Dog GPS

The Clara

Across America

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I have a portable GPS, it's a Garmin, that Li named Wilma, that we LOVE! Except she is lacking in a few critical areas for dog people. So, we have been tossing around ideas for what the "Perfect Dog Person's GPS" system would be like! And here are our ideas. If you are an individual, or company, that would like to use our ideas, please give us credit and we want a certain portion to go towards our Clara Across America fund! :-)

1. The outside design:

a. It MUST be portable. As when you car dies on the side of I-90, and you have to rent a car, we all know that "the dog show must go on", but you've got to get there 1st! A GPS does you no good if it is permanently installed in that broken down car that is now being towed in the opposite direction...

b. It MUST be able to be fixed on the dashboard of a Mini-Van, regular van, pick up truck, conversion van, SUV, or RV. The stupid suction cups in the current ones, don't cut it for the windshield, let alone the dash! And as we all know dog people are up BEFORE the crack of dawn and need the coffee cup holders for, well, caffeinated drinks, so just telling us to stick it in a cup holder doesn't fly.

2. The software:

a. We think that she needs to have a few more pre-programmed options. Such as:

aa. 24hr Veterinary Hospitals

bb. Hotels that ALLOW dogs! More than 1, and over 25lbs.

cc. Rest areas off of major highways. And then tell us which ones have shade.

dd. Restaurants that have shaded parking lots at the times when people would eat lunch and dinner.

ee. Where the nearest dog safe pond or stream or creek is. Not polluted and no rapids! And easily accessible.

ff. Where the area fairgrounds are. Most dog shows are at fairgrounds, might as well have them in there already!

b. It MUST be nose proof! Wilma will listen to a dog nose, it's a pain. Dog paws are easier to control, but dog noses are fast, and quick, and can totally screw up your travel plans! Niche's nose actually broke the 1st Wilma! Had to have her replaced, luckily still under warranty. We were thinking a type of key guard option would solve this, like they have for cell phones. So you could press on the touch screen say, in the lower right hand corner for 3 consecutive seconds and "nose guard" would turn on or off. Something simple like that.

We come up with a new thought every time we go on an adventure, so stay tuned....Happy Travels!

Send all comments to katrin@maplewooddog.com

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