The following story is a finalist in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers will receive $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. Voting runs through September 8. To read more stories and cast your vote, click here!

Two summers ago, I bought a truck and trailer and moved myself and my cats from California to New York, having many adventures along the way.

PHOTO: JANET NELSON

The kitties enjoyed traveling in the trailer, seeing the sights and smells of all the new places we passed through.

Simba liked to nap on the bed, while Davey explored behind the couch and chased the new and different bugs that visited us. They both liked to sit at the screen door on the hot summer days and watch the scenery outside.

PHOTO: JANET NELSON

When the weather got too hot, they flopped on the floor under the breeze from the air conditioner. They hid under the covers with me during a thunderstorm in Virginia, and sat at the table with me while I wrote in my trip journal and planned where to stop the next day.

I hope to continue taking them camping with me for many years to come.

PHOTO: JANET NELSON

This story was submitted by Janet Nelson in support of Best Friends Animal Society. To read other stories from the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest, and to cast your vote for your favorite, click here!