Yep, I missed Friday again — but Saturday is just as good, and this photo makes me happy. Reader Lenox contacted me because she and her husband were planning to travel from Colorado to Seattle, via Southwest, with Nico, their Rat Terrier. Nico’s just about exactly Chloe’s size (she’s about 12″ tall at the shoulders, and about 13.5″ long; she weighs 10 lbs., though, so she’s slimmer than Chloe) — but Southwest told Lenox she’d be too tall to travel in cabin. Hogwash, I told Lenox, and suggested (what else?) the large SturdiBag carrier.

Lenox took the plunge, and here’s her report: “Thanks in LARGE part to the incredible resources on your blog, we had a wonderful trip from Colorado to Washington with our Rat Terrier, Nico. While she had some anxiety on the plane (panting heavily and shaking), she perked right up once we got off and didn’t whine or bark. And the pet relief area at Sea-Tac was a godsend!” I’m sorry about Nico’s stress — perhaps she might be one of the lucky dogs that responds well to D.A.P. (the wipes are TSA-friendly, and the collar is very intriguing) or Rescue Remedy or Travel Calm, though Chloe isn’t, alas. I’m delighted to hear, though, that Lenox plans to take more trips with Nico.

Here’s Nico at the Snoqualmie Falls park (“leashed pets are allowed”):

The falls are gorgeous, and they’re only a short drive east of Seattle. Perched above them is the historic Salish Lodge & Spa — it’s a delightful place to stay, and it has dog-friendly rooms. (Does it look spookily familiar to you? You too probably watched Twin Peaks back in the day. In real life, the Lodge is warm and cozy and inviting and not a bit spooky.)

Thanks to Lenox for the picture and the report (and, of course, the praise!). If you have pictures of your own to share from this week, please post them on Dog Jaunt’s Facebook page so we can all see them!