Traveling with Pets

Many of us look back on the early- to mid-20th century as a time when life was simple, intentions were pure, and America was a shining beacon to which the rest of the world looked for guidance and inspiration.

That is until you see this ad from the June 1936 issue of Popular Mechanics featuring the Dog Sack, a handy-dandy device used to strap your dog to the side of your car so it can ride "safely and comfortably" on the running board. Then you realize that some of the inspiration America was selling involved truly insane ideas. Those poor dogs!

Here is hoping that no one actually bought this thing.

As the owners of a large and needy pooch, going away on vacation is always a struggle for my boyfriend Benny and me.

Lady, our 11-month-old Rhodesian ridgeback mix, can't bear to be owner-less for more than half a day. So when we decided to go on an impromptu ski trip to Vermont, putting Lady in a traditional kennel or leaving her with friends just wasn't an option. We found our salvation in the Paw House Inn, a bed-and-breakfast only two miles from the ski resort Mount Snow.

The Paw House Inn -- motto: "No Dog Left Behind" -- not only allows dogs, but caters to them and their human owners. After being frustrated for years with the difficulty of traveling with their two pooches, Mitch and Jen Frankenberg opened the Paw House in West Rutland, Vt., near the Killington ski resort. They later expanded to include the location at Mount Snow.

Over 2,500 champion canines from across the country will converge on New York City for the 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (Feb. 15 - 16) at Madison Square Garden. For those dogs lucky enough to be staying across the street at the Hotel Pennsylvania, they will enjoy one very special perk: a Doggie Concierge to look after all their dog-centric needs.

Four days before the start of the prestigious dog show, the Doggie Concierge meets me in the lobby of the Hotel Pennsylvania. The place is bustling with people, mountains of luggage, and champion dogs who have arrived by car or plane and are checking into their hotel rooms. The Doggie Concierge says hello and hands me his business card, which reads, "Jerry Grymek, Pooch Relations (PR)" and bears an image of a beagle puppy.

"For most of the year, my job is regular public-relations work," Grymek says, smiling and straightening his tie, which is blue and patterned with tiny dalmations. "But beginning January 1, I start focusing more on preparing for the Westminster Dog Show, and by the time the dog show comes around, it's total 'dog-demonium,'" he says, laughing.

What are Grymek's duties as Doggie Concierge, a title he wears proudly on a gold badge pinned to his lapel? "I greet our two and four-legged guests that come to our hotel, hand out dog treats and help guests with any questions," Grymek explains.

Be honest, your (human) sweetheart isn't the only true love in your life. If you're taking a special trip Valentine's weekend, why not bring your precious pooch with you?

Kimpton's Vero Beach Hotel & Spa in Vero Beach, Fla., is offering a new package that's sure to get your dog's tail wagging: The Pooch n' Smooch package, which, for the Valentine's Day weekend, starts at $368 per night. (For non-holidays, peak season rates begin at $288 per night and off season rates begin at $198 per night. The package will be available through December 22, 2010.)

While the hotel property is always pet-friendly, the Pooch n' Smooch package makes your "ménage à paw" extra special by offering a Pampered Pooch Picnic at the Dog Park (with a basket that includes a picnic blanket, two wine spritzers, organic treats for mom and dad, dog treats, ball, collapsible dog bowl, and a clean-up bag); turndown amenity of Champagne and homemade doggie treats from local pet boutique Hearth & Hound; and a $5 donation to Indian River County Humane Society.

If that's not quite enough, you can purchase upgrades including a photo shoot with your pet on the beach ($75) and two Kimpton bathrobes and a dog bed ($300).

If this package doesn't quite tickle your fancy, don't worry; there are lots of pet-friendly hotels available for you to choose from!

Dog parks are an incredible resource for dog owners and animal lovers. For city dwellers, dog parks provide a rare space where dogs can run free. Even suburban and country dogs love dog parks for the ever-so-important socialization opportunities that they provide. New dog owners, long-time dog owners, and dog owners' associations find dog parks to be an oasis in which to commune. Many even hold events at these parks, adding to their fun.

By sniffing out specifications and reviews, we've compiled a list of the top dog parks in the five largest U.S. cities.

New York, N.Y.
1. Carl Shurz Park Dog Run, on the Upper East Side, is a picturesque park with a small-dog run.
2. Fort Tryon Park Sir William's Run, in Washington Heights, sports grass areas (a rarity in most city dog runs).
3. St. Nick's Dog Run, in Harlem, features the largest run in NYC and an active community.

Los Angeles, Calif.
1. Runyon Canyon Park, in Los Angeles proper, is great for hiking too.
2. Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park, in Encino, boasts five acres of fun.
3. Dog Beach Zone, in Long Beach, is a very popular destination that even hosts interfaith blessings of animals.