Montreal 2016: Day 1 - Via Train Nightmare

On Monday morning we left on the via train to go to Montreal. I come to Shriners Hospital once a year for bone treatments and a follow-up with all of my specialists. I have been coming here since I was 2 years old and now I am almost 21. In the past 18 years they have helped me tremendously and I would not be where I am today without their help.

We started taking the train to Montreal (as opposed to driving or flying) a few years ago. Troy came with us on the Via Train last year and he did excellent. This time was a completely different story.

We were in the back of the last car on a very old train. The ride was SO bumpy and loud that even the employee selling refreshments fell on top of my mom during one of the bumps. Troy was absolutely terrified every time the train would switch tracks (I don't blame him, I was scared too... we all were!). The conductor did slow down slightly to help alleviate the bumps but he was still very shaken up since at that point it had already been 2 hours into the trip. We had another 4 hours to go and I just couldn't stand seeing him in that much distress. He was shaking, panting, jumping, and just unable to settle. I called our vet to see if he had any suggestions. Fortunately, I have my own prescription for 0.5 mg. of lorazepam. After speaking with the vet, I decided that I had to give him some of the medication. About an hour after giving him the pill, he settled down and the trip was much more enjoyable.

When we finally got to Montreal he was SO happy to get off the train that he dragged us outside (partially because he had to pee, and partially because he was just glad that he was no longer in the torture chamber). He did well afterwards at the hotel, until bed time. He started to pant and shake again. He has a fear or slippery/shiny hardwood and unfortunately the hotel floors were recently renovated so they were very shiny. He wouldn't jump up into the bed so he had to lay on the floor. I put a few blankets down for him but he still wasn't too thrilled. Finally, after a chewy dental treat and some cuddles, he settled in for the night and seemed to be okay. Now he is in much better spirits and I am hoping that the train ride home tomorrow goes much more smoothly (literally and figuratively)!

We have spoken with a very nice Via train employee here in Montreal and our seats are in car 5 out of 7 for the way home which should make a difference. It's also a newer train. I'm hoping he isn't too scared of trains from now on as I take it often to get to Toronto. We'll have to wait and see and I'll definitely update you all on Thursday when I get home!

P.S. Via WILL be receiving a complaint about the trip to Montreal. Don't worry! I am sticking up for my boy :)

A very tired boy after yesterday's nightmare. We love the new hospital though!