Hotels go to the dogs
Here's an interesting WSJ story about hotels catering more and more to pet owners. The story also talks about people with allergies or people who don't want to share space with slobbering dogs who aren't too crazy about the trend. Me, I'm a fan of that since I love taking my dog places with me. When he was a mere pup, a restaurant near my home used to let him come in and sit down at the bar like he was people. A nice couple even bought him a glass of wine once. (No worries. He didn't drink it.)
It was fun. We went every week with a big group of friends and probably spent a lot of money. Then someone complained about him being a dog in a restaurant (which is against health code rules) and we had to stop bringing him... I understood, but as a dog owner, I started going out less often because I felt bad about leaving him at home.
This is not to say I am unreasonable about the rule. I understand some people have allergies. Some people don't like animals. Sometimes, they're a nuisance (the dogs, not the people... although, sometimes, that comment can apply to both). Even though he doesn't understand that some people aren't into him, I try not to inflict him on unsuspecting people.
With that said, we do frequent establishments that welcome him with open arms like the....
Fashion Attic in Fells Point. As I browsed through the gently used clothing, the very nice owner let my dog lie on the floor or follow me around as I shopped. I recommend that place to everyone I know. I can probably buy wine or beer from any place in the city, but I always go to the Loading Dock on Fleet Street because they shout out my dog's name and pet him every time he comes in there. During the summer, I like to grab a bite to eat at the Kiss Cafe in Canton because when we sit outside, they always bring him a bowl of water.
If hotel owners want to woo pet owners, they should have designated pet floors and pet rooms just like smoking and non-smoking rooms. If I had allergies to pet dander, I wouldn't want to sleep in a room where a dog had just rolled all over everything (no matter how much the hotel cleaned). Same goes for restaurants. Designate pet areas like the outside dining space. There's got to be a way where pet owners and non-pet people can co-exist in shared public places.
Or do you think I'm just a crazy dog lady who should leave her pooch at home?! Go ahead. Be honest. I can take it.
(Photo by Dan Thanh Dang)
Comments
So let's get this straight: you support smoking in bars and bringing your pets inside them, too. Nice. Not only will you get lung cancer, but your dog -- who relies on you to keep him safe and healthy -- would, too. Chew on that for the new year!
DD: I know. You got me. I'm not saying what I want is for everyone. It would be a free for all. I'd still like to make that choice, though.
Posted by: G | January 2, 2008 8:12 AM
I have to say, leave the dogs at home. I think businesses are going a bit overboard with the whole "catering to dog lovers" angle.
If you're going to have separate hotel floors/rooms for dog owners, it would seem they'd almost have to have separate entrances, too.
DD: PK, that sounds like a good idea. I recognize that just because I don't mind sharing space with dogs doesn't mean that everyone feels the same way. We should respect that. I know my desire to take my dog everywhere is unrealistic!
Posted by: PK | January 8, 2008 11:55 AM