How one family traded city life for full-time RV adventures with their cattle dog crew.
After more than 20 years in the restaurant industry, she and her husband Jon decided there was no better time than now to chase the life they always wanted: out of the busy city, into an RV full-time, and on the road with their whole crew. That crew is three cattle dogs with three very big personalities. Leyla, the 16-year-old queen. Jerry, who is 13, blind, and completely fearless. And Keena, the proud foster fail who runs the show.
These days, you'll find them paddleboarding through Florida springs, drifting past manatees, and waking up somewhere new whenever the mood strikes. We sat down with Deita to hear how it all started, how she got three dogs to love the water, and her best advice for getting out there with your own pack.
Tell us about yourself and how you got started traveling and posting on social media.
I'm Deita, a 39-year-old content creator. I spent over 20 years in the restaurant industry. After my husband and I quit drinking and my longtime workplace closed down, I decided it was time to do something I was passionate about: sharing ways to stay healthy and adventure with your pups. I had always wanted to travel with our dogs, and we figured there was no better time than now. Our city had gotten too big for us and we were ready for something different. I started posting on social media during Covid to stay accountable with my workouts, and it slowly shifted into including my dogs, and then basing everything around them. Which makes sense, since that is how our life is anyway.
Introduce us to your dogs.
Leyla is my OG soul dog. She turned 16 in February. I adopted her at 8 weeks old when I lived in New Mexico. She has been through so much with me and is the sweetest, kindest soul ever.
Jerry turned 13 in February and lost his eyes to glaucoma in 2020 and 2021. He is still as happy, brave, and adventurous as ever. Nothing holds him back. I adopted him in New Mexico too, also at around 8 weeks. He is a spunky little dude who loves butt scratches and paddleboarding most.
Keena is our foster failure. She will be 8 in October. We fostered her through Ewenity Farm, a Florida rescue for herding dogs, and fell in love with her quirky personality. She keeps us on our toes, she is animated, and she loves being the center of attention. She loves adventuring, and she loves her naps.
What drew you to cattle dogs specifically?
A friend knew someone with a litter headed to the pound, which was Leyla's litter. I went to look at them, and she sat right between my feet, even though there were five other puppies and both parents there. She was, and is, such a beautiful soul that I knew that was the only kind of dog I would ever have. I love their intelligence, their stubbornness, and their loyalty. They can be hard-headed, but that is what makes it fun.
What's the dynamic between them? Is there a leader? A troublemaker?
Leyla is the queen, but she would never assert dominance in an aggressive way. She steps in if Keena and Jerry get frisky, and she is always there for love and snuggles. Keena and Jerry have a true big brother and little sister relationship. They pick on each other and defend each other. Sometimes they squabble, and other times they are snuggled up loving on each other. Keena is definitely the troublemaker. She loves to steal treats, toys, and attention.
What made you decide to go full-time RV life with all three pups?
With Leyla and Jerry getting older, we wanted to spend as much time with them as possible and get them out exploring as much as we could. We were tired of city life in St. Pete, and we want to look for land for ourselves. We figured now is the perfect time.
Is there a place you've taken them that you'll never forget?
We love paddleboarding in Citrus County, Florida. The springs are magical, and this winter we had a couple of amazing paddle trips with hundreds of manatees around us. Truly incredible.
How did you start paddleboarding with your dogs? Did they all take to it, or was it a process?
I started with Leyla and Jerry when we first moved to Florida about 12 years ago. I taught them individually on land first, then added water and paddling together. Lots of high-reward treats and slow introduction. We started with small, short paddles and worked our way up to longer ones. By the time we got Keena, Leyla and Jerry were already pros, and Keena was not about to miss out. She literally jumped on the board the second she saw the other two. Now it is her favorite thing, and theirs too.
What three tips would you give someone who wants to start traveling with their dogs?
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Make sure they are comfortable and have some kind of routine. My pups know the drill: wake up, snuggles, breakfast, walk. No matter where we are.
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Do a lot of sitting. We sit in parks with treats and reward calm, non-reactive behavior. We do the same at the campground and all kinds of busy places, getting them used to movement and activity.
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Take cues from your pup. Cut adventures short if they seem uncomfortable. Bring the things that make them feel at home: toys, beds, treats, and plenty of water. Make it a positive experience for everyone.
What gear matters most when you're traveling with your dogs?
We look for durability, lightweight design, quick drying, and style, of course. We want a good fit and a quality product. We skimped on gear at the start of our adventures, and after that we learned we do not mind paying more for something that will last.
Follow Deita, Leyla, Jerry, and Keena at @deitaandthedingoes to watch the adventure unfold.
And if her story has you eyeing the open road, gear up with equipment built to keep up. Built to last. Backed for life.
