Reader Jen kindly wrote to tell me about her Thanksgiving trip to Florida with Molly, her 5-lb. Papillon:

“We traveled around the state to visit family on both sides of the state. While we were in Sarasota, we stayed at Sara Sea on Siesta Key, a Tropical Beach Resorts property. They charge a $50 pet fee. They also have rules about where you can walk your dog around the property, but overall they were very dog-friendly. It was just steps from the beach.

While we were in Ft. Lauderdale, we took a boat tour with Molly. They had no problem allowing her on the boat, but they did inform me that dog life vests are not available on the boat. We enjoyed the ride, but I should warn folks that the boat passes under 2 draw bridges which are very loud if you have the misfortune of a vehicle passing overhead when the boat is underneath the bridge.

We had lunch beachside on the outdoor patio with Molly at Aruba’s in Ft. Lauderdale. The patio is crowded and I kept Molly on my lap for most of the lunch because I was afraid she would get stepped on. We also had crabs at our favorite crab house, Ozzie’s. They let us sit outside on the porch with Molly.”

Molly is small enough to fit in the small Bergan carrier, and Jen sent this picture of Molly settled in under a seat on her Allegiant flight:

How well I know how hard it is to get a clear view of your pup at your feet, past your own knees!

The small Bergan carrier is 17Lx8Wx11.5H, which is plenty of room for a 5-lb. Papillon. (I reviewed the large size in 2009 and liked its features, but thought it’d be too big for in-cabin use and too flimsy for repeated use — only to hear later from reader Kristin that it worked well for her and pup Tater.)

Thanks so much, Jen and Molly! I love hearing details about a trip — what particular hotels and restaurants and activities really worked out — and I know other readers will also appreciate seeing what a pup who fits comfortably in her carrier looks like.