Trains.com

Animals Commuting on Trains

1911 views
15 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Thursday, March 26, 2020 8:07 PM

As to animal travel in  "The Good Old Days," my wife told me that her mother carried a small dog, in a basket, with her in Pullman accommodations. My wife did not describe the sanitary or culinary matters. Also, I was told that the dog was a great squirrel chaser but an extremly poor squirrel catcher; he always ended up empty mouthed.

Johnny

  • Member since
    September 2010
  • From: Parma Heights Ohio
  • 3,442 posts
Posted by Penny Trains on Thursday, March 26, 2020 7:49 PM

Miningman
Twilight Zone

"The Hunt" is episode 84 of the American television anthology series The Twilight Zone. It originally aired on January 26, 1962 on CBS.

Opening narration

An old man and a hound-dog named Rip, off for an evening's pleasure in quest of raccoon. Usually, these evenings end with one tired old man, one battle-scarred hound dog, and one or more extremely dead raccoons, but as you may suspect, that will not be the case tonight. These hunters won't be coming home from the hill. They're headed for the backwoods—of The Twilight Zone.

Trains, trains, wonderful trains.  The more you get, the more you toot!  Big Smile

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,320 posts
Posted by Overmod on Thursday, March 26, 2020 10:00 AM

I suspect that in the 'grand old days' of Pullman travel, long before the modern age of entitled behavior recognition and 'emotional support animals', even service animals would not be allowed into regular cars -- a different sort of 'dog', the porter, being used to substitute for the 'functionality' while an impaired passenger was on the train.

Personally, as someone who both loves and appreciates cats, there is little substitute for having them 'close to you' for their support and well-being during transportation.  

The 7-hour limitation was very carefully explained in Dallas -- it is the limit that an animal can 'safely' go without water and possibly food, things that would be Amtrak's responsibility but not in their authority to fulfil.  That is also why the 7 hours includes any actual or prospective delays.  Until there are better carriers with 'hotel power' and built-in non-spill water and food provisions ... to say nothing of litter or other 'provenance' ... I wouldn't expect even hardship waivers from the policy.

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • 1,618 posts
Posted by Jones1945 on Thursday, March 26, 2020 9:37 AM

Overmod

Well, since you asked politely, I called Amtrak, and this is what they say they'll do for you:

https://www.amtrak.com/pets

For a mere $26 or 800 favor points, they can ride right with you on up to 7 hour trips.

Be advised though that if the train is late, that counts toward the '7 hour' time, as it involves elapsed time aboard and not scheduled interval.  I saw two people refused the ability to take carry-on pets when I was in Dallas a few weeks ago and the train was late...

I appreciate your efforts! That is a reasonable price, much cheaper than many short-distance flights nowadays, but only "small" dogs and cats are allowed in the coaches, and the 7-hour time limit kills the fun. I would have to cancel my short trip just because the train is late... 

Pet travel by plane was not common and easy until the 1990s; I wonder what the rules and policies of the fallen flags and Pullman were? Only allowed in a private car or simply treat them as baggage (on a short-distance train)? Would passengers who didn't take good care of their dogs and cats be kicked off the train after other passengers complain about their fluffy family members for their noise and... maybe smell? On the SS Normandie, there is a special place to keep the pets; on the RMS Titanic, only first-class passengers were allowed to bring dogs (how about cats?), how about an all-Pullman train? Travel

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,320 posts
Posted by Overmod on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 9:22 PM

Jones1945
I wish there were trains that allow pets (dogs and cats only) on board...

Well, since you asked politely, I called Amtrak, and this is what they say they'll do for you:

https://www.amtrak.com/pets

For a mere $26 or 800 favor points, they can ride right with you on up to 7 hour trips.

Be advised though that if the train is late, that counts toward the '7 hour' time, as it involves elapsed time aboard and not scheduled interval.  I saw two people refused the ability to take carry-on pets when I was in Dallas a few weeks ago and the train was late...

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,566 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 9:19 PM

I've never seen that "Twilight Zone" episode, but I've heard about it, especially what the welcoming angel tells the old mountain man when he finds Heaven:

"A man will walk into hell with both eyes open, but even the Devil can't fool a dog!"

Dogs know things, things we don't and never will know, I'm convinced of it.

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 8:32 PM

Yes, Vince, I remember that episode of the Twilight Zone. My wife really enjoyed the series. Somehow, I did not make it a point to watch, but I enjoy what I saw.

Johnny

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 281 posts
Posted by Fr.Al on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 7:04 PM

I know we aren't supposed to discuss religion here, but I do believe dogs and cats can sense and see evil spirits. They are innocent, after all.

  • Member since
    September 2013
  • 6,199 posts
Posted by Miningman on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 2:03 PM

Flintlock states: " And let me quote the great Will Rogers:

"If there's no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they go!"

Anyone remember the Twilight Zone episode where the old geezer and his dog drown.  They are next seen strolling down a road and come upon what appears to be the Pearly Gates. Pretty lavish with a pushy character beckoning them in. The old fellow is elated but not the dog and old  Blue isn't budging.  He knows it's a trap.

The old fellow says " Well if he won't go then I won't go" . The ( devil) is astonished. They continue down the path and when they see a simple log cabin and beautiful surroundings they know they are in heaven. 

Old Blue was not fooled by the Devil and saved his master from damnation.

  • Member since
    May 2012
  • 4,974 posts
Posted by rcdrye on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 11:40 AM

T. Bone Towser was a regular rider on the "Virginia City".  Photo in Beebe and Clegg's "Mansions on Rails".

  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 281 posts
Posted by Fr.Al on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 11:06 AM

I seem to recall Lucius Beebe being a dog person. I wonder if he and Charles Clegg took any of the dogs along in their private car? I suppose taking a dog for it's walk on a speeding train would not work out so well. Cats would be better suited, but I've never had a cat who enjoyed riding in a car. Sadly, I had to take my cat to have her put down last November. While on the road, my son called. We were speaking through the stereo system, I swear the cat understood it was her last ride. At least, that's what it seemed like at the vet's office.

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,566 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 11:05 AM

Great shots!  And I'm with you Vince, was that the "Big Bad Wolf" taking the train home?

And let me quote the great Will Rogers:

"If there's no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they go!"

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • 1,618 posts
Posted by Jones1945 on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 8:41 AM

I wish there were trains that allow pets (dogs and cats only) on board, All-Pullman or not... maybe a separated section on the car, or a modified baggage car that allows the passenger to enter to see their pets... It would be very noisy and smell like a rotten potato in that car, but at least this could have been a service that Airlines and Greyhound couldn't provide. Not many travelers would take their pets to travel though, and there is no place for the pets to stay if their owners would stay in the hotel... how about pet sitting service and some pet stores in the terminal or near the terminal? RRs could have been hiring some retired Pullman Porter to take care of the pets as well...

  • Member since
    September 2013
  • 6,199 posts
Posted by Miningman on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 12:43 AM

Smart Pigeon. Fascinating creatures really, they have 3 different ways to navigate. Getting around is their specialty. No doubt they know how to take the subway. 

 

 My kind of dog , in the smoking section! 

 
  • Member since
    September 2013
  • 6,199 posts
Animals Commuting on Trains
Posted by Miningman on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 10:15 PM

Well Penguins .. why not , they're cool... and funny too!

 

Dogs of course, after a day hard days work, grab a nap on the way home.  Rather famous on the Moscow Metro.

 

Not 100% convinced this is a dog. Kinda spotty. My what a long nose you have.  I'm not going to sit there buddy, relax.  I'll just move on down the aisle.

Now I'm not joking one bit.. I want this in my next life!

After our train trips we can all watch Lassie together and Littlest Hobo reruns! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter