Friday, December 17, 2010

The Post Office with Seymour

This is my 3rd Christmas with Seymour and I can hardly remember a time when he wasn't part of my life. I'm finding that the more I bring him with me or talk about him, the more I find out about other people who are in love with their pets. It sometimes feels that people are a bit embarrassed to admit their closeness with their pets until they meet a kindred spirit.

I was in the post office a few days ago, mailing a Christmas package and I had Seymour with me. The line was long and the package was too big to carry both it and Seymour so I let my 6 pound guy down - but leashed. Little by little people started petting him and then talking about their favorite pets, past and present. The long line felt less long and I was feeling the warmth and kindness of the people around me. When I finally got to the counter, my warm feeling was quickly squelched when the postal worker said "You know dogs are not allowed in here." Now, I had been bringing Seymour to the post office for about 2 years and no one had said that before. Didn't he see how much people were talking to each other in line, smiling and calling Seymour to them to pet him? Was he just feeling overworked or was he the designated "buzz kill"?

Everyone in line got quiet and the whole mood of the place changed. I wondered if he had a pet - or if he might need one? When I left, I didn't see a "no pets" sign on the door.

I really believe that there should be more openness to allowing pets in various shops and businesses. I am fine if they have signs that say "well behaved pets are welcome" or even "pets in arms are welcome" if they are afraid of breakables. We need a little more softness in our world and I think pets help to add that.

I will not stop bringing Seymour with me until I see an actual "No Pets Allowed" sign at the Post Office. Maybe Seymour can win the heart of that stoic postal worker before he has time to put up the sign!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Pets Can Be a Fun Part of Halloween


It's too late for this year but think about including your pet in some of your Halloween activities next year. I found a pet parade and a Halloween Costume contest for pets both sponsored by rescue groups. It was fun to dress Seymour - and coordinate my costume with his. He ended up getting some great treats and freebies and I got a chance to bond with other crazy pet lovers.

The parade was small and the walk was less than 1/2 mile but there were lots of people standing along the route waving us on. When we got to the finish, they had a large bowl of water waiting for the pets. Seymour enjoyed sniffing small female dogs but wasn't as comfortable with the larger dogs - especially the larger male dogs. With a little maneuvering, we were able to stay closer to the smaller dogs and he was fine. He also really liked people stopping to pet him - especially little people. His nickname should be "Mr. Attention". Our hotdog and ketchup costumes won the Funniest Costumes prize and Seymour won some Carnivore Kisses - 100% Duck Treats. He is a very picky eater but he LOVES these treats. I think I know what will be in his Christmas stocking this year!

The Pet Halloween Costume contest was held at our local nursing home and it was so heartwarming seeing the residents enjoying the dogs. No matter how disabled some of the residents were, they all reached out to touch Seymour and the other pets. Most had smiles on their faces and loved seeing the dogs (and a few cats and a snake) in costumes. Seymour ended up winning 1st place in his division for his Pirate costume.



It was great getting a chance to dress up and have Seymour share the experience. Luckily, he doesn't mind putting on funny clothes as long as he can spend time with me.

It was even better knowing that our small entry fees went to the local rescue group. Everyone was a winner. And I already have Seymour and my costume for next year!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Kohls Shopping

We haven't been traveling much lately and when we have, we've gone back to places we knew were pet friendly. Today, I decided to see how Kohls would accept Seymour in their store. To make him a little cuter, I dressed him in his "Good Dog" tee. How could anyone deny entry to a self-proclaimed "good" dog? You're thinking that they did, aren't you? Well, when I asked if he could come in the store, there were 2 girls working check out. One say "Oh, yes" immediately and the other didn't appear to be sure. I went with the "Oh, yes" answer and carried Seymour throughout the store for close to an hour. I passed many sales associates and even had to go to the customer service counter and no one said we had to leave, but then no one was exceptionally friendly toward Seymour. So, I'm going to count Kohls as "pet friendly" but I would recommend checking at each store. I'm not sure there is a national policy. This Kohls was in Kyle, Texas.

Now the Kohls shopping carts aren't conducive for holding pets, but I have found that at least 2 stores asked me not to put him in their shopping carts - probably due to the worry of people complaining about dog hair - and I understand that. But they did say I could carry him around. I have also been told at Ace Hardware that he was not allowed to walk. Again, good information.

This time, as I was carrying him, about a 1/2 dozen customers stopped to either pet him or talk to me about their pet. I did not go into the dressing room but I don't think that would have been a problem.

After all the time we spent shopping, Seymour knows he gets a treat of taking a long walk all around the parking lot. As you can see, a long day or shopping, being held, and walking tired him out.



I am always so happy to discover more pet-friendly places to go with Seymour. We'll keep you posted on other pet-friendly and not-so-friendly places we find.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Dogs Welcome

Someone sent me this and it's perfect to share here.


A man wrote a letter to a small hotel in a Midwest town he planned
to visit on his vacation.

He wrote:
I would very much like to bring my dog with me.
He is well-groomed and very well behaved.
Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in my room with me at night?



An immediate reply came
from the hotel owner,
who wrote:

"I've been operating this hotel for many years.
In all that time, I've never had a dog steal towels,
bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls.
I've never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night
for being drunk and disorderly.
And I've never had a dog run out on a hotel bill.
Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel.
And, if your dog will vouch for you, you are welcome to stay here too.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Doggie Day Care

I just started a new job and since I was going to be away from home for at least 10 hours a day, I decided to look for a Day Care for Seymour. What surprised me, when I mentioned this to people at work was how "odd" this seemed to them. They couldn't understand why he couldn't just stay at home. Ten plus hours?? So, if you are like me and don't want your dog staying alone all day, here are some things to consider when looking for Day Care:

1. What hours they are open? - I found a few places that seemed to have a good reputation but when I checked their hours, they were only open from 9 am to 4 pm daily. I can't see how anyone with a job could use them, but maybe that was the idea. They must be catering to vacationers who just want to board their pets for a few hours while they tour around.

2. How are the dogs kept - cages, runs, together, alone? I know that most places that board dogs seem to keep them in kennels or cages. Since Seymour was a rescue and was in a caged area and frightened when I saw him, I just couldn't think of putting him back into that kind of environment. He has his crate at home and he loves it but I also keep it open so he can go in and out as he chooses. I found a place that is basically a house where all of the dogs are free to roam together - if they get along - or put in large rooms, if they don't. It is a bit scary to see Seymour at 7 pounds roaming around with a 200 pound dog, but he's been there for 2 weeks and it seems to be working.

3. Do they give discounts? Some places that board pets give discounts to seniors and for longer stays. I paid for 20 days, that I don't have to use consecutively at a discounted rate.

4. What do they feed the dogs? Some kennels will ask you to bring your own food and some will feed your dogs. If they feed them, what quality of food do they use? The Day Care I am using, feeds Seymour the same kind of food he is used to eating. I brought is favorite treats that I requested they give him once a day. He's not a doggie biscuit-type of guy. It has to be protein.

5. How flexible are they? Do they allow you to keep them at the kennel longer some days, or even overnight if there is an emergency? I usually call and let them know when I'm coming, or if I'm running late. There would be no problem with letting him stay overnight, if needed. That flexibility is important to me.

6. Do they discipline the dogs, and if so, how? This kennel uses a spray bottle of water, which is what I also use, if needed.

7. Does your dog want to go to their Day Care? If your dog hides when you take him to Day Care, there may be a problem. Seymour was great the first week and jumped out of the car when we got there. By the second week, he wasn't as enthusiastic and I was starting to worry. But by the middle of the second week, he was again interested in going. I think that if he had a choice, he would want to stay home with me, but since we don't have that option (no lottery winnings yet), this is his second favorite choice.

8. Check references - Some kennels have on-line reviews you can read; some even have cameras in their kennels where you can go on line and see what they animals are doing. I have a good friend who has used their kennel for over a year, so I was pretty comfortable giving it a try.

Doggie Day Care may not be for everyone, but it gives me peace of mind to know that Seymour is not alone all day.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Opal Divines


While shopping in Austin a few days ago, I decided to stop for lunch and had Seymour with me. My first thought was Opal Divine's. They have a sign at the entrance allowing people with "four legged" friends to enter through the patio. It was exceptionally hot already but they had large fans and misters covering the patio so it was comfortable.

As soon as I sat down, they brought my menu and an extra large bowl of water with ice cubes for Seymour. If the bowl had been empty, Seymour could have used it to take a nap. If you notice from the picture below, I happened to have a Christmas towel with me - in June!



Of course I ordered something we could share - a really good turkey Reuben with real sliced turkey, and something I didn't share, their excellent french fries. To me, their french fries are one of the two best in Austin. The others are at Hyde Park Bar and Grill, but I'm not sure Hyde Park is pet friendly - I'll have to check.

Seymour is not an "ice cube" dog but since it was so hot, the ice melted quickly and he enjoyed periodic drinks between his bites of turkey. It was a relaxing lunch for both of us.

If you are ever in Austin, Texas with your dog, stop in at Opal's - and try the fries!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Pet Tips for Hot Summer Days

It's getting hot here in Texas and I've been looking for tips to keep Seymour comfortable on our walks.

1. Water - obviously. I found a smaller version of the pet water bottle. I have to say it feels a little cheaply made but so far has worked. It's the one piece bottle and troth that makes it simple to pour Seymour a quick drink. This version has a little cord attached instead of the belt clip. I think I will change out the cord to put on one long enough that I can carry it over my shoulder like a purse.

2. Wet neck-kerchief (my new word). Drench one and wring it out and tie it around your pet's neck. It works just like it does with us. It adds a bit of coolness to their bodies and I'm sure feels great if a slight wind is blowing.

3. Brush your pet before you go out. Getting the loose hair off of your pet and fluffing the hair up a little will allow more air to get to their body. I can't imagine walking around in a fur coat in 100 degree weather but Seymour still wants his walks!

4. Carry a portable fan. I have 2 kinds; one is on a long string and I can carry it around my neck. It's small and battery powered but it gives a bit of a breeze that helps cool Seymour and me a little. The other is a fan that is attached to a small spray bottle that gives off a nice moist breeze. Unfortunately, it's a little bigger so I mostly use that one while we're in the yard. I also have to be careful because I use a spray bottle of water to deter Seymour from barking so I don't want him to start enjoying the spray!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Final Comments on This Trip




First, as you can see, for Seymour traveling is hard work! Seriously, he really seemed to like it and didn't mind the driving part. He reminded me when it was time to stop and walk him. I hear about people who have pets that get car sick - I'm really glad Seymour isn't one of them.

As I've said before, traveling with a pet is much more enjoyable to me than traveling totally alone. I would not have walked as much or talked to as many people by myself. There are downsides, such as not being able to do the NASA tour and not being able to go into restaurants. I mostly did take-out meals and ate in a park or at a camp ground.

While driving through each State, I wondered which allowed the use of cell phones. I know it's best to use a hands-free phone but I haven't quite figured out how to set that up yet. I will research and put the info on this site so others can print it and have it when traveling.

A few more tips:

1. When camping, don't forget to look for the Corp of Engineers parks. I have a book that lists them and I noticed that some of the State maps include them in their list of State and National Parks. I want to get a National Park book because I have a Park Pass that allows me to pay 1/2 price for camping. That pass also gives the same discount at the Corp of Engineers parks. So far, the only State I have found that gives a discount with the National Park Pass is Louisiana. I hear that there are more - I just haven't found them yet.

2. I was told that Motel 6 will give a 10% discount to pet owners now. I don't know how long this will last, but if you are driving, this may be a good deal. I would be curious to know what the rooms look like that they give you. The last time I took Seymour into a Motel 6, my room was pretty awful. I hope they have upgraded.

3. Don't be afraid to ask at shops if you can bring in your pet. I've only been turned down a few times. Mostly, I just carry him and try to be unobtrusive. I am sure that one complaint by one customer could curtail their open pet policies.

4. Although I'm told that many Walmarts allow campers to park overnight in their parking lots, I never needed to do that. I also checked each Rest Area I stopped in and only found one that allowed trucks to park for 8 hours, no mention of campers. I may have just not been at the right Rest Areas yet.

I expect that our next few trips may be to various Texas Parks but I am already planning my next one - possibly to the west coast.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Hot Springs Arkansas

I have fallen in love with this place and with the National Park. This is out second night here in the park. At Hot Springs National Park, you just drive in, find a spot and go to their automated machine to pay. Their are spaces with electric and water and spaces with no electric. If you have a National Park Pass or Senior Pass you only pay 1/2 price for the spots. The discounted rate is $5.00 for the non-electric spots and $12.00 for the ones with hook-ups. Although I could use battery power for my lights and fan, it was too warm here to not use the A/C so I got the space with the hook ups. Many people have dogs here and there are great hiking trails. They have restrooms but no showers. There is also a creek running on one side of the campground but those spots either have no hook ups or the ones that do are already taken. The only other problem here is the the campground is right beside a busy park road but I got used to the noises. Overall, it's a great place to camp.

The town of Hot Springs is about 5 miles away and we spent about 4 hours there. I took Seymour into many of the shops and found that he was allowed to go with me on the Duck Tour. That's a vehicle that goes on land and in the water. It was only $18 for a 1 hour and 15 minute tour. Well worth it. There is also a place in the center of town where you can fill water jugs with hot spring water. It is cooled a little but it's still very warm. It would have been great to have bathed in it but I think I might have drawn a crowd. Seymour again opened doors of conversation that would probably not have happened, otherwise. I love traveling with him - except for his occasional gas problem :)

I will definitely come back and feel very comfortable bringing Seymour.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Two Weeks In On Our Trip

A short update on other things we've learned on this trip.

1. I think that people in camp grounds are more open to talk to others - even a single traveler like me. And because many of them have their own animals, it's an instant conversation starter. It's very comfortable.

2. Day's Inn - I saw 2 that had RV parks attached to the motels. The parks are basically parking spaces and I expect that they have at least electric. I don't know how much they are but it's nice to know that there are some like that in case you have no other place to stay. The last Day's Inn I saw was outside of Brinkley Arkansas.

3. I really hate when the State Park's Office closes at 5 pm and there is no way to reach anyone to see if there is an available camping spot. Some have those cutsie numbers like 1-800-call-camps but they don't also give you the numbers that go with the letters. I tried calling one of those numbers twice - and both times got a totally different company. I'm thinking they didn't change their sign when they changed their number.

4. I found two more things I should have packed for Seymour. He ended up getting a tick on his nose and I didn't have tweezers or clear nail polish. I finally mixed body lotion and hand sanitizer and found some small needle-nosed pliers that worked. I have a first aid kit but will add those things for our next trip.

5. Seymour loves the smells at the various rest stops so we did stop more than I normally do. It was good for me to get out and walk a little and obviously it made the trip more fun for Seymour. Plus most of the rest areas have wonderful grass that we don't have in Texas. It took Seymour a few days to realize that he wouldn't get burrs in his feet before he began prancing and rolling in the grass. I hope is isn't too disillusioned when we get home :)

6. I tried taking him to more stores and two didn't know their store policy on pets so they let me in but said I would have to leave if anyone said anything - no one did. The stores were JC Penny and Big Lots. I really appreciate the ability to bring him in, even if they have stipulations like you have to carry him or don't put him in the shopping cart. At least he's in out of the van.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Week 2 of our trip

Well, we have been on the road for almost 2 weeks. We've been in a couple more State parks, including Salt Fork in Ohio. I am impressed with at least this park in Ohio since they don't close down their offices at 5 pm so that you can't get a camping spot if you are traveling across country. It's hard to plan to make reservations when you aren't sure where you'll be. In Ohio, if the park office is closed, you can still go in and find a spot to camp and then pay in the morning. What a breath of fresh air that policy is! I also loved their hiking trails - very easy to follow since they color-code the trees for each trail.

We've already experienced a camper van break-down that ended up with us meeting some great, new people in Pittsburgh. The front tire started smoking and we were right in front of Monro Muffler and Break Service. They were busy but he could see that I was pretty upset so he squeezed us in. The wheel bearings went out of the front wheel and they ended up replaces them on both front wheels. Seymour and I sat in the office for a couple hours and made friends with a woman who was waiting for her son, who worked there. She fell in love with Seymour and ended up taking us to a hotel since the van wouldn't be done until the next day.

Now, this is where a small dog comes in handy. When we got to the hotel there was a sign that said "Absolutely No Pets". Luckily, I had the purse/carrier that I stuffed Seymour in and we checked in and got to our room without a hitch. I did need to put him in the carrier and take him a block or so from the hotel to walk him, but he was quiet all night. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. The next morning, I found that there was a bus I could take to get back - again no pets allowed. Again Seymour rode quietly in his carrier and we made it back. Since we were pretty much stranded that whole day, I used his carrier to walk around the mall and even to go into a fast food restaurant to get a take out. I still am of the opinion that if they are in a carrier, I don't see why they can't go in buildings.

I do always have my pet "poop bags" hooked to the end of Seymour's leash so if they don't have any available when I walk him, I have my own. I think it is good to show that pet owners are responsible folks.

Although this doesn't pertain to Seymour, I have more travel tips. The most expensive part of this trip is the gas so I tried to save in other ways. I always took a cup in to get a coffee refill - much cheaper than getting a coffee in their cups. I also had a couple soda cups from some fast food stops and saved them. You can often get a soda refill or what I did was get a cup of ice. It was free in 2 places and 25 cents in another. Those savings add up!

I have been using my Broadband2go service throughout this trip. Twice it did not work. I think it is a Sprint service and I am finding it is spotty in many places - especially the State parks. Overall, I'm glad I have it and will continue to use it. I am hoping that the $20 level I paid for will last until I get home. Downloading pictures eats up the Mb so I am cautious about that. I will add pictures when I get home.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Day 5 of our Trip

We have traveled through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and are now outside of Savannah, Georgia. The things I have used the most with Seymour are his leash (obviously)and a bungee cord. It has been so helpful to hook him to a tree or something when I'm setting up camp or just want to sit outside.

We have found that all State parks so far have allowed pets that are on a 6 ft. leash. The park I'm in now Skidaway Island State Park is very pet friendly. They also have pet stations with plastic bags and disposals for pet "poop". I like that they consider your pet and expect a clean environment.

All of the State rest stops have had pet areas that are clean and not too far from the buildings. It's a pet peeve of mine when they put the pet area near the highway or in the back weeds. I wish they would allow pets in buildings if they are in carriers.

I tried to take a tour of a NASA Rocket Testing facility jut across the boarder in Miss. from LA. I guess I understand why they wouldn't allow pets - even in a carrier unless they are a service dog, but I still feel that the USA has a long way to go before we are as pet-friendly as Europe.

Almost everyone has been friendly except in Auburn, Alabama. I'm not sure why, but only one person grudgingly said hi as we were walking. I'm used to Texas where you say hi to most everyone. My van door broke in the parking lot of Walmart there and I was trying to fix it for about 30 minutes and no one came by to ask if I needed help. That was strange to me.

But, I have found that having Seymour with me is much more beneficial than it is a deterrent. Most people seem to be pet lovers and when they see Seymour, I often get a better camping site - or a camping site when they first tell me that they are full. Always remember to mention your cute pet. I always say, "I'm traveling across country with my dog. It's just me and my dog." They sometimes breaks the ice.

We will be heading into Savannah today and then up the east coast. Hopefully, we'll find more pet-friendly people on our journey.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

One Day and Counting

Tomorrow morning we start on our first long trip - 2 weeks in a camper van. I have most of Seymour's things packed. we have:
1. Canned and dry dog food (his favorite kind) - and bowls.
2. Chicken tender strips (the only treat he will eat)
3. Purse/carrier - this is a "must" to be able to sometimes take him places he may not be allowed to go - in an emergency.
4. Picture of him
5. Immunization records
6. Small airplane-sized soft-sided carrier. He sleeps in that when he's not sleeping with me.
7. Clothes - sweaters, shirts,and Velcro vest (that often replaces his collar when we walk since he seems to scratch no matter which collar I try)
8. Blankets
9. His water bottle - can't leave home without it.

I made sure he had his heart worm treatment already so I don't have to worry about giving it to him on the road. I'm also going to give him a bath today and later do the preventative flea treatment. He had his nails clipped last week and although they grow quickly, he should be fine for another couple of weeks.

I just paid for 30 days on my Broadband2go. It was only $20 compared to a cost of $10 for 10 days. Hopefully the reception will be good and we can blog about our trip regularly.

I checked the weather for the next 10 days on www.weather.com for places we might visit like Savannah, GA, Baton Rouge, LA and Virginia Beach, VA. just so I had the appropriate clothes for both of us. Chihuahuas do get cold, but more importantly, they look cute in their little sweaters and tee shirts.

Anticipated leg one of our trip will be from home to Houston to Lake Charles, then on to Baton Rouge on Day Two and then I'm not sure. It doesn't matter to Seymour because there are good smells everywhere!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Next Trip With Seymour




We are finally getting ready to start our next trip and plan to leave Monday. It will be for about 2 weeks and we will again be heading east from Texas. This time I am going to try to use Virgin's "Broadband to Go" Internet service. I just activated my account and pay for 30 days of service for $20. That is supposed to be good for about 12 hours of web browsing or 25,000 emails without attachments. That should be plenty for me to write on my blog and answer emails. I'll let you know if the coverage is very good in places like State Parks.

Seymour, my chihuahua-mix is such a good traveler. When we go outside for a walk, he hesitates near the camper, just to see if we are going to get in it. He should be quite excited when it finally happens after a travel lull for the past 4 months. I have already gathered his vet records and am planning to print out a picture of him, just in case he gets lost - which I hope NEVER happens. I made sure his immunizations were up to date just in case I would need to board him. I also plan to get some individual pet washes, since last time Seymour rolled in anything stinky he could find.

I will put a more detailed list of what we are bringing to make Seymour comfortable before we leave. I then hope to write updates each day or so. I've had such good luck with shop owners allowing him in their stores in Austin and Wimberley, Texas that I hope it continues on our trip.

More to come

Friday, February 5, 2010

Seymour is my Mood RIng



Remember mood rings? I still have mine but I don't really need it now that I have Seymour. I didn't realize how intuitive he is with me until today. We were both kind of moping around the house, neither very active. He - and I - reluctantly went for a walk in our neighborhood. Seymour actually stopped after walking about 5 minutes and wanted to go back home - as did I. If Seymour was a mood ring, he would have been closing in on black.

I decided to take him with me to run some errands and one of the things we do is go to the grocery store. Because Seymour has to stay in the car, his treat is going for a walk around town when I come out. We both perked up because we were finally in a different environment and enjoyed the sights - and smells - of the small town. If he was a mood ring, he would have been the color blue/green - very content - and so was I.

When we couldn't get ourselves to walk 5 minutes in our neighborhood, we ended up walking over 30 minutes in town. It made me realize how much we both like to travel - to see new things - walk new places - and smell - well at least Seymour likes the smells of new grounds. We will be planning another trip soon.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

And More Pet-Friendly Stores

Today I had to get tires for my truck and had over an hour to wander around to various stores - with Seymour. I felt like I hit the jackpot because no one turned me away when I asked if I could bring Seymour in. Some were friendlier than others but no one said "no". I have to say that when I go into these stores, I always feel that I need to purchase something - just so they know that people with pets aren't just "lookers" (and I don't mean that "beauty-wise"). The additional stores In San Marco, Texas I checked out were:

Marshalls - when I asked if I could bring Seymour into the store if I carried him, they said "you can put him in a cart". Very nice. So I bought some sweat pants - my wardrobe basic for this winter.

Bed, Bath and Beyond - the woman behind the counter say "OK" somewhat reluctantly but before I had been in the store for 2 minutes, 2 sales people came up to me and fawned over Seymour. Maybe they liked his blue turtleneck. Socks and a lap tray went home with me!

Ross - Again, no problem bringing him in - and I got a pair of sweat capris - preparing for my spring wardrobe!

Blanco Bank (in Wimberley Texas) - and I think most banks allow dogs. Many have doggie treats ready to give out, also. Unfortunately Seymour is very picky about his treats. He only eats real meat treats but he at least sniffs what he is given and I quickly pocket it and say he'll eat it later. And maybe, some day he will!

What does Seymour get out of these trips? Lots of attention, gentle petting and sometimes even offers of dog biscuits. Life is good -

Saturday, January 30, 2010

More Pet-Friendly Stores

I have found that most of the independent-owned stores that don't sell food products seem to be open to allowing pets in their shops. Because Seymour is only 7 pounds, I always ask and usually just carry him. I'm starting to get a strong right arm, thanks to my 7 pound weight lifing and carrying.

I totally forgot about how pet-friendly Half-Price Books is. They actually invite your pet to come in with you - and they can walk, not just be carried. I love that store!

This week I went into Best Buy and they allowed Seymour to come in as long as I carried him. I think it would probably be more difficult to get into stores with a larger pet.

I also have had to get work done on my various vehicles and went to get the oil changed, went to a car dealership and to Discount Tire - all were fine with Seymour walking through their shops and sitting in the waiting room.

Feel free to share other names of places of business that allow pets.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Shopping With a Pet

I like to take Seymour with me as much as possible. The stores I've found that allow pets include:
Home Depot
Lowes
Petsmart
Petco
Garden Ridge Pottery

Some other stores I go into, I will ask if pets are allowed. Often they are - with stipulations. For example, TJ Maxx in Austin, TX allowed me to bring Seymour into the store as long as I carried him and didn't put him in the cart. Ace Hardware used to allow pets but last year put a sign up saying "no pets". I don't know why.

Sometimes one just doesn't have a choice. It's too hot in the car or it may not be a safe neighborhood. So, in an emergency, I have put Seymour in his purse/carrying bag and gone into convenience stores or drugstores to quickly purchase things.

I believe that well-behaved pets should be allowed in most shops. I can understand size limits on pets due to possible damage to merchandise or having to not put them in a cart because people may be grossed out by the possibility of dog hair. To me, if a place is pet-friendly, I'm going to frequent it more and purchase more from them.

I'd love to know about other stores / chains that are also pet friendly.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Pet Friendly - Rolling Hills Casino

I know it seems that I talk about Casinos a lot but I do notice them when I'm traveling - and sometimes stop in to lose some nickels. I was driving from Sacramento to Redding, CA a few months ago and noticed a Casino along the the highway, I think it was I-10. I usually have no time to stop, but I happened to notice a sign that said "Free Pet Boarding" and that piqued my attention. I made a quick stop to check it out.

I found out that they have a separate building where the pets stay - and it is free. The only problem is that they keep them in cages. I guess that is easiest since otherwise they would need your pet's immunization records and I'm sure not everyone carries them - except those that have read my blog!

The woman pointed me in the direction of the pet storage building - I mean pet lodge and I drove around looking for it. I didn't have time to go in but it is nice to know that there is a place where your dog can be safe for a few hours while you have your fun - or your meal.

I have heard that there are many more Casinos that have the same or similar service but this was the first time I actually saw it for myself. Seymour hasn't been in a cage - except his crate - since I rescued him so I'm not sure I'm ready to do that. But I think it is a needed service for pet-owners so it would be worth checking out.