Harley McGuire, SedonaEye.com Star Four Paws Up Pet Columnist sends a “Hey” to pals Inoch and Dominic in the Village!
Sedona AZ (September 24, 2014) – Mom says it’s common knowledge that pets are welcome at dog parks, most people parks, and most pet stores. She says, however, the world can sometimes seem a little unfriendly to pet parents who would like to bring us furry best friends along everywhere possible! That’s when I told her many pet parents don’t realize we’re welcome in more places than they might think! So yours truly and mom are here to remind pet parents to ask and check places out!
To get the ball rollin’, Mom and I did some checkin’ – and here’s a list of surprising places known to welcome pets – but keep in mind that every company and venue has different rules and regulations. It’s important to call ahead and ask if we can show up with our moms and dads! We hate gettin’ told to “go home” after getting all ‘cited about being out and about!
Mom says, “It’s also important to remember that no matter where you go with your pet, he must be happy, friendly, leashed and under your control at all times.”
That’s my mom! Always makin’ sure everybody’s happy and watched over! Here’s a Four Paws Up to my mom from me for being so considerate and kind! Thanks, mom, for settin’ a good example!
Drive-In Movies
I reminded mom that watching a favorite movie on the couch with her furry best friend is the best way to spend an evening at home. But if you’re looking to get out and have some fun, then take my four paws up pals with you and enjoy an outdoor retro movie experience! Remember Lassie? How ’bout those Cats in 101 Dalmatians? Many drive-ins allow pet parents to pull up with their beloved pooches and kitties in the passenger seats! Enjoy some popcorn and soda while we snack on pet treats and water from home. You’ll love the movie, and we’ll love hanging out with you and taking in the sights and sounds of a new place!
Department Stores
Believe it or not, a number of department stores do allow people to bring their pets along on their shopping trips. Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom have been known to welcome pets through their doors! Both Lowe’s and Home Depot are well-known for pet friendly atmospheres, and pet parents have enjoyed taking four paws up pals along on trips to smaller stores. Remember though – we need a potty break before heading inside ‘cuz shopping is strenuous bizness!
Banks
Taking a quick run to the bank? Don’t leave us behind! There are a number of banks that allow us to come in with you during your visit…and we don’t just mean the drive-thru window either. We mean inside the bank! Look for signs like “Paws Here. Bring your dog in for a treat.” And let your mom and dads eat the lollipops, pals!
Day Spa and Hair Salon
Want to get pampered? My mom was so surprised to find out that I can relax with her at a spa or salon! Many spas and salons will allow (only the well-behaved like yours truly) four paws up pals to keep moms and dads company during a visit – it’s just a matter of asking! Sweeeeeet! Can I get a back rub and tummy massage this time?
Would someone tell this rabbit I’m not its mother?!
Baseball Games
Baseball games are an American summertime staple, and a fun way to spend an afternoon. They’re even more fun when we four paws up pals tag along! Many stadiums and ball fields allow dogs, and most dogs find the smells, sights and sounds of an old-fashioned baseball game truly irresistible. Bring water and plastic poop bags – NINE INNINGS is a long time when you eat a hot dog!
Restaurants
While four paws up pals aren’t allowed inside restaurants for health code reasons, hundreds of restaurants across the country allow me and my pals in outside dining areas. Some restaurants even go the extra mile and offer doggie menus or special doggie treats! YUMMY! Find pet friendly restaurants in your area – mom and I know ours in Sedona – and take us along! We LOVE to eat out ‘cuz mom doesn’t have to cook! And I LOVE doggie bags!
Flea Markets, Outdoor Fairs and Festivals
Flea markets, fairs and festivals are fantastic places to take us! There are so many interesting things to see and do! Moms and dads enjoy the festivities, and we love people watching! We’ll meet and greet the kids and grown-up pet lovers and “socialize” (mom’s word) with other four paws up pals, all while sniffing all the delicious smells in the air! Most outdoor flea markets and fairs allow pets, and some indoor ones are pet friendly too. Just make sure your four paws up pals are nice like me and can handle being around loud noises and large crowds – or leave us at home (NOT in the car!).
Harley McGuire’s pal Skipper
NEVER take us to fireworks – our ears are way too sensitive – and take it from your pal, Harley McGuire – noises are no fun! (Even if I wear my Thundershirt!)
Car Dealerships
Bringing a car to the dealer to be serviced is a pretty dull time! Bringing your four paws up pals along can be a great way to stay entertained and enjoy some quality time together. Many dealerships will welcome us – just call ahead to be sure. Oh and bring water and a couple of treats – we can get bored waiting too!
This list isn’t complete. Mom says there are many other places that may allow us to come along. Keep an eye out for folks on the go with furry friends, and inquire about pet friendly policies at places that might be a fun outing for all of us! It never hurts to ask, and you might discover some new favorite spots around town and maybe you’ll get to see me, Harley McGuire, Star SedonaEye.com Four Paws Up Pet Columnist, a.k.a. That Suave Furry Bon Vivant and Coolest Little Dude around town!
Moms and dads might want to check out Trips With Pets website, the #1 online resource for pet travel and pet travel tips. It was named best pet travel site by Consumer Reports. When you do, tell my pal, Kim Salerno, that Harley McGuire (and his mom) send Four Paws Up hellos from beautiful Sedona!
For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!
Oh Harley McGuire, you do have a special way with words. How do I get my own Mommy to follow your great suggestions?
Skipper says- “Thanks for the great photo of me.” Now that I have better training and manners, my mom takes me to the Friday Farmer’s Market at Tlaquepaque. I luv luv sniffing all around and don’t even mind the goats. She won’t take me to Flagstaff FM on Sunday unless I stay in the car. Says there are just too many pooches around and she’s not sure she feels comfortable with all that. Wants to keep me safe. So if we go I stay in the car as long as it’s cool, I’m cool. Then we can go to Josephine’s restaurant and I get to people watch. Too funn.
Hey Harley! How are you? Thanks for the very informative article. I will make sure that my Mom sees it. Inoch, of course, as her service dog, can go anywhere she goes but the rest of us, Dominic and Hudson, have to stay home most of the time and wait till they come home…what a bummer! :((
Truth is, Tammy, I’m hoping my fans can answer your question. Seems that Mom and I don’t do much these past months because: It’s either too hot, too cold, too windy, too smoky, too whatever-else- is a not-so-good reason to avoid my pleading looks. Once in a while she takes me to the park but not often.
And, Skipper, I’ve NEVER gone to Josephine’s. You’re one lucky pooch.
Then there’s Inoch who gets to go EVERYWHERE with his mom. Of course he’s always on the job. But one night I had to sit and wait in the car while Mom ate dinner at a place I was not allowed. Well, I heard her tell she petted Inoch under the table during the meal. NOT FAIR.
Dominic and Hudson, I know just how you feel.
So, Pals, how do I get Mom up and out of house to take me to some of these special places?? Answers, please.
Lovingly,
Harley McGuire
love your articles..Wish I could take Zia everywhere with me! Not fair!!!
Harley, bet you wish your mommy practiced what she preaches. But at least you can enjoy a car ride now and then. Our mommy never takes us in a car, and would never consider having us at a drive-in sitting happily on the seat. We’re hyper cats & scream in agony as if she’s piercing our paws with needles if we have to go in a car. But if you’re lucky enough to be born of the canine species, then you get to go to more places. Just the other night, mom & dad went to a financial seminar dinner & a lady brought her little dog, Cupcake, into the restaurant. No one heard a peep from the pooch; she was so disciplined.
Thanks for all the info on where to go. As a matter of fact, Dad is taking us this morning to the Nissan Dealer to get Mom’s car serviced & they have a nice a/c waiting room for us. Last week we went to the Honda dealer. Dad gets lonely sitting there waiting & when he takes us, lots of people come and talk to him and pet us. Good thing we’re well behaved. Come January 1, 2015, California will allow all restaurants that have outdoor seating areas open for pets (of course, provided they have good manners).