Summertime is the time for a great road trip. For some people, the perfect summer getaway means a trip to the beach or a drive through the mountains. For others it means a leisurely tour through wine country.
While we all love hitting the road with family, friends, or a significant other for a road trip, there are times when we have to admit that the best possible travel companions may happen to have four legs and fur.
More and more often, people are choosing to take their furry best friends along as they travel. This fact has not gone unnoticed by businesses. Pet friendly business practices are taking root everywhere, from banks who open their doors to pets, to restaurants with special menus for dogs, to hotels that greet each pooch with a thoughtful canine welcome basket.
By Elsa Larsen, Dog Behaviorist & Trainer, Owner My Wonderful Dog
A leisurely walk is an activity both people and dogs can appreciate. It’s a great way to take in some sunshine, get in some exercise, and explore what’s new in the neighborhood. However, the fun can turn to frustration if your dog is determined to pull on the leash, and you can never quite figure out who is walking who.
It’s 6:00 a.m., the third Saturday in July, the car is packed and filled with gas and through some miraculous intervention, everyone manages to stumble to the car ready to begin their Outer Banks family vacation. Except for Max, the half beagle, half-who-knows-what who is sleeping in the local dog hotel.
Watching a dog enjoy a car ride is a true delight. His head is up, the wind is blowing through his fur, and there is an unmistakable look of pure happiness on his face. You can’t help but smile, because you know that feeling of unadulterated bliss.
But what is it about car rides that fills dogs with so much joy?
More and more hotels and accommodations are opening their doors to pet travelers and hanging a sign that says “Pet Friendly.” The truth of the matter is that they have to do more than that to get four-legged guests and their people to come through their doors.
