3,111 miles drive away from a new start in life. Would you hop in?

Hi there,

My name is Carole and I am in a tough travel / financial situation. Imagine having to choose between your pets and your dream. If you really love your 4 legged companions, you already know you wouldn't leave them behind no matter what. They are your family through thick and thin. Ever since I was persuaded to leave by my now ex-boyfriend, I have longing to return to the Bay Area. Last week, I got a job in a preschool in Oakland, CA ( starting August 1st), and after much work I found a pet friendly house with a room to rent within my budget (just!!). The issue is I that I am 3,111 miles away from there, in Miami where I live since 2015. Times have changed and I can no longer fly with my dogs. The new regulation (Covid 19 ) for all American airlines is no pets allowed to travel in the hold. The option of flying with my 10lbs and my 48lbs (doing this for him because he is the one who cannot board a plane) pups isn’t an option anymore. After researching, the only choices I really have are

1. Using a pet travel agency. The cost is a mind-blowing $2500 per pet!! or

2. Having the 3 of us hopping in my 2007 Honda accord (that definitely needs to be repaired before hitting the road ) and making the drive across the country.

Leaving them behind is not an option for me.

For the sake of keeping my little family together and nervous as I am about the prospect (young, lone female on the road), I will have to drive. I don’t see any other way. My trip calculations, with no car trouble (after the amount of all the repairs, I really hope I will have none) would be :

fuel / tolls: roughly $500 ( 3111 miles and crossing some of the hottest states so the AC will have to be on at all time )

Pet friendly / safe hotels 6 or 7 nights : $750 plus

Car service before I leave : $2000 ( new tires, alignment, brake pads, radiator, AC fans, couple hoses, all fluids, oil change, few electrical issues to be fixed as well to pass the smog test required in CA + labor )

AAA membership $60 plus

And this is where I need your help! I need your help to help me get safely to Oakland where the life I have waiting for so long is. That job as a teacher in Oakland will be a fresh start, a new chapter in my life. I am asking you to be part of the last 3,111 miles of my journey. Those 6 or 7 days on the road are probably going to feel endless. At least, if I know I have enough money for an extra rest day and to book into a safe hotel room that allows my pets, I will be on the road feeling less worried, more secured.

So peeps, I would really appreciate any help you can give.

A little contribution will go a long way !!

I am hopeful that I will get to Oakland in time and safely.

Thank you!

Carole , Muzah (little one), and Fizzy ( most well behaved pup ).