Pet Twitter Parties – Join the Fun | thepupdiary.com

11 Mar

Our doggy friend and pet expert, Charlotte Reed, has been hosting pet twitter parties the past few months and we finally had a chance to participate in one last week. Being new to Twitter (we are @thepupdiary) we wanted to see how the party worked and more importantly, we were interested in the topic – traveling with your pet. Char had a great lineup of experts who offered tips and tricks on pet travel. We couldn’t type fast enough – #gopettravel – to keep up!  Giveaways included Sherpa Bags, AAA PetBook, and a 2-night stay at the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort!

Camping at Glen Highland Farm

Camping at Glen Highland Farm

So, what did we learn?  Plan, plan, and then plan some more!  Here are a few sites we love that can give you a great start:

GoPetFriendly.com is a great source because they are actually out on the road and visit the places they recommend.  They cover thousands of miles and several states each year with two large pups as doggy guides. (They also picked our very favorite vacation spot – Glen Highland Farm – as their top pick for last year!)

The AAA PetBook has more than 14,000 pet-friendly accommodations in North America so be sure to pick up a copy.  (They also have a fun pet travel photo contest every year!)

The upcoming Go Pet Travel Facebook Q&A on March 25 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm ET will offer more great advice.

And don’t miss the next Twitter Party – #getpetclean – April 9 at 7 pm on Twitter!

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Four for Fido | thepupdiary.com

8 Mar

Last week we posted four ideas for our furry friends and their parents to get out and get active. New York dogs are always on the go! Check out a few more ideas to add to your Pup Diary!

Come out and play with me! Life is good!

Come out and play with me! Life is good!

ADOPT or VOLUNTEER

Foster Dogs NYC and the New York Dog Nanny will host an adoption and information event on Saturdays March 9 and March 16 from 2 to 5 pm at the NYDN’s boutique at 126 Lexington Avenue.  Always wanted to open your home to foster pups but not sure where to start?  Come to talk to volunteers and rescue groups to get the 411.  You never know!  You may just find another furry friend for your life!  Several rescue groups will attend.

DISCOVER OUTDOORS

So this is the coolest idea ever!  Sign up with Discover Outdoors who have teamed with Animal Haven Shelter for a hike in the country with an adoptable dog.  This day-long trip includes an orientation at the shelter to become a volunteer.  The program launched last year and sold out very quickly, so don’t delay in registering!  Hike with an adoptable dog begins on March 30 this year.  Discover Outdoors also offers other unique outdoor excursions for doggy people including kayaking and apple picking. Fun!

BLOG PAWS

Thinking about starting a blog with your pup, cat, ferret, bunny . . . Come to Blog Paws May 16 to 18 in Virginia.  You will make connections with experts and other animal lovers who can give you advice and friendship.  A really great group of people!  Book early to get the group hotel rate at the Sheraton Premiere in Tysons Corner. 

PUPPY LOVE SPEED DATE

Well you may not make a love connection . . . but you may meet some new doggy friends!  Check out the Puppy Love Speed Dating event on March 12 at The Watering Hole. 

Arf Arf!  Have a pawsome weekend!  Remember to fill your Pup Diary with lots of fun activities!

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Wordless Wednesday | thepupdiary.com

6 Mar

I give up!  When will spring arrive!

cruise

Phineas Swann Bed and Breakfast Inn | thepupdiary.com

4 Mar

We are always on the lookout for pet-friendly travel destinations.  Especially if they are within driving distance of New York City since mom has two terriers in tow plus all of our gear.  Our friends at Celebrity Catwalk told us about Phineas Swann Bed and Breakfast, a renovated farm and carriage house in northern Vermont, and we were hooked.  Lanier Travel Guides have awarded the Inn the “Most Pet Friendly” award for both 2010 and 2011.  TripAdviser.com gives a paws up, too.  And The Bark magazine just gave the B&B pawvery high marks in their recent issue. 

Inn

Getting there:  The B&B is located in Montgomery Center, Vermont.  This is a scenic 7-hour drive from New York City with several stops along the way including Ben & Jerry’s, the Stephen Huneck Gallery at Dog Mountain, the Stowe shopping district, and many quaint cheese, chocolate, maple syrup, and cider stands.  Maple season opens the end of March!

The rooms and rates:  Pups are invited to stay in the Carriage House and River House.  (The Inn is kept dog free for people with allergies.)  The first dog stays for free and there is a $25 fee per stay for each additional dog to help with cleaning costs.  We stayed in the Carriage House in the Terrier Suite and loved it!  The thoughtful staff had homemade doggy cookies on our nightstand, plush doggy beds on the floor, doggy dishes, poop bags, dog towels for paws, chew toys, and more.  The fridge was also stocked with wine, beer, and other beverages!  Additional human snacks and treats are kept on hand at the Inn for munchies at any time of the day.  And the breakfast each morning is amazing.  Rates start at $149 a night depending on the season. 

Things to do:  Explore the beautifully decorated Inn. There are doggy antiques in every nook and cranny of the renovated farmhouse.  Visit Stowe or another shopping area for quaint shops and Vermont novelties.  View the covered bridges and cemeteries in the area.  Participate in outdoor activities in the area — skiing, hiking, kayaking.  (The staff was very willing to dog sit if needed.)  Doggies are welcome to swim in the Trout River that borders the property and hike on the trails.  Watch a movie by the fire in your room.  Bring your passport and head to Montreal.  Check out the Stephen Huneck Gallery at Dog Mountain.  We stayed two nights and definitely could have stayed longer! 

Bottom line:  This is truly a dog-friendly destination.  We will be back for sure!  The staff and owners love the dogs and you will love them!  Check availability to book your trip.  There are many return guests, so book in advance. 

We hope your pup diary is filled with great plans, too!

Sleigh ride in Vermont

Sleigh ride in Vermont

Covered Bridge in Vermont

Covered Bridge in Vermont

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Four for Fido | thepupdiary.com

2 Mar

Sometimes we feel like we’re chasing our own tails trying to keep track of all of the fun dog events and activities that take place in and around New York City.  We decided to write a “Four for Fido” post every so often with different activities our doggy friends may want to check out.  We love trying new things so let us know if you have suggestions!  We hope your pup diary is full of fun plans! 

Yorkie Nation Meetup

Yorkie Nation Meetup

BAGEL BARK

We love the Central Park bagel barks.  Pups and owners meet the first Saturday of the month in a different Central Park location for off-leash play and breakfast treats.   The next bagel bark takes place Saturday, March 2 from 7:30 to 9:00 am near the Heckscher Ballfield #3. 

INTRO TO AGILITY

Andrea Arden Dog Training will hold an introductory agility class on Sunday, March 3 at Animal Haven Shelter from 10 to 11:30 am.  This is a great opportunity to check out agility, get some exercise, and meet new doggy friends.  The class fee is $75.  Register in advance to save a spot. 

BARK IN THE PARK AT CITI FIELD

Mets Bark in the Park baseball tickets are on sale now.  This dog-friendly baseball game supporting animal rescue sells out every year.  Don’t delay. Get your tickets now for the April 20 game against the Washington Nationals.  Human tickets are $35 and pup tickets are $10.

MEETUP

Baby it’s (still) cold outside!  If you’re looking for indoor playgroups, check out Meetup.com.  Many breeds have their own groups that meet from time to time.  Colleen Safford has just started a group for small dogs and they meet every Wednesday from 8:15 to 9:15 pm at D Pet Hotels on West 27th Street.

 

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