Tag Archives: vacation

How to Choose a Boarding Kennel for Your Pet

Just in time for the pre-Christmas madness, the Humane Society of the United States has published this very useful list of things to consider when choosing a boarding kennel for your pet.

How to Choose a Boarding Kennel for Your Pet : The Humane Society of the United States

Is your dog joining you for holiday celebrations this year, or are they going to a kennel?  In our area, most kennels are fully booked for the Christmas holiday period.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

The Barkin’ Basin of Las Vegas

People who know me well would understand that my first stop on a trip to Las Vegas was a dog park (not a casino).  That’s what happens when you stay with a friend who owns four dogs.

I had never used a GPS before and so the nice man at Hertz programmed the directions to the corner of Alexander and Tenaya – the Barkin’ Basin at Wayne Bunker Park.

The Barkin’ Basin is a large area (7.75 acres according to the City of Las Vegas website) that has been divided into three fenced sections.  At the time I was there, one section was closed to allow the grass to re-grow.  (It’s very hot and dry in Las Vegas and so grass is not a natural phenomenon.)

The park is open from 7 am to 10 pm daily and offers some areas that are covered in shade cloth for owners and dogs to rest.  But, to be honest, it’s so hot in Las Vegas during the summer any caring dog owner would be there early or late.  I arrived after sunset and it was still very warm!

If you are traveling through Las Vegas on a dog friendly holiday, then you shouldn’t miss the Barkin’ Basin.  It comes highly rated by many dog owners.

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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!