HOST has a question: Travel w/doggie

[Host Bonjour]

Hi Everyone!

Well it looks like for the first time in the 13 years I have had my still very healthy 13 year old girl Lily that she will be getting on a plane with me in December to go to Florida to attend my sister's college graduation. I don't know that the dog will like it AT ALL. But I have seats IN FRONT of the engines so as to reduce noise.....but she'll have to stay in the carrier. It won't be a good flight for me and I don't know what it will be like for her. First time my dog is my carry on - though I plan on finding my way around that by carrying a REALLY big purse!!!

I'm wondering how other people's experiences have been with pets on board airplanes, specifically dogs since cats seems to have a laissez faire approach to most things in their life, as if to say "whatever" and deal with it. Dogs however, seem to react much differently, except experienced fliers! She is 14 lbs, will fit in the carrier of course but, well I'm an overprotective mother and worrying so much about her getting through this. And before you say "tranquilize" her, I can assure you, a dose of Thorazine would not put this dog to sleep!!

She is terribly afraid of thunderstorms and we have tried everything!!! Nothing works. So I won't even bother with the Vet for drugs. And she doesn't drink beer - I don't even keep it in the house. LOL. So, any tips, tricks, ideas, support for Mom???

I'm worried!! We leave December 17th and return the 21st on JetBlue - and it's not like they can give her a kiddie kit to keep her amused!! ugh. This is what happens when you lose your two best babysitters.

Thanks folks, any and all advice, tips appreciated!!