Tag Archives: Oregon

Romantic places for V-day

Most romantic towns and some of them are pet friendly too

I would add Carmel, Mendocino and Napa to this list, too (in terms of romantic AND pet friendly).

 

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No. 5 San Luis Obispo, CA

With mild year-round weather, fewer crowds, and affordable prices (at least compared to L.A. and San Francisco), this central-coast college town embodies California mellow, making for easy romance. It also offers easy access to great wine country (thinkSideways), laid-back Pismo Beach, and the grandeur of Hearst Castle. Readers ranked it at the top of the survey for its coffee—like the fair-trade, organic brews served at local favorite Blackhorse Espresso and Bakery.

No. 6 Aspen, CO

The A-list ski town has no shortage of plush hotels primed for romance—such as The Little Nell or the St. Regis—or sips to get you there: the Rocky Mountain state’s legendary craft beer scene helped rank this tony mountain town at the top of the survey for its local brews (such as Aspen Brewing’s pale ale called This Season’s Blonde). For a romantic dinner you can’t beat Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, with big views—from 10,700 feet—of the Maroon Bells and European-style classics such as fondue and veal schnitzel. Readers also applauded Aspen for its variety of events, from the X Games to the high-minded Aspen Ideas Festival.

No. 8 Sonoma, CA

The surrounding wine country makes this bucolic town a no-brainer for romance—with the added couples-friendly enticements of dreamy hotels (such as the rambling Spanish Mission–style Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa) and a noted lack of kids. The foodie factor runs high, too, thanks to renowned restaurants (such as French-country The Girl & the Fig) and top-notch farmers’ markets, like the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers’ Market on Fridays. Readers also voted Sonoma into the top 10 for having quirky locals, a plus on any memorable weekend getaway.

No. 18 Bend, OR

This Oregon ski town offers a casual alternative to a romantic wine country getaway: the Bend Ale Trail, which leads you to 11 craft breweries, such as the famed Deschutes, and a branch of McMenamins at theOld St. Francis School, a 1936 Catholic schoolhouse turned inn. Bend also won the survey for burgers, and locals swear by the classic versions at Pilot Butte Drive-In. (Go ahead, get two straws for that milkshake.) visitbend.com

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-most-romantic-towns

 

 

425x282xFind-pet-friendly-restaurants-at-Pet-Hotels-of-America1.jpg.pagespeed.ic

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Filed under California, Carmel, dogs, K9 travel, Oregon, pet friendly lodging, romance, travel, Uncategorized, Valentine's Day

Fourth of July bucket list

Chocolate and pet friendly meals to Put on your bucket list

Some of the yummiest meals and specific foods I’ve ever eaten that you might want to devour over the Fourth of July this year or next r another time… and some of the places are even pet friendly… if I do not indicate a specific dish, it means ALL of the food is good, so try whatever appeals to you, it is all good, heave ho.

A vegan meal at Ravens, Stanford Inn, Mendocino, CA

A meal at The Farmhouse, Sonoma, CA

http://fathomaway.com/postcards/chill/farmhouse-inn-sonoma-california/

Eggs MacBenedict, Chocolate Extravagance, MacCallum House, Mendocino, CA

Apple pancakes, Strawberry Creek Inn, Idyllwild, CA

Ole’s Swedish Hot cakes, Little River Inn, Little River, CA

Greek pasta, chicken caesar salad, Dametra cafe, Carmel, CA

Chocolate Cocoa Lounge (Feb. 14), The Island hotel, Newport Beach, CA

chocolate-for-breakfast-cover

Chocolate for Breakfast, Oak Knoll Inn, Napa, CA

Hot chocolate, Silly Rabbit Chocolate, Ashland OR

Robin’s restaurant, Cambria, CA

Chocolate cake, Gnome, Idyllwild, CA

Fish n chips, The Boathouse, Bodega Bay, CA

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Calamari, Abalonetti Seafood, Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CAfis

Calamari, fish n chips, Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant, Morro Bay, CA

Authentic Pad Thai from Thailand

NY pizza, pretzel, knish (street food)

German pretzel, spaetzle at Englischer Gartens in Munich, and a meal at the Kunstlerhaus

Masala dosa, southern India and meals

Gyro or a Souvlaki and shake at the Mad Greek diner, Baker, CA

Turkey Fat burgers or original with eggs and fries, Los Angeles

Chinese meal from NY or SF Chinatown

Pick your own fruit at Gilcrease Orchards, Las Vegas, NV

fish n chips and stuffed potatoes, London and the midlands

Patty melt, and doggie menu, Park bench cafe, Huntington Beach, CA

Mama’s Fish House, Maui, HI

French toast, Roughley Manor, 29 Palms, CA

world”s largest chocolate fountain, Jean Philippe’s chocolates, Bellagio, las vegas, nv

Omelette, Bagel sandwich, Bagel Cafe, Summerlin, Las Vegas, NV

Chicken and Rice, Mi Casa Too, Carson City, NV

Raw vegan food, Living Light Cafe, Fort Bragg, CA

Breakfast buffet, Top of the Riverfront, Millennium Hotel, St. Louis, MO

BBQ chicken, St. Louis, MO and Kansas City, MO

Turkey burger and fries, Sequoia Drive-in, Sebastopol, CA

other views:

http://www.nerdtravel.com/2013/west-coast-road-trips/#.UdG7z57BkKE.twitter

http://www.businessinsider.com/memorable-meals-to-eat-in-your-lifetime-2013-6

4th-of-july-flag-lasagna-recipe

http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/962095/fourth-of-july-flag-lasagna-recipe?sk_ref=poptoday

 

and some yummy pet menus at various hotels

http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-dog-owners-hotels-20130705,0,5336075.story

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Doggone Spring Break 2013

Our pet policy here at Have Dog Blog will Travel is that we will feature places we like that have Dogitude, (go above and beyond to welcome dogs and their people) and even places we have never been if they allow ALL breeds of dogs, do not restrict pets based upon weight nor size, do not charge enormous pet fees, and are generally pet friendly and dog tolerant (although we prefer places that really welcome pets with big open arms and hearts).  If your venue does NOT allow dogs like my Cici, then naturally we prefer that you find another blogger to write about your place. Thank you.

Five hotels in New Mexico in three cities that are

pet-friendly and have custom pet-friendly packages and amenities. Note:  The ONLY hotel in Santa Fe that does NOT restrict based upon weight is the St. Francis and we applaud them for that. The other two hotels accept dogs up to 50 pounds. What happens after 50 pounds? Do the dogs woof more, shed more, become a nuisance, are real dogs?  We do not get it, but let it slide since these two hotels would allow Cici to visit. However, for our friends with dogs that weigh 60, 75 , 100 or 150 pounds, we do not condone this nonsense and suggest that you let the hotels know and go stay at the St. Francis.

Nativo Lodge in Albuquerque:

http://www.nativolodge.com/special-pkg/albuquerque-pet-friendly-pkg.aspx

Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe:

http://www.hotelchimayo.com/special-pkg/santa-fe-pet-pkg.aspx

Lodge at Santa Fe:

http://www.lodgeatsantafe.com/special-pkg/santa-fe-pet-pkg.aspx

Hotel St. Francis in Santa Fe:

http://www.hotelstfrancis.com/santa-fe-pet-hotel.aspx

Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces:

http://www.hotelencanto.com/special-pkg/las-cruces-pet-pkg.aspx

 Oregon

Lincoln City OR has a reputation for being a pet friendly place to visit. From lodging options, to activities, Lincoln City has a lot to offer travelers and their furry companions.

map

Check out pet resources here:

http://www.oregoncoast.org/pets/

A few hotels in Lincoln City that offer pet friendly options:

http://www.lookingglass-inn.com/Dog_Friendly.html

http://www.thecoholodge.com/packages.html

http://www.theshearwaterinn.com/Dog_Friendly.html

More Lincoln City, Oregon info… Cici and I LOVED staying at the Capt. Cook Inn when we were there… it was a small motel, with LOTS of pet friendliness, privacy, clean and quiet at a very affordable price. We felt welcomed, it was charming and truly nice people in the midst of a very busy city. A hidden treasure.

THINGS TO DO

http://www.captaincookinn.com/Things-To-Do.html

http://www.oregoncoast.org/pets/

Other pet friendly hotels along the Oregon Coast…

http://www.oregoncoast101.com/lodging/pets.html

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 Washington

The Woodmark Hotel is located on the shores of Lake Washington in Kirkland, Wash. The Woodmark Hotel is dedicated to providing all guests with a home away from home, which for many means travelling with their faithful canine companions.

Amenities for four-legged travelers are available upon request, and are offered free of charge. The shoreline paths, nearby city parks and beautiful scenery are perfect for a leisurely dog walk or invigorating run, ensuring a restful night sleep for all. The Woodmark provides everything needed to pamper pups with complimentary use of a cushy pet bed, food and water dishes, plus Woody’s walking map, bottled water, leash, tennis ball and doggy biscuits. Simply request a pet friendly stay upon booking and all the items will be waiting in-room.

First to welcome two- and four-legged travelers to the property is Woody Mae, a black Labrador retriever and the hotel’s “Director of Barketing.” In June through September, Woody Mae also hosts Yappier Hour on the Beach Café lawn, where pups and their people can enjoy the lake views, warm weather and a cocktail.

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The Woodmark requires no additional fees to travelers with pets. For more information about The Woodmark’s pet policy, go to… http://www.thewoodmark.com/seattle-pet-friendly-hotel.php

New York and DC 

Pet-friendly Affinia Hotels, has properties in NYC and D.C. The boutique hotel collection caters to man’s best friend with Happy Tails which includes:

  • Good Karma Rope ToysTM by Jax & Bones for the pup to chew, play, tug, or fetch
  • Plush, eco-friendly dog beds by Jax & Bones
  • Delish dog treats by Dylan’s Candy Bar
  • Food and water bowls (offered in deep and shallow depths)

Additionally, extra services can be arranged including pet psychic, grooming, walking/pet-sitting services, and much more.  Some Affinia hotels even go above and beyond:

·        The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel in Washington, DC invites your pup to enjoy their famed restaurant, Art and Soul, established by celebrity Chef Art Smith, where Fido can crack open a “Bowser Beer” (a non-alcoholic canine brew), enjoy a “Hungry Dawg” six ounce grilled steak and linger on a “Raw Deal” frozen dog bone. All of these items are on the restaurant’s Pooch Patio menu:  http://www.artandsouldc.com/images/Puppy_menu.pdf.

·        Affinia Manhattan is an official host hotel of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, and was the home to the Best of Show winner for two years in a row!

·        TripAdvisor rated Affinia Dumont, located in Manhattan’s Murray Hill neighborhood, as the number one pet hotel for the second year in a row.

There is a $25 surcharge per stay.

More about dog friendly NYC and Wash DC

http://celiasue.com/2011/03/02/spring-break-for-bicoastal-pets/

http://celiasue.com/2012/04/02/spring-break-dog/

 

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Valentine’s Day: romance is in the air

Top 10 Romantic Cities

thanks to our friend Tawna Fenske for sharing this list on Facebook…

many of these cities are also pet friendly… the top three are…

1. Scottsdale, AZ

2. Napa, CA

3. Bend, OR

http://livability.com/top-10/top-10-romantic-cities/bend/or

4. Charlottesville, Va

5. Santa Fe, NM

6. Kansas City, MO

7. Savannah, GA

8. Cambridge, MA

9. Coral Gables, FL

10. Hot Springs, AR

Take a look at BedandBreakfast.com’s list of Top 10 Dog-Friendly B&Bs

http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/toplists/top10pet-friendly

These bed and breakfasts and inns across the U.S. really go above and

beyond to accommodate dogs (all year round) so both owners and pets can

enjoy traveling together.

The only inn on this list and blog post that Cici and I have personally visited is in Carmel, CA… The Cypress Inn (and Carmel itself) is truly dog friendly not just dog tolerant as many hotels are. Please let us know if you have great experiences at any of these hotels or inns. Thank you.

The Cypress Inn is owned by Doris Day, an animal activist, and Dennis LeVett. Dogs and cats are welcome here, and the historic inn has just blocks from Carmel’s pet-friendly beach. The inn’s courtyard has doggie pick-up bags and an area to wash your dog off after playing on the beach. Because the owners feel that pets are a part of the family, well-behaved pets are allowed throughout the inn and can join their humans in the courtyard for breakfast and evening appetizers. Cypress Inn even has occasional dog-related events, such as Poodle Day.

cypress

A few venues that offer True Love Packages… whether it’s for Romance or Special Time for you and your Best Friend… 

One of our favorite places is Mendocino, CA and there are many wonderful pet friendly places to stay. One of many outstanding pet friendly hotels is the MacCallum House…beautiful rooms, walking distance to the beach and shops, botanical gardens, and much more. It’s a whale of a time to visit there with whale watching galore and great prices.

machouse_pet

http://www.maccallumhouse.com/pages/pets.html

Free guide

http://celiasue.com/free-guide-to-pet-friendly-cities/

The Oregon Garden Resort

Located in the quaint town of Silverton, Oregon, the Oregon Garden & Oregon Garden Resort  would make for a unique and memorable fido-friendly Valentine’s Day. Constructed in 2008, The Oregon Garden Resort is an upscale boutique resort that sits on 11 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and connected to the Oregon Gardens, a unique 80-acre botanical garden featuring 20 specialty gardens. The Resort features a main lodge that consists of a restaurant, lounge, day spa and 17 guest cottages housing 6 rooms each – each one equipped with a fireplace and private deck. Not only is the resort very pet-friendly, but pets are even allowed to have dinner with guests in the outdoor seating areas (one of which is covered). What’s more, overnight stays include passes to explore the Oregon Garden, which is an 80-acre botanical garden where pets are also very welcome! The Garden even boasts a special “pet garden,” which educates visitors as to which plants are friendly to pets.

***

Phoenix Inn Suites -Salem, OR

Hiking & Pet Package

Rate starts at $119 and includes 2 water bottles, energy bars, a Phoenix Inn knapsack, as well as maps to local hiking/dog trails. Pet fee is also included. Package is offered year-round. Link for more info: http://www.phoenixinn.com/salem-south/specials-and-packages/

***

This Valentine’s Day, take the romantic escape you’ve been waiting for with

that special someone and journey to the heart of the Adirondacks (New York) for

a weekend of romance in the mountains at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

in Lake Placid  and be sure to bring Fido!

Located on the shores of Mirror Lake on Main Street in Lake Placid, the

Golden Arrow’s picturesque location makes for the quintessential romantic

getaway, one that’s pet-friendly with a jaw-dropping view. During your stay, ski, snowshoe, or hike the sparkling, snow-covered Adirondack wilderness (a virtually limitless playground where Fido can

enjoy the great outdoors), take a leisurely stroll together down Lake Placid’s quaint Main Street (try a stop at Jake Placid Doghouse  to please the pooch, too!), and enjoy a romantic dinner for two at Generations restaurant and end the day curled up by the fire with that special someone and your furry companion by your side.

At the Golden Arrow, currently offering an exclusive Valentine’s Day Getaway Deal. Stay February 14, 15, and 16 in any of the Golden Arrow’s pet-friendly accommodations and receive the Resort’s Romance Package which includes a bottle of wine, two commemorative wine glasses, a wine tasting for two, a complimentary dogsled ride on frozen Mirror Lake, and more.

Pets incur a $50 per pet, per week fee

·         No weight or size limitations

·         Pets are restricted to Deluxe Rooms located on the 3rd floor of the hotel to ensure they do not come in contact with other guests who have pet allergies

·         A $100 per pet security deposit required upon arrival – fully refundable upon time of departure barring any unintentional property damages

·         10% of each pet fee is donated annually to the local  pet charity chosen by one of the Golden Arrow’s favorite guests who traveled with their pet that year.

***

pet-friendly

Provenance Hotels Tempt with Nontraditional Valentine Getaways

Hotel packages in Nashville, Seattle and Portland celebrate love of all kinds.

Love is a many-splendored thing and Provenance Hotels, with five award-winning, art-filled boutique hotels in three of the nation’s most exciting destinations, is inviting travelers to celebrate love in all its forms with Valentine’s getaways for retro-lovers, pet-fanciers, modern gentlemen, gals on the town and chocoholics. With vintage-inspired va-va-voom at Seattle, Wash.’s Hotel Max; a girls night out in Music City with Hotel Preston in Nashville, Tenn.; and in Portland, Ore., a stylish getaway for the well-groomed guy at chic Hotel Lucia; a cuddly escape with man’s best friend at Hotel deLuxe; and an artisanal twist on a Cupid classic, chocolate, at The Governor Hotel, these packages offer inventive escapes sure to make hearts go pitter-patter on Valentine’s Day.

Once-per stay pet fee of $45

Boudoir and burlesque fantasies come to life with the sassy, sultry Risqué Business package at Seattle’s sexiest boutique hotel, Hotel Max. Priced from $439 per night, plus tax, it includes overnight accommodations, complimentary valet parking, a bottle of bubbly, box of locally-made OH! Chocolates, private in-room couples’ photo session with one of the city’s top professional boudoir photographers, a keepsake photo disc featuring the pin-up-worthy photos, roundtrip town car service to The Triple Door theater, two tickets for a live performance of The Atomic Bombshells: J’Adore! A Burlesque Valentine, and late 2 p.m. check out the next day. The package requires seven days advance booking and can be reserved online at http://www.hotelmaxseattle.com/risque or by calling 866-986-8087.

Hotel Preston, a hip boutique hotel conveniently located near Nashville Airport, is offering single ladies the chance to grab their best girls and celebrate Valentine’s Day with a package that is pure Music City- a little indulgent and whole lot of fun. The No Valentine? No Problem! package includes overnight accommodations in a spacious suite, a bottle of bubbly to get the party started; round trip transportation to and from downtown Nashville’s hottest nightlife neighborhood, Broadway and Second Avenue; a ‘midnight snack’ selection of Nashville’s own Christie’s Cookies; and, in the morning, a gift certificate to Music City’s famed Loveless Café so they can start the morning right with an authentic Southern breakfast. Priced from $269 per night, plus tax, the package requires 48 hours advance booking can be reserved at http://www.hotelpreston.com/noproblem or by calling 866-986-8089.

Dating a modern day Don Draper or 007? At chic Hotel Lucia, in the heart of downtown Portland, stylish gals (and guys) are invited to treat the gentleman in their life to a slice of the good life with the Stand By Your Man package priced from $289 per night, plus tax. It features overnight accommodations; Portland-distilled whiskey and all the accoutrements’ for mixing up the perfect in-room Manhattans; a certificate for a haircut and shave at nearby Y-Chrome; and, because his car is his baby, Hotel Lucia will send it out for professional detailing while guests are mixing it up in the room. The package requires 72 hours advance booking and can be reserved at http://www.hotellucia.com/yourman or by calling 866-986-8086.

Glamorous boutique Hotel deLuxe, also located in downtown Portland, is catering to four-legged Valentines and the people who love them with the Puppy Love package. It includes overnight accommodations in a pet-friendly room; Provenance Hotels’ signature pet welcome amenity with a bed and bowls to borrow, a pet snack and Provenance Hotels’ pet menu; a keepsake heart-shape dog tag engraved with Fluffy or Fido’s name; vet-approved dog cupcakes; and cupcakes for people from a Portland favorite, St. Cupcake bakery. Package rates start at $219 per night, plus tax, require five days advance booking and can be reserved at http://www.hoteldeluxe.com/puppyloveor by calling 866-986-8085.

The historic Governor Hotel is giving that time-honored Valentine’s tradition, chocolate, an only-in-Portland twist with the Artisan Chocolate Experience package. It includes luxurious overnight accommodations; a generous welcome amenity featuring a sampling of the city’s best locally-made chocolate; and a private, guided walking tour of Portland artisan chocolatiers with Portland Walking Tours during which travelers will sample and indulge in the diversity of chocolate from beans to bars – plus whipped, truffles, cocktails, melted, for sipping, and more. The package requires 48 hours advance notice, is priced from $329, plus tax, and can be booked at http://www.goverhorhotel.com/chocolate or by calling 888-246-5631.

Provenance Hotels Valentine packages are available for stays checking in February 14-16, 2013 at Hotel Max, February 1-18, 2013 at Hotel Preston and Feb. 14-17, 2013 at Hotel Lucia, Hotel deLuxe and the Governor Hotel.

***

Valentines & Un-Valentines Packages

Working with About.com’s Dating Expert, put together the ultimate foodie’s “Breaking-Up Package.” Spend some time in the California Wine Country to get far away from your ex, and then move on. The Package includes: the full Chocolate Covered February works (chocolate mimics the feeling in the body that we get when falling in love via phenylethylamine), two nights in a Queen Room, a vitamin B packed full breakfast (B vitamins are major players in the happiness mood-food connection), evening wine and cheese tasting, a self-improvement break-up recovery book, a pint of chocolate walnut organic ice cream (as excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts offer up the kind of nourishment brain cells need to keep depression at bay and neurotransmitters firing) and a voodoo doll with pins to write his/her name on. Also included in the package is your choice of: a one-hour exercise classes each day or a one-hour massage and a special self-guided wine tasting tour.  Guaranteed to put you on the road to break-up recovery.  $550.00 for two nights – more than $100 savings

Enjoy a chocolate adventure in romance at a great price from Thursday, February 14th to Sunday, February 16th.  Getaway includes: chocolate afternoon treats, evening chocolate port, gourmet chocolates, a chocolate treat included on the breakfast menu, a chocolate and wine pairing adventure, self-guided chocolate shop tour, a romantic dinner for two on Feb. 14, chocolate soap, a gift each night including a bottle of wine and three nights in a King room with fireplace and two-person whirlpool tub. King room – $999 including taxes – Savings of more than $150.

Camellia Inn’s Chocolate Covered Wednesdays: Yes, what’s better than chocolate with red wine! Chocolate soap, chocolate for breakfast, chocolate port and chocolate goodies when you arrive, that’s what’s better than just chocolate and red wine

No. 1 Best Rates of the Year and It’s not just wine: Of course the Sonoma Wine Country is synonymous with wine, but there’s so much more…and much of it you already know about – the great food, the rolling hills, the hospitality, but did you know there’s glassblowing, botanical gardens, ziplining, soap and what’s wine without cheese?

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soothing the holiday doggie blues

ok, tis the holiday season, ho ho ho is upon us and I bet you are racing around for bargains from store to store and other madness. do you and your pooch get the blues around the holidays?  maybe it’s all that food and fun you are supposed to have but maybe you’re not having… maybe you are alone, broke, and/or just plain blue …

no worries…we’ve got some tips for you.

Spend quality time with your canine
According to research at the State University of New York at Buffalo, being around a pet provides more stress relief than being around a two-legged companion. As if we needed a study to determine that.  Good for them, good for you.

My #1 tip for addressing the holiday (or any time traveling) doggie blues is simple.  the dogs  you to want focus on them, so spend some quality time with your dog, do something just with your dog.

Most of my guests come with their dogs almost exclusively because we are incredibly pet welcoming, and most of them are doing a getaway which definitely includes (or is because of) pet dog recreation.

Yet some folks travel with their dogs physically with them, but totally ignore them once they’re here. That causes the doggie traveling blues, no matter whether they’re traveling for the holidays or a family reunion, special event (wedding, birthday, graduation), a special relaxing destination (like Crater Lake), etc.

How to fix that? Easy. Providing some FOCUS on the dog, and quality time (just taking them out to potty doesn’t cut it) will eliminate the doggie blues and also unwanted behaviors like barking, whining, scratching, chewing, clinginess, etc.

Give your dog some loving ME time and attention, belly rubs, massage, play time…

Spend some time each day really focused on your dog. Dogs can tell if you’re going for a walk but not really there (texting, chatting on your phone, thinking about how to fix the holiday dinner, worried about what to do when you get back to work, etc.). That focus, and intention of really being present with your dog will go a loooong way to keeping your pooch happy since that’s how dogs live their lives. they really appreciate and respond when we do the same for and with them.

So DO something with and for your dog, with intention and focus…do some training, and make it a game. That lets your dog exercise their mind as well as their bodies, and it’s fun play for both of you. Teach them a trick or behavior that makes you laugh. Be there for them 110% during that time. See how this little bit of focus time really enhances your bond with your dog, and makes you BOTH feel a heck of a lot better…a great way to have a little bit of sanity with all the holiday traveling craziness.

Enjoy! — Liz

Liz Parrish, Proprietor

Crystalwood Lodge LLC

A pet-welcoming destination in the Southern Oregon Cascades, just outside Crater Lake National Park. Relax with the perfect getaway at the edge of the Klamath Basin, in the heart of a recreation wonderland and a world apart from your daily stress!

www.CrystalwoodLodge.com

Why is this called “the Best 30 Miles in Oregon?” Find out here!

ThingsToDoNearCraterLake.com

Calming Collars 

Deb Mendez makes the most delicious, yummiest smelling collars for dogs on the planet. And they look gorgeous, too. Clearly, they are handmade (customized) with lots of love and care. These collars can be used whenever your dog is experiencing extra stress (during travel), anxiety (separation), hears loud noises (thunderstorms and/or fireworks), and/or weird weather. We got a Purple Key West collar for Cici and I love that it is all natural.

www.calmingcollars.com

The regular Calm Me Down blend is a combination that includes lavender, chamomile and balsam. If someone requests an extra strength version,  valerian, lemongrass, mugwort and orange peel may be added. The Good to Go collar is includes lavender, chamomile, peppermint, ginger and other herbs. No essential oils or other fillers, just the actual dried herbs in a cotton fabric sleeve.  The collars work through aromatherapy.  The collars generally last anywhere from 3 to 9 months, depending upon amount of time of usage (every day, 24/7, a few hours a week and so on).

They also make anti-motion sickness collars Good To Go . These will help stop your pet from getting motion sickness when traveling in a car or other moving vehicle.

For summer, there is also the Too Cool collars that help your pet stay cool.

Readers of my blog get an exclusive discount… Just type CICI for a 10% discount on any purchase. You’ll see the discount in the shopping cart before heading to checkout. Cheers !

Dog Pheromones

The Comfort Zone with DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) disperses an odorless vapor that mimics the calming hormone that is secreted by nursing dogs. Pheromones emitted by animals through their skin and glands are natural chemicals that help them to communicate with others of the same species. Basically, it helps dogs calm down.  When animals receive pheromone signals, there is an involuntary behavioral effect on the animals. When the dog or puppy senses the pheromone through the nasal passage, he feels secure and comfortable, reducing his urge to act out through chewing, excessive barking, house soiling or other fear-related behaviors.

It comes in a spray bottle that you can mist away your dog’s stress and also comes in the plug-in diffuser version. You can spray the inside of your dog’s crate 15 minutes ahead of placing your dog inside. These stress reducing pheromones make dogs feel safe and secure and help you control excessive whining hiding, panting, chewing, and other behaviors. The diffuser lasts up to 30 days and refills can be purchased.  Relaxation in a bottle.

They make this product for both dogs and cats. You can purchase through Petco, Amazon or online at their website, find a location near you, http://petcomfortzone.com/home.html.

Other ideas:

Comfort your pooch with a massage and/or a class of doggie yoga … OM

Play some soothing doggie music…our friend Lisa Spector at Through a Dog’s Ear has a big promotion going on, with free daily downloads and an annual word game where people compete to win free music for their favorite shelters and rescues. She is also offering discounts on some dog calming music…Driving Edition and Music to Calm your Canine Companion Vol. 3 until Dec 31, 2011.

More info:

http://willmydoghateme.com/pet-travel/coping-with-holiday-frenzy-sounds-to-soothe-the-canine-soul

Give them some Bach’s Rescue Remedy to calm their K9 nerves

www.rescueremedy.com

Sing them a Silly Song…

New 12 Dogs Of Christmas Lyrics by me

On the ______ day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

1 Cici eating (cause she’s a food ho)

2  Pibbles licking

3 Patrick’s wagging

and a V-dog in a pear tree

4 Victories for Cherry (Garcia)

5 Kongs for Ginger

6 Forever Homes (for Squeaker, Ellen, Ray and Oscar)

7 Handsome Dan’s swimming

8 Jhumpa Jones’ singing

9 Pibbles  zooming

10  Hector’s Leaping (carefully)

11 Pibble puppies playing

12 Dalmatian pit bulls dancing

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Filed under aromatherapy, belly rubs, canine rehabilitation, creativity, Dalmatian, dancing dogs, dog friendly, dog prayers, doggie healing center, dogs, Don't worry be happy, eco friendly/green, four paws up, gift giving, gifts for your dog, happy holidays, holiday gifts, holiday music, holiday spirit, holiday tips, K9 approved, K9 travel, keep pets safe, laughter is the best medicine, Michael Vick dogs, music for dogs, natural health remedies, Oregon, organic, Patrick, pet care, pet travel, pit bull, self help, seperation anxiety in dogs, tis the season, Uncategorized

Sunny skies in Grants Pass, Oregon

Latest update: They need a new engine, cost $10,000. They had raised $5,000 as of yesterday. And this from their FB page:

Lori Lauten

We don’t have any fresh news yet this morning, but as of last night they had all the dogs off the bus & they had all gone to a privately owned property where they were fed, watered, walked, checked by Dr. Berton, and smothered with love & attention. They also had shelter from the sun, & night air, and blankets in their crates.They may be arriving a little later than planned, but please trust that they are in the very best of hands, and will arrive no worse for their adventure. I am sure we will have new information within the next couple of hours. Support & offers of help have been flooding in from everywhere. Check back in a little later & we will post updates as we have them.

 

 

Shout out to Shari’s restaurant in Grants Pass, who Stepped Up to an Urgent Call for help from me for Sunny Sky Animal Rescue, an animal rescue group from Washington who went to LA to rescue dogs from high kill helters. On the way back, they got stranded on the bus in Grants Pass. They need help with unexpected expenses, including $1,500 to fix the bus, and food, water for the people and 100 dogs. The manager at Shari’s gave the group water, ice, food and  internet! Grants Pass Shari’s – 24 Hour Family Dining in Grants Pass, OR – Shari’s Restaurant & Pies www.sharis.com Shari’s Restaurant serves fresh baked pies and quality meals in a family-friendly atmosphere.  Their food, water, needs are met, now they need to get the bus fixed.

Update: Two mechanics are on site, and state troopers brought food and water, too and the TV station is also doing a story… one way to get publicity, folks LOL…

Thank you to all the folks who’ve stepped up including Shari’s, mechanics, Fire Dept, State Troopers, folks on Facebook, TV station and Susan Stelljes (Portland Oregon Patrick Movement) etc.

Donations to keep the bus Rollin’ can use the link Below:

http://sunnyskysrescuebus.chipin.com/the-rescue-bus

pet friendly places to stay in Grants Pass

http://www.visitgrantspass.org/Index.aspx?page=1261

wineries, call and find out if they are pet friendly

http://www.visitgrantspass.org/Index.aspx?page=518

Weirdly, last night there was another Grants Pass, Oregon story on 20/20, and I was crying my eyes out. This family with young children, James and Kati Kim, got stranded off the Bear Camp Road/Galice Road, Highway 23… WARNING: DO NOT EVER TAKE THIS ROAD TO TRY TO GET TO THE BEACH/COAST… The Kim family got stranded in winter and James lost his life in 2006.  In 2008, Cici and I traveled there and got lost and it is a horrendous road. It was in the summertime and we were trying to find shade, relief from the heat (water), and the road is rough, twisty, windy, and we were scared. I was, Cici was kind of k9 oblivious. After driving for a couple of hours, I finally was able to turn around go back to Grants Pass. There is a sign to Gold Beach 54 miles. That seemed like a plan but was NOT.

The best routes to get to the beach are head north to Roseburg, then Sutherlin, take the beach road there. Or take the road from Eugene to Florence. NEVER EVER try to go to Gold Beach from Grants Pass through the Galice Road. Summer, winter, any time of year.

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Filed under animal rescue, dog rescue, dog travel, dogs, Oregon, pet friendly lodging, pet travel, travel with dog, Uncategorized

a slice of dog heaven: Santa Cruz

DOG FANCY magazine (http://www.dogfancy.com) has named Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, the winner of the 2011 DogTown USA competition, saluting it as America’s most dog-friendly city.

This year’s contest also named four regional winners:

·         Northwest: Bend, Ore.

·         Northeast: Doylestown, Pa.

·         Southeast: Knoxville, Tenn.

·         Southwest: Santa Cruz, Calif.

Congrats to our friends in Bend, Oregon and Santa Cruz. Uh oh, what happened to Carmel????  It did not even make it in the top five. Santa Cruz is nearby. Seems like Carmel should be at least in the top ten. But apparently the magazine did not include Carmel at all.  They did not say why.

The criteria used to select the winning city included plenty of dog-friendly open spaces and dog parks, events celebrating dogs and their owners, ample veterinary care, abundant pet supply and other services, and municipal laws that support and protect all pets.

Dog Fancy editors traveled to Coeur d’Alene to present the city with this top honor and present $5,000 to the Kootenai County Dog Park Association. Additionally, Natural Balance Pet Foods will donate 1,000 pet food meals to Kootenai Humane Society on behalf of Coeur d’Alene, and 500 pet food meals to each of the regional winners.

For the complete story on DogTown USA, pick up the October issue of DOG FANCY (http://www.facebook.com/DogFancy), on newsstands August 23, 2011.

Labor Day weekend is almost here, so a good place to visit with your pooch(es) would be Santa Cruz. Sun, sand and fur.

More about Santa Cruz:

Dog Off Leash areas

http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/index.aspx?page=934

Hikes with dogs in Santa Cruz county

http://www.naturedogs.com/hike.php?id=59

Dogs parks

http://santacruz.patch.com/articles/santa-cruz-dog-parks-are-not-just-for-dogs

Dine and shop with dogs and more

http://www.goodtimessantacruz.com/dog-friendly-directory.html

Charmer of the week from the SPCA in Santa Cruz  (good karma to adopt not shop)

http://www.santacruzspca.org/

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Filed under animal stars, California, dog travel, K9 travel, pet adoption, pet friendly dining, pet friendly lodging, Uncategorized

bend it like oregon

Another guest blogger today, hurray… This is from Tawna Fenske, bio below, does PR for Bend Oregon.

When most people think of Oregon, they imagine lush, damp forests and constant rain. But it’s a different picture in the mountainous high desert of Central Oregon.

Dubbed the “outdoor playground of the West,” Bend, Oregon is a recreation lover’s paradise filled with craggy volcanic rock formations, snowcapped mountains, rushing rivers, endless trails, and a whole lot of open space dotted with sagebrush and juniper.

It’s the perfect setting for dog-loving travelers and very Happy Dogs…

http://jillrosellphotography.blogspot.com/2011/01/dogs-of-bend-oregon-pet-photography.html

Bend is famously friendly to canines, and was recently nominated by Dog Fancy magazine as “one of the best places in the country to be a dog and dog owner.”

So what is there to do if you’re a four-legged traveler coming to this city?

Though Bend’s population is just 82,000, the city has a whopping SEVEN  off-leash dog parks http://www.bendparksandrec.org/Parks Trails/Dogs in Parks/. These aren’t just little patches of grass, either. Pine Nursery Park, for example, is an 18-acre fenced space packed with trails, trees, and wide open spaces for fetching and running.

If open trails are more your scene, there are plenty of them in and around Bend.  http://www.dogpac.org/trails&parks.html  Visit the website for Bend’s dog advocacy group, DogPac, for a complete listing of summer and winter trails guaranteed to be Fido-friendly.

For those seeking special events and activities to enjoy with a canine companion, Bend has plenty to offer. In the winter months, skijoring is a popular diversion for dogs and humans (think of it as cross country skiing while being pulled by a dog). Wanoga  http://www.dogpac.org/wintertrails.html  Sno-Park is a great place to sample that, along with regular old snowshoeing or Nordic skiing with your pooch.

In the warmer months, Bend’s  http://www.bendconcerts.com Les Schwab Amphitheater brings in tons of great concerts that are open to dogs and humans alike. Dogs are also welcome on most  mountain biking trails  http://www.dogpac.org/summertrails.html  around Bend for those who like to tear up the singletrack with Rover along for the ride.

Once you’ve had your fill of frolicking and butt-sniffing in the great outdoors, consider visiting some of Bend’s dog-friendly shops for toys and necessities.  http://bendpetexpress.com/   Bend Pet Express has an excellent selection of food, toys, and treats, with locations on both the northeast and west side of town. They also carry products from   Ruff Wear, a Bend-based manufacturer of products for active canines. Pick up one of their doggie floatation coats before renting a canoe from Alder Creek Canoe and Kayak  or Tumalo Creek Canoe & Kayak and heading out onto the water with your pooch.

And if you want to go camping and hiking, here is a map,  http://www.visitbend.com/Bend-Hiking-and-Camping-Map.pdf

For dogs with a taste for the bling, check out  Dog Patch Boutique on Minnesota Avenue in Downtown Bend. The shop has a great selection of dog accessories ranging from Swarovski Crystal collars to leashes to beds to dog apparel and cologne.

During the summer months, most restaurants with outdoor dining areas are eager to welcome you and your dog for a meal.  Chow,   Bourbon Street, Parilla Grill, Flatbread Community Oven, and Brother Jon’s are just a few great spots that allow dogs to dine with their owners at the outdoor tables.

The Bend Ale Trail :  a majority of these breweries are dog friendly in their outdoor seating areas, and you’ll almost always spot a pooch or two leashed to the lamp poles in front of local pubs.

For dog bakeries, try Polka-Doodle Dog Bakery and Healthy Paws offer grain free dog food.

Bend also boasts oodles of  pet-friendly Bend hotels for visitors  who need a home away from home. Options range from luxury boutique accommodations like The Oxford Hotel (which offers perks like organic dog treats, travel bowls you get to keep, and a personal pet bed proportional to the size of your pet) to budget-friendly lodging options like Super 8.

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/pet-friendly-rentals-bend-or-33725.html

If bringing your dog to his own pet-loving resort is more your kind of vacation, Bend offers a number  of doggie hotels to pamper even the pickiest puppy.

Even without all the opportunities for hiking, frolicking, and dining with your dog in Bend, it’s the little things that make you both feel at home. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a gas station attendant or drive-thru coffee barista who doesn’t offer biscuits to your pooch, and most local businesses keep water dishes out in the warm months.

It’s Bend’s way of saying welcome to two and four-legged friends alike!

Bend it like Oregon guest blog by Tawna Fenske

About Tawna

Tawna joined Visit Bend in October 2010 to handle day-to-day execution of Visit Bend’s communications programs. She manages relationships with key media contacts and stakeholders in the tourism industry, playing the primary public relations role for the organization.

A third generation Oregonian, Tawna has lived and worked in Bend since 1997. Before joining the Visit Bend team, Tawna spent nearly eight years as the Publications Coordinator for the Marketing team at St. Charles Medical Center. She also worked in marketing and corporate communications for an international translation company and a nationally franchised family photo studio.

When she’s not devoting her energy to promoting Bend tourism, Tawna stays focused on her other job as a published novelist writing quirky romantic comedies. She loves roaming the globe and tending to a menagerie of ill-behaved (but well loved) family pets.

http://www.visitbend.com/blog/2011/03/02/the-ultimate-dog-date-in-bend-oregon/

Besides Bend, you might want to visit other places in Oregon such as Medford, Ashland and Grants Pass and/or  Sutherlin and Florence (the beaches).

Here’s some info on Grants Pass. Cici and I camped out at the Valley of the Rogue campground a few times, as well as stayed in a yurt at Honeyman campground in Florence and stayed in various motels in Medford, Florence and Ashland, as posted about two years ago.  we also visited gorgeous Crater Lake.

http://www.rogueweb.com/crater/

https://celiasue.wordpress.com/2008/08/15/its-reigning-cats-and-dogs-in-florence-oregon/

https://celiasue.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/into-the-sunset/


https://celiasue.wordpress.com/2008/08/20/along-highway-5/

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/hotels-allow-dogs-grants-pass-oregon-52674.html

http://www.coosbayinn.com/hotel-oregon-coast-sitemap.asp

a bird in the blog hop thanks to Life with Dogs

https://www.facebook.com/bethechangeforpets?sk=app_4949752878

Time for BlogPaws’ Be the Change for Pets project, spring cleaning, clean out our closets!

  Join pet bloggers and pet lovers from around the world, on May 18 -25th- for the world’s first online garage sale to benefit animal rescue or any other animal based cause you would like. You can participate from your own home and participate however you like.

Thank you to Two Little Cavaliers for this heads up… and two of the cutest lil doggies Cici would love to play with…

and here Blog Hop is the code

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Filed under big dogs welcome, dog friendly, dog travel, dog treats, dogs, guest blog, Oregon, pet friendly lodging, pet travel, Uncategorized, USA Today

spring break 2011

Note: We have NOT stayed at any of these hotels or inns so we cannot vouch for them and they are not rated for dogitude. We have been to Sedona and Pyramid Lake, and feel they are worth exploring as possible fun Spring Break getaways with your pets.

Sedona, Arizona
Owners Steve and Connie Segner built a luxury boutique hotel with the idea of catering to discerning guests and their pets. Segner has had a longtime involvement in the pet care industry, as owner of a pet food company and developing one of the first premium dog foods in the industry. To the Segners, there was no question that an upscale, luxury inn could provide style, amenities and personalized concierge services for guests and their pets.

El Portal is Sedona’s original pet friendly bed and breakfast with four enclosed pet patios.

El Portal Sedona Hotel

95 Portal Lane

Sedona, AZ 86336

800-313-0017

For dog park, restaurants, other lodging and activity info in Sedona, visit:

http://www.sedona.net/webpage.php/swmc/webpagesandarticles/petfriendlysedona

Portland, Oregon

The Hotel Monaco Portland offers a pet package called Portland Unleashed Pet Package (starting at approx. $189/nt). Here are the details:

-A doggie makeover at LexiDog (near hotel)
-Copy of “Dog Lover’s Companion to the Northwest” book (in room, for use during your stay)
-Transfer on the Portland Lite Rail
-Trail mix kit (for humans and pets alike)
-Hiking map of Forest Park
-Urban map of pet-friendly breweries and restaurants in the Portland area
-Oregon micro-brew for you (and doggie beer for your pooch)
-Pet leash for your furry friend

Other pet friendly hotels in Portland, http://www.vintageplaza.com/vpzspec

http://portland.heathmanhotel.com/html/pet-friendly-portland-hotel.asp

dog parks, http://www.ecoanimal.com/dogfun/oregon.html

http://www.movingtoportland.net/portland_pets.htm

Seattle, Washington

The Hotel Vintage Park in Seattle loves four-legged companions and welcomes pets of all shapes and sizes at no cost. Additionally, they provide:

-doggie welcome board (dog-shaped chalkboard welcoming each dog at the hotel)

-complimentary dog beds

-dog bowls

-dog treats

-dog sitting and grooming

-turndown service just for dogs

The housekeeping staff will create a dog-shaped towel at turndown service, complete with sunglasses and a bone with the dog’s name on it.

-The local tour company, Evergreen Escapes offers special tours for dog owners (by private request) and even have a dog listed on their website as a team member

Local activities:

Explore the Olympic Sculpture Park together (free)

Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island (approx. $7) and visit the dog-friendly Bainbridge Island Vineyards followed by a stop at the off-leash park Eagledale (and if you’re hungry, both Bainbridge Thai Cuisine and Emmy’s Vege House are pet-friendly)

Take the Dog for a Hike

The pet-friendly Blue Heron Bed Breakfast on Orcas Island is offering a spring break special for dogs. Owners pay, dogs are free! Hike Turtleback Mountain behind the Blue Heron one day and Mt. Constitution at Moran State Park the next day. Binoculars, water, homemade granola, and dog bones are provided for the hike. Room rates are $95 to $145. Pets are free. Valid 4/1/11 through 4/30/11. YOU MUST MENTION “HAVE DOG BLOG WILL TRAVEL” TO RECEIVE THIS PACKAGE.

The San Juan Islands of Washington State – Lopez, Orcas and San Juan are only 30 minutes from Seattle by air, or two-and-a-half hours by car and ferry. Dogs are welcome on Kenmore Air seaplanes/wheeled planes and on Washington State Ferries.

BLUE HERON BED AND BREAKFAST

982 Deer Harbor Rd

Eastsound, WA 98245

360-376-4198

Pyramid Lake, Nevada

Located about an hour from Reno. It is a great place to camp out with your dog, if the weather is good.  Unlike Lake Louise, Lake Tahoe and other famous lakes, Pyramid Lake is a completely natural environment. The Paiute people take a lot of pride (and care) in the lake, and they are reluctant to turn it into the next Lake Tahoe.  The Lake is 125,000 acres, lots of beach to explore. There are no homes or businesses crowding around the lake. The land around the lake is home to several caves with ancient petroglyphs, and artifacts.

Be sure to visit The Stone Mother. There have been reports of people hearing the cries of an invisible baby when they’re at the Lake. Some have even heard the laughs of children.  The legend: after traveling to Pyramid Lake to meet the man ruler of the lake, the Stone Mother was in awe. The man ruler was so handsome! They were married and had many children. Many of their children were unruly and the man ruler became angry. He decided to separate his children. The man ruler sent his oldest son west with one of the girls. They became the Pitt River Indians. He sent another couple east and they became the Bannocks. The remainder of the children stayed home. The woman was so upset over the separation that she wept.

Aside from the mysterious pyramid and Stone Mother, there is also a small island in the lake (close to the Pyramid). This island doesn’t look like anything special, that is until March/April each year when thousands of pelicans fly in. The pelicans hang out for a couple of months on the island so check them out.
You can purchase a pass for Pyramid Lake from most businesses in Reno or Sparks. Or, you can purchase your pass online. Day use passes cost just $6 per vehicle. There are also options for camping and fishing. It is dog friendly, dogs must be on leash, and you and Fido can camp out.

For more info, visit http://www.pyramidlake.us/

 

By the way, in Reno, there is a very peaceful haven of a lake Virginia Lake Park, where I took Cici a few times. She liked to chase the ducks. Dogs are supposed to be on leash. It is a peaceful place for a picnic or a walk with your dog in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city.

 

http://renotahoe.about.com/od/publicparks/ig/Virginia-Lake-Park/

Asheville & Wilmington, North Carolina

If you must go to the beaches, go to Wilmington.

Asheville, near the mountains, seems a lot pet friendlier though. Both may have crowds of spring break partiers.

http://www.exploreasheville.com/where-to-stay/lodging-by-interest-and-amenities/pet-friendlytravel/index.aspx

Pet friendly parks http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/community_services/parks_landscaping/parks/city_parks.aspx

http://www.visitnc.com/

Pet friendly Wilmingtonian Hotel http://thewilmingtonian.com/pet-friendly/

http://hotels.petswelcome.com/north-carolina/wilmington/

Pet friendly campground at Carolina Beach, from tents to motorhomes,  http://www.carolinabeachfamilycampground.com/

www.capefearcoast.com/spring

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/pet-friendly-accommodations-wrightsville-beach-north-carolina-17064.html

Oklahoma

Go geo-caching April 16, 17 in Beavers Bend State Park.

In McCurtain County, families can golf, horseback ride, geo-cache, canoe, hike, bike, parasail, jet ski and, fish trout. In McCurtain County, your vacation or weekend getaway can include almost any kind of lodging you prefer, from a rustic cottage or fisherman’s retreat to modern motels to elegantly appointed log cabins nestled in the towering pines, as well as unique bed  & breakfast inns.

Dog friendly cabins and hotels are listed on McCurtain County Website  at http://www.mccurtaincountygetaways.com/.

Beavers Bend State Park is filled with camping areas. that they are ALL dog friendly. The Kiamichi mountains have hiking trails dogs love. And Broken Bow lake is a place dogs can explore.

McCurtain County is a 2 to 4-hour drive from Dallas, Fort Worth, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, OK, Tyler, TX, Little Rock, AR and Shreveport. LA.

To make reservations, visit:  http://www.mccurtaincountygetaways.com/ or call 800-528-7337 for more information.  From $50 per night to over $350 per night, depending on how large a cabin/home is and how many bedrooms and how many people staying.  Pet fees vary per lodging operator.

Park City, Utah

Some reasons to go:

Visit http://www.parkcityinfo.com

1) Travel time is at a minimum, just 35 minutes from a major international airport (SLC). transportation from Salt Lake International Airport is provided by All Resorts Express http://www.allresort.com/ratesservices.aspx It is an easy 35 mile drive from the airport to Park City along Interstate 80.

2) The last few weeks of ski season, crowds are at a minimum and resort rates are lower

3) Once the mountain closes for skiing (approximately April 15), outdoor recreation options include mountain biking, hiking and fishing and the food scene is fantastic. Rates are more than 40% lower than during the winter months.

4) Park City is the home of the annual Sundance Film Festival in January and is popular for artists and is one of the most beautiful towns in America.

5) It is a pet-friendly and eco-friendly historic mountain town. One luxury hotel that is pet friendly is the Montage Deer Valley. Below is their canine ambassador, Monty, a Bernese Mountain dog and link to an article about the hotel in the local newspaper.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/50828233-79/montage-valley-deer-hotel.html.csp

Support this blog by visiting aromatherapy for pets & get your pet first aid kit, AnimalScents Shampoo, and/or AnimalScents Pet Ointment. Also, remember to enter the raffle.  Thanks.

Blog Hop is now

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Filed under aromatherapy, blog hop, pet travel, snow, Spring Break, Uncategorized

pet friendly paso and cambria…

Cambria Pines Lodge is one of the Moonstone Hotel Properties… with hotels in Monterey, Carmel, and Oregon…

Smokey the cat greets you in the lobby… and snoozes frequently on the job…

We had a nice peaceful room/cabin with a porch, fireplace, two queen beds, ethernet Internet connection, microwave, coffee maker, and fridge, and lovely forest in the back, with deer, grass, great place to walk the dog…

Pet amenities were a bag filled with waste bags and dog biscuits…

had a lovely breakfast buffet with food from the restaurant made from organic produce from the gardens… Cici and I ate outside at a table with a fireplace, she ate scrambled eggs and sausage, I had the same with potatoes and pancakes.

This is a rustic historic 26-acre property featuring beautiful gardens, a full-service restaurant and lodging options, from honeymoon suites to family cabins. Proprietor Dirk Winter’s passion for fine horticulture is showcased across the grounds, including an organic kitchen garden, a literal “flower bed” and a new California native plant pathway to the affiliated Cambria Nursery and Florist. Several conference rooms can accommodate groups of various sizes. Outdoor fire pit gazebos are nice and nightly entertainment in the Fireside Lounge is popular with visitors and locals alike.

THE NURSERY
Located just across the street from the Lodge, Cambria Nursery & Florist offers complete floral services; an astounding array of unusual plants and succulents for all types of landscaping; and display gardens such as a “sea coast tolerant garden.” The nursery offers regular demonstrations and workshops for the general public, too, such as “How to Make a Living Birdhouse,” “Deer-Resistant Gardening” and “Gardener’s Boot Camp.” At the nursery entrance, visitors are greeted by the “Deer Resistant Garden,” which offers a variety of animal-deterrents such as the “fraidy cat” plant, which repels deer as well as cats and dogs with its repugnant fragrance.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN
Double doors wrapped in passion vine and nasturtiums open into the property’s California Certified Organic Farmers kitchen garden. Hedges of mint, chamomile and lavender line the pathway that winds through raised beds that are bordered with rock and terraced to follow the ground’s natural slope. Here, artichokes are planted with arugala and cilantro, peas climb trellises and summer squash sprawl. Parsley, chives and rosemary are tucked into every nook and cranny while beneficial flowers like yarrow and cosmos perform both ornamental and bug resistant functions.

The “Butterfly Garden” offers a habitat for both butterflies and hummingbirds, and the “Wishing Well Vignette” is a quaint setting popular for photo opportunites, especially for wedding parties.

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As devotees of “habitat gardening,” or using bugs to catch bugs, the Lodge’s garden crew uses an extremely small amount of toxins in tending the property. They also use only trucked-in grey water for the grounds and are firm believers in organic gardening.

There are 152 Rooms Total with 12 pet rooms and a $25 a day pet fee (if you are bringing a pet, please call ahead of time and let them know at Reservations: (800) 966-6490)

http://www.cambriapineslodge.com/

flower-bednewimprovedcolors

There is a dog park in Cambria, and a doggie daycare

Estrella Boarding Kennels
Harmony, California
Phone: 805-927-7827

Paso Robles

Hotel Cheval is newly pet friendly hotel… all of the rooms are named after horses, the room we stayed in was called Whistlejacket… It is located in downtown Paso Robles in walking distance to a nice park.

http://www.hotelcheval.com/index.php

Some of the amenities:
Fresh Baked Welcome Cookies
Complimentary Welcome Glass of Champagne in the Pony Club

Complimentary Breakfast:

Monday through Friday a Continental Breakfast of fresh fruit and pastries is delivered to your guestroom

Saturday and Sunday guests enjoy a Hot Buffet Breakfast in the Pony Club

California King Beds
Down comforters and pillows
400 thread count cotton sheets
Spa Robes & Slippers
Bamboo & Cotton blend towels
Temple Spa Bath Products

Some of the pet friendly wineries in the area include:

Harmony, Eberle and Red Soles

http://www.californiawineryadvisor.com/wineries/view/Red_Soles_Winery

there is also a calendar with winery dogs…

Steve from Computer Stuff in Paso is a fountain of info… about Macs and computers in general so if you need to bring your sick computer in, need accessories or helpful information, go see Steve at 6th and Spring Street.

And his brother in law designed the curved architecture in the hotel cheval…

The Pet Department is next door and they have pet supplies, from food to dog beds and more.

Ten miles down the road toward Atascadero, off Hwy 41 is a wonderful pet friendly lavendar farm, with several dogs and seven cats… lovely organic lavendar plants, two varieties…

http://www.greenacreslavenderfarm.com/

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