Tag Archives: canine

Travel Michigan Part 1: The Rochester Writer’s Conference with the dog
Every fall I make a pilgrimage to the Rochester’s Writers Conference in Rochester Hills, Michigan. It’s one excellent day of writing-related seminars on topics from character development in fiction to self-publishing for non-fiction writers. Six sessions plus lunch and a keynote speaker makes the three-hour drive worth it. It has nothing to do with dogs. […]

Dog-friendly Elora, Ontario: Easy Dog Trails, Arty Vibe, and Fur Friendly B&B
For me, the Elora Gorge will always be about picnicking and hiking – walking actually – with dogs. From May to October, it’s an easy scenic three-kilometre walk along clearly groomed paths, and stairs with railings that overlook a 22-metre drop in places with a clear view of waterfalls. Bring a camera.

Travel Pennslyvania: Day 8 Pet-Friendly Amusement Park on The Red Roof Road Trip with the Dog
The Pioneer Train at Knoebels Amusement Resort is one of three rides you can do with your dog. I found this out from a couple also traveling here with their dog, just before the three of them climbed on the boat ride. The Grand Carousel is apparently the third.

Day 7: On The Red Roof Road Trip with the Dog we find a Pup Cup in Virginia
My dog Victor got a ‘pup cup’ – one scoop of vanilla ice cream with a dog biscuit on top. He didn’t eat the cookie (he’s been very fussy on this trip). But he did finish the ice cream in the seating area outside the building – the only seating area. Fortunately, there’s a drinking fountain.

Day 6 We get lucky in North Carolina on The Red Roof Road Trip: Welcome to The Lucky Dog Bark and Brew
The Lucky Dog Bark and Brew is where everyone knows your dog’s name – that’s how they sell it in Cornelius, North Carolina. The idea is as appealing as it sounds. The Lucky Dog at 19607 Statesville Road, isn’t a bar you can take your dog. It’s an indoor and outdoor dog park where your […]

Day 5: Victor meets Cedric’s in NC on our Red Roof Road Trip with the Dog
In front of me, there’s a glass of Biltmore Estates Merlot and a plate of Buffalo Spiced Calamari while I sit at this outdoor patio listening to a live jazz band nearby with my dog Victor by my side. Ok, he’s under the chair. The point is I’m eating with Victor at Cedric’s Tavern, at […]

7 Tips for taking your dog to SuperCrawl – or any outdoor festival
The idea behind Art Crawl was to bring more people to a struggling downtown in a somewhat struggling city. It was an amazing success. Now, the monthly Art Crawl and its big sister the annual SuperCrawl are major city attractions – without losing their grassroots charm.

How to Deal with Pet Loss. Or why we are in the SPCA Walk-a-Thon.
I’ve been reading advice from other pet parents about how to deal with such loss – one not always understood by those outside the ‘pet enthusiast’ community. Most pet parents have dealt with this issue at some time, so (unfortunately) I’m in good company.
I’m no grief expert, but here are some ways I’m attempting to deal with pet loss. Maybe some might work for you too.

Travel Asheville, NC: Biltmore Estate Day 4 of The Red Roof Dog Road Trip
“Unless he’s a service dog, you can’t take him on the shuttle,” the driver told me as I stood gob smacked in the middle of Parking Lot C at the Biltmore Estate and Gardens in Asheville, North Carolina with my 12-year-old schnoodle Victor in my arms. I was told to park in Lot C because […]