It's always nice to see a local spot on a national "Best of" list. And it looks like Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis has nearly topped Petside.com's list of the Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches.

“At Petside, we know that a day at the beach is even better when you can bring your four-legged companion, so we looked far and wide to identify America's friendliest dog beaches,” Joshua Fried, Petside.com's director said.  “This year's list includes some spectacular spots from Florida to Oregon and many locations in between.”

Cape San Blas, in Port St. Joe, Fla., takes the No. 1 spot. With its year-round, leash-free policies and dog-friendly activities like a sailing program welcomes dogs aboard and a variety of pet-friendly restaurants nearby, this place sounds like a must-see if you're in the area with your dog.

But at the almost-as-prestigious No. 2 slot, there's:

2. Quiet Waters Park. Petside calls the park a "dream play pen." The selection team appreciates the park's fenced-off area beach area for dogs and digs the park's annual “Howl-O-Ween Barkin Bash” costume parade for dogs and their owners.

Continue reading "Local beach makes best dog beach list! " »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Travel
        

I recently spent a little time at some Delaware and Maryland beaches for a story that appears in Sunday's Travel section. I found that there are some amazing places there for your dog. But you need to plan ahead to find them.

I suggest steering northward. In Lewes there's a B&B called the Lazy L that not only welcomes dogs -- they flat-out celebrate them. Sure, there are cheaper motels that allow dogs. But they almost certainly don't have the grassy dog run that the Lazy L has. Or the outdoor dog shower to rinse off sandy paws. Or all the extra towels and water bowls or the ability to take the pooch to breakfast where treats are waiting.

Plus, the Lazy L is very close to Broadkill Beach, the only beach in the area where you can take your dog any time in season. Other beaches, like those at Rehoboth and Ocean City, prohibit dogs all the time in season. At others, like Dewey or Lewes, you have to watch the clock, as dogs are only allowed very early or very late in the day.

Anyway, check the story. There are some good finds -- a restaurant called FishOn! in Lewes with a doggie menu, a boutique called Yuppy Puppy in Bethany that hosts doggie pizza nights on Fridays and doggie pancake breakfasts on Sundays.

Write in if you've found some other spots. Or with your reviews if you've tried any of the places I mentioned.

Continue reading "Plan to take the doggie to the beach?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Travel
        

Here's some huge news for north Baltimore and Baltimore County dog owners. Robert E. Lee park, which dog people have treated as if it was a dog park for years, is finally going to actually be one.

According to this Towson Times story, the county plans to build a secure dog area within the park. The park could be ready in about a year an a half, officials say.

The acrimony between people who like to let their dogs run off-leash in the park and swim there is long running. In 2004 I did a story about it, talking about how Baltimore City built a fence to keep people and their dogs from a certain area of the park, but, much to the city's disgust, dog lovers cut holes in the fence and wriggled through. The city then welded bars onto the fence to make double-sure people could take their dogs through. A woman got stuck between the bars.

At the time, the city's associate parks director at the time called dog people's disregard for the park laws "civil disobedience."

If the dog park really happens at Robert E. Lee, perhaps some of that "civil disobedience" will turn to regular old obedience. Though, just a guess, some folks might still want to run their dogs and let them splash around there off-leash. Just. A. Guess.

Dogs romp at Robert E. Lee while their owners practice civil disobedience. Sun file photo.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Travel
        

Check out this boy of summer! That handsome devil is Dizzy, who you might know is the pride and joy of Meredith Cohn of the B'More Green blog. She recently blogged about taking The Diz to Downs Park in Pasadena for a romp in the water.

I'm proud to say that the toy Dizzy is playing with in the water is from me. I picked it out for him at Critter Beach, a great pet store in Rehoboth Beach that I visited for an upcoming Sun Travel story about bringing dogs to the beach. It's a Grriggles neoprene toy, water proof and made for dogs to have a time with in the pool or ocean. I have another one that I plan to give away here soon, so watch out for that.

Meredith highly recommends Downs for dog people. She writes: "After splashing in the surf for a while, we hiked for about an hour on a trail through the woods. We saw lots of birds and a family of deer.

"In all, there are five miles of paved and natural trails in the park. There also are ballfields, a children's playground and a pier. Hours are 7 a.m. to dusk, except Tuesday, when the park is closed."

Photo of the romping Diz by Meredith's husband, Doug Beizer.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Travel
        

Yesterday PetAirways made its debut at BWI. It's the first airline dedicated entirely to flying animals, where the dogs and cats sit in the main part of the plane as passengers and not in the cargo hold. About 40 pets arrived in Baltimore from Chicago Tuesday.
Here's a video that gives a sense of that the flights are like. While some aren't sure about the new airline, plenty of people seem to really like the idea. As one woman in the video says, "My pet is not a suitcase."

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Travel
        

While there's been much hoopla surrounding the debut of PetAirways, which opens today from BWI, not everyone is exactly thrilled.

One critic had some harsh words for the airline today in Huffington Post. Rachel Farris wrote:

"Today marks the first flight for the new PetAirways, a "pets-only" airline that caters only to the four-legged traveler. While their red carpets and wagging tails may seem glamorous, a business model that rewards quantity over quality and discount over value may not fly in the long run with the most precious of cargo."

Farris goes on to point out that the airline's profit depends on moving as many pets as possible. She implies that the company's budget approach make some nervous that corners could be cut when it comes to safety. And she said it could be hard to prove since the airline is not a member of the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association.

She writes: "PetAirways doesn't belong to IPATA yet. And, since they are not operating a cargo charter, they won't be subject to the Department of Transportation incident reporting for live animals. Because of this, it will be hard for consumers to know exactly what happens after the cargo doors close. Without these statistics, and reliable service conditions, pet owners might find that with this new niche airline, the proof ultimately is in the puppy chow."

What do you think. Would you trust your pets to PetAirways?

Posted by Jill Rosen at 3:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Travel
        

Shh. Don't tell your doggies and kitties, but what's being billed as a "pet resort" opens tomorrow (June 23) on the Eastern Shore.

With doggy day camp, a spa, limo service, flat-screen TVs, and a pet bistro, they might not want to come home.

Maryland Shore Pet Resort is located just off Route 50 in Vienna, Md., on more than 440 acres of property. It's owned by Eastern Shore residents Theresa and Frank Durham. Frank Durham is a dog trainer and breeder who runs the retriever training business Walker Branch Retrievers.  

The resort can accommodate 160 dogs and 30 cats. It offers grooming, training, overnight stays, doggy day camp and fitness classes.

The resort offers "luxury suites," where family pets can get together and watch movies on flat-screen TVs while snuggling in lambswool blankets that are laundered daily. For extra pampering, people can upgrade their dogs or cats to "premium" beds, choose specially prepared meals at the Best-Friend Bistro.

Then, there's afternoon “Yappy-hour” and “Meowy-hour” where all of the guests nibble on “happy-tizer” treats made on-site at the “Pure Bred Bakery." They can exercise it all off swimming in the heated pool or hiking along a wooded trail.

If the furry ones are a little tuckered out from all that, perhaps a bit sore, there's the spa, with full body rub-downs, aqua therapy in a warm whirlpool with pulsating

Continue reading "Facials, flat-screens and turn-down service" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Travel
        

The St. Louis airport has just opened something of a pet lounge for traveling animals.

Hey BWI -- are you listening?

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport has opened two outdoor rest areas where traveling animals can spend a few minutes off the leash and play, according to an Associated Press story in the Kansas City Star.

Lambert officials say the miniature dog parks have 400 square feet of gated space with benches, fire hydrants, and plastic mitts for pet owners to clean up after their animals.

That right there is about more dog parks than the city of Baltimore can boast.

Lambert spokesman Jeff Lea said Tuesday, according to the story, that several airports have created areas for pets and service animals to exercise, play and relieve themselves between flights.

The area at the Main Terminal has synthetic turf and is located outside exit MT-6. The East Terminal location has natural grass and is outside baggage claim at exit ET-15.

No word on any scratching posts for kitties....

Picture of kitty lounging on a club chair courtesy of Marmot's photostream on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Travel
        

Guideposts.com recently ran a helpful article with some solid tips on traveling over the summer with your pets.

Here are a few of the things they recommend when taking your pet on a road trip:

1. Pack a goody bag.
You'll need to bring a leash, plastic bags for curbside cleanup, a familiar toy, a container of water and a bowl. Any old plastic container will do. It's also a good idea to put together a basic first aid kit. And see that your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date ID tags.

2. Exercise before you leave.
Make sure your dog has enough time outside or your cat has an opportunity to use the litter box before you leave. Take your dog for a nice long walk or play vigorously so she'll rest on the trip. Feeding just before you leave only increases the odds of needing more pit stops along the way!

3. Designate a travel place in the car.
Make sure your pet is not crawling all over and distracting the driver. Some pets do well in a crate or pet carrier. Wire barriers can confine a dog to the rear of a vehicle. Other pets enjoy being closer to the action.

Continue reading "Tips for hitting the road with the pets" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Travel
        

Help! Tomorrow I'm off to the beach for a few days to, among other things, look into great things people can do there with their animals.

What are some of your favorite dog-friendly spots at the Maryland/Delware beaches?

Where do you stay? Where do you eat? Where do you play?

Any good pet stores?

Let me know and I'll try to work them into my itinerary!

Thanks for your help!!

Dogs participate in the 3rd Annual Loews Coronado Bay Resort surf dog competition in Imperial Beach, last year south of San Diego, California. GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Travel
        

Annapolis retiree Dan McCrady and Sadie, his trusty yellow lab continue to make their way from Annapolis to Maine -- on a bike. 

The two are making the 850-mile trip to raise awareness of the East Coast Greenway trail. 

On her blog, Sadie McCrady's East Coast Greenway Adventure, little Sadie (who's actually 75 pounds and quite a haul for Dan to pedal), reports that despite Dan's slooooow pace, she's having a great time.

Much to Dan's dismay, she frolicked in the mud near Edison, N.J., -- so much so that Dan thought she needed to wash off in the canal. She washed off and then promptly rolled in some more mud. Good times.

In Philadelphia, Sadie says she enjoyed the stop at a school where she got dog-handled by a "zillion" kids.

This weekend Sadie does Manhattan... Hopefully Dan scheduled time for shopping and a show....

Dan McCrady of Annapolis and his yellow lab, Sadie, explore the terrain between Annapolis and Maine. Above, they're stopping for a breather along a trail in Delaware. To the right, Sadie takes a refreshing dip in a canal in New Jersey. Photos by Dan McCrady.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Travel
        

Don't take it from us. Take it from a cute gray kitten and a small dog: Southwest is now allowing pets onboard -- in the cabin. Or, just take it from us.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Pet videos, Travel
        

For $75 each way, you can bring small dogs and cats with you in the cabin on Southwest flights, starting June 17. According to our story, pets must arrive in a carrier that fits under the airplane seat. There's a maximum of one carrier per person, and two pets per carrier.

Will this service make you more likely to fly Southwest?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Travel
        

Petside.com  has released a list of the Top Five Pet-Friendly Hotels -- just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

Motel 6 earns a “four paw” rating by welcoming pets at all of its locations. One pet is allowed per room and the hotel doesn't charge extra fees for animals. The chain has welcomed pets since 1962.

“Keeping costs low is a top priority for pet owners as they make summer travel plans this year,” said Petside's director, Joshua Fried, said in a statement. “We are thrilled this list provides so many affordable options for pets to have their summer vacation, too.”

The other hotels that made the list are La Quinta Inns & Suites, Red Roof Inn, Best Western and Candlewood Suites.

You can find the group's list from last year here. It's a bit more upscale than this year's budget-friendly selections.

From left: Shinaku, Aksala and P.D. recently check out the street scene from the window of a hotel on Stedman Street in Ketchikan, Alaska. The dogs look like they're ready for a vacation -- and thanks to dog-friendly hotels, they can come along. AP photo/Ketchikan Daily News, Tom Miller.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Travel
        

Once upon a time, dogs used to be a welcome presence in some Baltimore restaurants.

They'd stake out a spot by the bar. They'd greet customers. They'd leave good tips.

And then the health department decided fur mixing with food wasn't the best of ideas.

No more dining doggies.

How decidedly non-European.

However, now that's it's warming up and some area restaurants are setting up their outdoor dining tables, I thought it might be fun to ask readers where they like to dine al fresco avec Fluffy? (Or, hey, Fido, as the case might be....)

Are there any Baltimore or Baltimore-area spots that are particularly good to bring animals?

Does your dog like to order off the menu?

How does the little beast handle himself at a restaurant?

Also, would you like the city to change its policy and allow animals in city dining establishments? Let's get a discussion going. ... It's Animal House Friday, which means one lucky commenter will win a little something. The Sun's vast blogging staff will help me pick a winner around 3 p.m. ...

Sun photo of the dining dog, above, by Monica Lopossay. At right, Duke, a German-shepard mix, used to be a fixture at One-Eyed Mike's in Fells Point until the Health Department cracked down on animals in dining establishments. Sun photo by Elizabeth Malby.

Continue reading "Animal House Friday: Where to dine with doggy?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (31)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Travel
        

Dan McCrady will take off from Annapolis on Saturday for an 850 mile journey on a bike -- with his yellow lab, Sadie.

The two hope the ride will help raise awareness for the East Coast Greenway, the nation's longest urban train for non-motorized uses. The 22-day trip will take McCrady and Sadie from thier home in Annapolis to Portland, Maine.

McCrady said he's looking foward to the ride but Sadie can hardly wait.

"She loves running beside me -- she prances," McCrady says. "When she's in the trailer, she never naps. She keeps her eyes open, checking out the scenery."

Continue reading "Dog and man biking Maryland to Maine" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Travel
        

Show cats -- and of course their people -- are eligible for discounts at Motel 6.

Though such fine-breeded felines might prefer something fancier, say a Four Seasons, Motel 6 has stepped up to offer the owners of cats registered with the Cat Fanciers’ Association a 10 percent off discount.

“We’re happy to offer CFA registered cats and their owners a place to rest on their way to and from their competitive events,” Olivier Poirot, CEO for Accor North America, Motel 6 and Studio 6, said in a statement. “We look forward to offering CFA registrants a discount at our properties nationwide.”

To reserve discounted rooms at Motel 6, CFA registrants can log on to the hotel chain's website and enter access code CP542766.  For discounted rooms at Studio 6, registrants can visit this website and enter the access code CP542767. 

An Abyssinian cats licks another after winning a champion title among young cats during an international pedigree cats exhibition in Poland. If the kitty was in the United States, he's be available for motel discounts. AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski.

Continue reading "Motel discounts for fine felines" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Travel
        

The Baltimore Sun's Travel section has just posted an interesting story about flying the friendly skies with your pets.

Apparently all is not equal when it comes to pet-friendly airlines. The story offers some good tips on which ones will let small dogs or cats in the cabin.

Interestingly, JetBlue is the only U.S. airline that allows animals in the cabin on international flights.

In Unleashed the other day, we told you that Pet Airways, a company that specializes in flying pets around the country, will now be operating from BWI.

There are also some good general tips for flying with animals. Like: If you are flying during the summer and your pet is traveling in cargo, try and schedule the flight in the early morning or evening, when temperatures are lowest.

A Pet Airways pilot steps off of a flight with a dog. The airline will now be operating from BWI. Photo by Getty Images. 

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Travel