New Jersey Dog Reunited With Owner After Solo Train Commute
Most people don't really look forward to the morning commute. Crowded subway cars, smelly strangers, mechanical issues, delays, all the joys of being packed in like a sardine with 100 of your closet strangers. Well, one adventurous dog in New Jersey decided to experience the wonder of this himself when he hopped a train in South Orange.
With no owner in sight.
The Star Telegram reports, "Officials found the small, white dog on a New Jersey train with no owner in sight, according to a Feb. 1 New Jersey Transit Police Facebook post. The dog traveled from Mountain Station in South Orange to the Hoboken Terminal. The dog had wandered onto the train at about 7:52 a.m. while following a stranger, police said. Before getting on the train, the dog trailed the commuter from a CVS to the train station."
Related: Cat's Long Journey to Reunite With Family After 8 Years Captured on Video
Now I can see this little dog following someone who had just left a pet supply store, but a drugstore? What was he so excited about? Q-tips and dental floss? Some dogs are just super friendly and he was probably excited to see what was going on!
The article goes on to report that after animal control officers couldn’t find the dog’s owner and it didn’t have a microchip, they brought the little guy to a local shelter. After the New Jersey Transit Police shared the post on Facebook the owners came forward and were reunited with the travelin' dog.
How To Get Your Dog Prepared to Take Public Transportation
Whether you are traveling by train, bus or subway every transportation company has their own specific set of rules, so check with them about whether your furry friend is allowed to ride or not. The only exception to this is service dogs, and according to the ADA, if transportation is offered by a private company, it is covered by Title III. Privately funded transportation includes, but is not limited to, taxicabs, airport shuttles, intercity bus companies, such as Greyhound, and hotel-provided transportation.
Make sure your dog is well-socialized around other dogs and humans, and understands basic obedience commands. Find out what your dog needs in order to travel, and Rover says that some forms of transport won’t be satisfied with a soft carrier and require a hard case. They also suggest avoiding any problems with your chosen vehicle, and dog destination, by consulting your vet and getting up-to-date immunizations and proof of health and treatments. You may also want to bring water and food bowls and dog waste bags!
Make sure you bring with treats and your dog's favorite toy or comfort item, and make sure they are always leashed if they aren't being carried and you are walking them when getting on and off your chosen method of transport.
Happy travels!
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