I’m now writing for New Zealand Dog World magazine, the magazine of the New Zealand Kennel Club. For the December/January issue, my column The Last Word is about dog-friendly shopping in the State of Colorado (USA). Because we had limited space, I couldn’t include most of the great photos I took of dog-friendly shops during my business trip there.
So, I’m mounting them here so you can share them and take a good look.
Dog owners know when a shop is ready to welcome their dog when they see a sign like this one.
At the Outlets at Castle Rock, there are grassed areas throughout the complex which offer these plastic bag dispensers and the clear message: PETS ARE WELCOME
Many shops and restaurants offered rest stops for dogs. These varied in style and offerings. These simple raised water bowls were provided outside a café in Golden.
The Green Paw, a pet shop on the same street, laid out these raised bowls accompanied by a doggy mascot.
In Manitou Springs, a popular tourist destination at the foot of Pike’s Peak (elevation 4,800 m), a sweet shop provided vending machines with doggy treats. For 25 cents, a passing dog owner can purchase a handful of dog treats and their dog can have a drink as well.
As I mention in my article (if you don’t subscribe yet to this magazine, you should!), these communities welcome dogs because their owners are responsible for them and, in turn, the community provides facilities to make it easy to do the right thing. Well done Colorado!
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
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