Riding the Rails

Sid and I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday. As expected, Sid was spoiled with all kinds of tasty scraps and got lots of extra belly rubs from his grand-pug-rents.

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This was an exciting Thanksgiving for us because it was the first time that Sid and I got to ride together on the Metra train to visit my family out in the suburbs.

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You may remember, shortly after moving to Chicago, I discovered that pets in carriers were allowed on all Chicagoland public transit systems except the Metra trains that link the city with the suburbs. I met another person who had just started a petition as she wanted to bring her small dog with her to events in the city. So for the past couple years we worked together to get more and more signatures on the petition. We were able to get articles written about the issue in local news sources, we attended meetings of the Metra board and spoke during the public comments section, and this summer they finally implemented a pilot program to allow pets in carriers on one of the lines during the weekends. It was a success so they expanded the program to all lines during the weekends and holidays. I’m hopeful that by the end of the year the permanent policy will allow pets in carriers on all lines at any time, just like all the other public transit systems.

Sid is a traveling champ and once he gets in his red travel bag, he has no trouble kicking back and relaxing. I always provide him with an ample dose of treats while he’s in his bag, so of course he often doesn’t want to get out of the bag when we arrive at our destination. Most other travelers don’t even notice that I have a dog with me, and those that do ask me all about him and “ooo” and “awww” the whole time (most pugs are used to, and expect, this kind of adoration).

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So this Thanksgiving we were especially thankful for all the Pets on Metra supporters, including all you lovely Pug Slopers that signed the petition, and the wonderful folks at Metra that made our dream a reality!

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8 Responses to “Riding the Rails”

  1. avatar Princess Leah Says:

    YAY, well done Sid, us pups should be allowed to ride on ALL trains!!!!!
    Its great funs isn’t it and I luffs getting all the fuss as well.
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

  2. avatar Noodles Says:

    Wow Sid!!! That is so cool!!!! I have been on BART which is kind of a train – more like your ELL. But. . . a train train! I gotta try that.
    Love Noodles

  3. avatar Idaho PugRanch Says:

    Yay! We remember signing the petition! So happy it made a difference
    hugs
    Mr bailey, Hazel & Mabel

  4. avatar Meredith & Scarlet Says:

    We are so glad the riders of Metra have the honor of riding with you Handsome Sid!

    ♡♡♡
    Meredith & Scarlet

  5. avatar tweedles Says:

    Sid,, I am so happy for you that you and your dad got to ride the real true train. And you have your very own little apartment bag to travel in!

    And I imagine you got lots of turkey too
    love
    tweedles

  6. avatar retro rover Says:

    how cool, trains are very neat and you look very comfy

  7. avatar Steve Inman Says:

    That was a great job Brian and I’m glad Sid gets to enjoy the ride with you!

    Gampy

  8. avatar Payton's mom Says:

    Sid is the perfect poster pug for the Metra program. We are so happy that option is finally available.
    Love,
    Christy