Tag Archives: travel

Paws and Relax

British Airways is the airline to fly if you are an animal lover.  They’ve launched a new inflight entertainment channel, Paws and Relax, for selected long haul flights.

British Airways’ in-flight entertainment manager, Richard D’Cruze, said: “It might sound barking, but there’s lots of research to suggest that watching pets can enhance overall wellbeing. We have sniffed out some fantastic content that is cute, comforting and sure to appeal to travellers of all ages.”

The channel will also feature animals for adoption at the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

This YouTube video clip gives you a taste of the new channel:

Finding dog friendly accommodation

Many sites operated by the major hotel and motel chains in the US are pet friendly – but many are not.    When planning a trip with your dog this (northern hemisphere) summer, there’s a site that can help you.  It’s called Pets Welcome.  This site has a search engine for finding dog friendly accommodation that fits with your trip’s itinerary.

Best of all, the site is not limited to the major chains.  Independent operators are also listed.  For example, during my recent trip to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, I stayed at the Treasure Trail Motel and they are included in the Pets Welcome directory.

There are lots of properties that are seeing the value in offering dog friendly accommodation.  Here’s a brief synopsis of the number of properties amongst the major chains:

Hotel/Motel Chain

Number of sites

 Candlewood Suites

100

 Clarion Inn and Suites

60

 Comfort Inn and Suites

550

 Comfort Inn

85

 Econolodge

380

 Extended Stay America

680

 Holiday Inn

450

 Holiday Inn Express

375

 La Quinta Inn and Suites

700

 Motel 6

1000+

 Quality Inn

300

 Red Roof Inn

360

The Pitty Pat Club at The Broadmoor

The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is a high-end, pet-friendly resort that has a long history associated with animals.  Many dignitaries including US presidents, actors and actresses, and others have stayed in the luxurious surroundings.

But my preference is the resort’s Pitty Pat Club.

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs

Pet guests are welcomed to the Broadmoor’s own unique Best Friend in Residence Program.  A $50.00 per pet per day fee is added to your room charge.  With that surcharge, your pet receives a special Broadmoor identification tag to wear throughout their stay.   There are designated outdoor pet areas with clean up packs provided. The 24-hour Pitty Pat Pet Menu offers room service including Blue Buffalo adult dog food and health bars in three flavours:  apples and yogurt, bacon, egg & cheese, or chicken liver.

You are also encouraged to take your dog off-property in a safe manner.  A map of dog exercise areas is provided.  These off-property areas include:

  • North Cheyenne Canyon – dogs allowed on leash
  • Stratton Open Place – dogs allowed on leash
  • Bear Creek Park – off leash area called the Dog Loop Trail
  • Garden of the Gods – off leash exercise allowed in designated areas

A comprehensive list of other services is also given to dog owners.  This includes information on local veterinary practices, pet stores, and groomers.  Dog sitting and walking services can also be arranged.

If Colorado is on your list of destinations, then why not indulge yourself and your dog and stay at The Broadmoor?

The animal history (and how the Pitty Pat Club got its name):

Back in 1880, the land that the resort is situated on was a dairy farm.  In the 1890s, the owners realised that they could make more money by selling parcels of land for residential and commercial development.  A casino was built that was purchased in 1916 by Spencer Penrose, an entrepreneur from Philadelphia, and he began its transformation into a resort.

Mr Penrose saw the value of promoting Colorado Springs as a tourist destination.  He built the Pikes Peak Road leading to the summit as an alternative to the Cog Railway and he established the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which is still considered one of the finest privately owned zoos in the United States.   Hence, another strong connection to animals.

Mr Penrose’s wife was Julie and she was accompanied everywhere by a Poodle named Pitty Pat.  So, when the resort decided to offer pet-friendly accommodation, it was a natural fit to name the program after Pitty Pat!

The Museum of the Dog

Heading to St Louis for a vacation with your dog?

Don’t miss the American Kennel Club’s Museum of the Dog.  The museum offers a range of exhibits all about our favourite topic:  dogs!

The museum also has a Fido Friendly Visitation Policy.  The museum actively encourages owners to bring their dogs for a visit, providing fresh water and treats as well as a place to exercise.  Dogs must be obedience trained and on leash to visit.

Dogs visiting at the Museum of the Dog

The Museum of the Dog is located at 1721 South Mason Road in St Louis and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.   On Sundays, you can visit between 1 and 5 pm.

Admission:  $5.00 adults, $2.50 seniors and $1.00 for children from the ages of 5 – 14.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand