel that if your words gave my heart a kind of tug and slight ache as I heard you speak, to me that means that I have been missing a lot about love. Thank you 🙏🏼
I’ve had dogs most of my life. The issues that need to be considered in addition to the positives however are vet bills and cost of food etc. If you are on a very limited budget, it can be a challenge. Then there are times that you need to be somewhere your dog can’t go such as stores, you need to make sure you have temp control in your rig. And as an animal care worker, please, please train and socialize your dog. It will make both of your lives happier and easier! 😊 🐕
Bob, I have watched most of your video's but this one has more meaning to me than any other. I live in the UK, have two dogs and do not travel. I watch your channel for entertainment, but this video has touched me on a level like nothing else. You are an inspiration to us all. Peace and love.
Thank you for both videos in having or not having a dog. I’m a senior, have had many dogs, 1 husband (fired), kids, responsibilities, and now I don’t want a dog. I just want peace and quiet. I just want to be in that beautiful place, wherever you filmed this video, with a few honest, good people.
Thank you for this topic. Good timing for my husband & myself. We are currently making a decision to adopt a 5 month old small 5lb puppy now. We live & travel between our home, 40 ft boat & campervan. Months ago we decided the characteristics: small, non- light shredder, mixed breed, playful, cuddly, medium energy & adoption. 2 days a this type of puppy was presented to us. We'll take 7 - 14 days to see if she's a good fit for our lifestyle, then make a final decision. So far so good. I look forward to your next two videos on pets! Thanks again.
I agree 1,000,000 %! Everything you said totally resonates with me. I once saw a documentary about dogs on death row (likely to be put down) and they were given an opportunity by being trained by people in jail. You won't believe what a great job the inmates did and most of the dogs got adopted but what was incredible was that the inmates that trained them, changed their behavior completely and got more in touch with their feelings, some of them even cried for the first time in their life with the dog. The background scenery is impressively beautiful, are you there or is it a still image (I apologize if my question is silly). Thank you!
Love this so much, and thank you. I have three dogs, and no, I am not living out of an RV, but plan to travel with them in a trailer. I know it won't be easy for all the reasons you listed, but then there is this video, and all those wonderful reasons to have them in our lives. I cannot imagine life without them.
That was so beautiful Bob! The service, sacrifice & death made me cry. As women we know that sacrifice and service is an innate part of our make up. I think so few men actually tap into that aspect of themselves. It's great to hear a man speaking on this topic. And how refreshing to hear someone speak of embracing death and that while it's an emotionally painful thing to watch another soul suffer, how beautiful to be there with your friend when he/she does pass. Thanks for the video - really lovely. Wendy
Thanks for these words Bob--"...Remember to live your fullest and best life. Don't live a half a life, don't live a life of drudgery and barely getting by. Live a full, happy life; live the life of your dreams. Live a life beyond your wildest dreams; let your heart sing for joy. If every day isn't full of smiles and some joy, find out why and make some changes."
Beautiful video, Bob. Seeing this helped me to make a very difficult decision today concerning my beloved, terminally ill, 15 year old kitty cat. Even though this is about dogs, I felt that much of what you said applied to my baby as well. Thank you for making it easier to do the right thing and see that their entire lives, including their death are a gift and teacher to us.
I love this video and will shout a loud AMEN !! I read something years ago that has remained true through out my life. " My goal is to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am." Thanks for sharing this.
Thankyou, Bob. We went thru the sorrow Dec 6 with our wonderful Penney dog. While it was hard on both of us it was really hard on my husband. She was a great traveler and a gentle, loving companion. Except for squirrels.😸 We miss her very much and both held her as she crossed over. When hubby is ready, we will find another rescue. As far as aging goes, I am 75 and will always have a kitty. But I plan to adopt senior cats that need someone to love them. And they need to be travelers.
Dogs are truly amazing beings and ( if we are paying attention) teach us humans how to be better and what matters. I have lost friends and family to death but I have to be honest, the pain of a beloved dogs death is almost unbearable, but still WORTH IT🌼 This is undeniably THE BEST video you have made IMHO
Lots of reasons to have a dog, some pretty good reasons not to. A good owner will take good care of that dog for all of the dog's years, and since circumstances change so often and owners are forced to part with their best friends, well that is a good reason not to have a dog in the first place. As to hugs, why a man cannot hug another human being of either sex, is beyond me. Some men have troubles with it, they are troubled indeed. Of course, I am speaking about friendship hugs and not those deep intimate hugs that signal other sentiments and are given for other reasons. Both kinds of hugs have their place, but a casual friendship hug should never be confused with the other kind of hug, and always offered to friends. Nice video, the RTR still lives within me, I look forward to seeing some of you on the trail.
I am a vet, a dog and cat (which I hate) I credit to saving my life. This is one of your best Videos! They are very empithitic, are very forgivening! Very great Video, love you man!
Nice insights into the natural law of life, death, service, attachments and loss put in place by our Lord. Brought a tear to my eye. Take the next step, my brother.
Dogs and cats are a blessing to humans. Thanks be to God for evolving them ;) Introverted people really seem to appreciate an animal companion for all the reasons you've mentioned. Cody is such a cute doggy!!!
Sitting here watching this video in my warm home with my pet laying on my lap curled up sleeping. She's a beagle that stays right with me all the time.
Dear Bob,Thank you so much for your honesty., We all have been mean to our wonderful dogs, at times. Sometimes anger and meanness just have to come out of us. Your honesty in saying it made me cry. It's still making me cry. Dogs are the best. And you, are pretty wonderful too!❤️
I think I have seen all of your videos on this channel. And while they are all very good, I believe this is your best. I lived in Alaska for 17 years (Ketchikan and Wasilla) and I remember seeing a bumper sticker on a car outside of the Walmart in Wasilla. It said, "God help me to be the kind of person my dog things I am." I now live in SE Arizona, in the desert and I love it. The lifestyle you describe really speaks to my heart. I guess that is why I check your RU-vid channel every morning hoping to find a new video. Thanks for everything.
Yes I dread my dog passing! And he’s very close now. We’ve had him 11 years now and he was 2when we got him. He’s my heart ❤️ . I look at it as they are here for a short time so spoil them as much as you can. Yes I would get another dog because they’re out there and need homes and someone to take care of them. I will do what I have to, no matter how painful, for my dog because he gave me unconditional LOVE ❤️
I like what you said about serving and sacrifice for others. This is why I like to see your videos, you remind me of what's important in life. Thanks Bob, You ROCK!
Bob, your spot on.. I could not be without a pooch.. their always there for you.. always trusting, worth every inconvinence ...always have a wag for you...Michael in Oregon
Love my dogs. Definitely more then most people. They are my protectors and my companions. I talk to them, love on them. They are just awesome. They make me feel safe and always love me no matter what. When I was younger I lived in a place that didnt allow dogs, never again. I hated it.
Great video, Bob. So much great information in here. You also have given me a lot to ponder on, also. You seem like a wonderful man, Bob. I appreciate all your hard work and time you take to help others. Good man 👍
