The Pet Friendly Newsletter
For Pets and The People Who Love Them!
www.petfriendly.ca - pet-friendly lodging in Canada
www.petfriendly.travel - pet-friendly hotels in the USA
www.pawfriendly.com - Pet Lovers Community
July, 2004
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Now that summer's upon us, lots of people have been asking
about whether or not dogs and cats are affected by the
West Nile virus (the mosquito-borne virus). The best
person to answer that would be your vet, who can also
recommend products that can help to deterrent mosquitos.
Please DO NOT use human products on your pets.
In the meantime, you want to do a bit of reading yourself,
go to www.peteducation.com
and type West Nile Virus into the search box.
Remember... if you still haven't booked accommodations for
your summer holidays, now's the time! Pet-friendly lodgings
in particular can get booked up very quickly during prime
vacation season, so get it while you can.
See you next month.
Angela, Editor
+ Rundle, Tonka, Kimo, and Jasper (the furry support staff)
FEATURED PET QUOTES:
"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with
you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to
bark violently at nothing right in your ear." (Dave Barry)
"Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any
harm to ask for what you want." (Joseph Wood Kruth)
PHOTOS FROM OUR READERS:
"On a wet day at the ranch, Skye (a two year
old Austrailian Shepherd), waiting for some action by the wagon!"
- Janet Rose, Cochrane, AB
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"Here's a photo of my Curly Coated
Retriever Ella - out boating. She loves to bark at seals!"
- Nancy MacLarty
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Want to show off your pet? Share your cute, funny, or
touching photos with our pet-loving crowd. Email your
photos in .JPG format, along with a brief caption, your location,
and your name, to:
newsletter@petfriendly.ca
PAWS FOR THOUGHT: PET-TRAVEL ETIQUETTE
If you're reading this newsletter, chances are you think
of your pet as a part of the family. Obviously, the PET
FRIENDLY crew enthusiastically promotes vacationing with
your "furry or feathered family"! However, we're also in
the position where we can also see the other side of the
coin: that of the property managers who allow pets into
their accommodations.
A few lodgings have have reconsidered their pet policies
due to poor "pet etiquette" -- sure, it's just a small
percentage of pet-toting travellers that cause problems
... but when they do, they affect ALL of us who travel
with our pets. We're all "ambassadors" for future
travellers with pets! Some of the most common issues
include:
- Know your pet's behavior and tendencies. Yes, we all
have "great" pets! But if your perfect pooch has a
tendency to bark whenever people pass by his territory
(eg. the guest room in a hotel), for instance, then
make sure he's never left unattended. Have him stop
barking immediately so that he doesn't disturb the
other guests. If you know he won't stop, then choose
a secluded accommodation such as a private cottage
where other guests will not be disturbed.
- Do not sneak your pet into your room with you under any
circumstances. Many accommodations accept pets --
just ask prior to bringing your pet along, to ensure
you understand their policies.
- If your pet accidentally damages something, 'fess up
and pay for it.
- Don't leave your pet unattended in the room unless
the pet policy permits it. If you plan on taking in
activities or attractions where your pet can't come
along, find a good pet daycare service. Check to see
if your lodging offers a short-term pet-sitting service.
- Make sure the front desk knows your pet is in the room.
It's not nice for the cleaning staff to be surprised by
a pet! Make sure your pet is securely crated and/or
that you're in the room with him when the cleaning staff
comes in.
- Keep your pet under control at all times. Unless it's
specifically stated that dogs are permitted to run off-
leash, then assume that they must be leashed or crated
in public areas. "Leashed", by the way, doesn't mean a
flexi-leash that permits the dog to entangle himself
with the other guests! "Leashed" means "under your
direct control".
- Don't assume that other guests (or other guest pets)
want to meet your pet. Ask permission.
Please travel responsibly. Thank you.
FEATURED: EDMONTON, ALBERTA
Alberta's capital city offers lots of great trail systems
for the outdoor enthusiast, as well as shopping, theatre,
indoor attractions, and several great festivals throughout
the year. Local attractions include:
- West Edmonton Mall
offers over 800 stores, restaurants, attractions, and
services, including a water park, and an amusement park.
- Visit the picturesque Devonian Botanic Garden, which
features over 10,000 species of plants on 80+ acres.
Includes an authentic Japanese garden, herb garden,
large collection of peony, iris and lily; and 110 acres
of nature trails and ecological and wetland reserves.
Plant lovers should also visit the Muttart Conservatory,
which feature dramatic glass pyramids that rise up from
Edmonton's river valley. There you'll find a spectacular
display of flowers and vegetation, plus one of North
America's largest collections of orchids.
- Take a day trip to Elk Island National Park, just 40 km
east of Edmonton on Hwy 16. Dogs welcome on leash. View
wildlife (including bison!), hike, or picnic. Open year
-round.
- Kids will enjoy the Odyssium(TM), Edmonton's space and
science centre. Home to Western Canada's first IMAX(R)
Theatre as well as the Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre.
- Enjoy a stroll with the pooch along Edmonton's River
Valley, the largest natural city park system on the
continent. Located just south of downtown.
- The Valley Zoo is always a popular stop. It showcases
about 400 animals, including approx. 20 endangered
species. Located on the west side of the city.
- Try the Edmonton Corn Maze, open August to late October
(weather permitting). Try to find your way through 8 km
of corn at this family attraction only five minutes from
West Edmonton Mall. Call (780) 288-0208 for more info.
- Other local attractions include City Hall, the Parliament
Grounds, Citadel Theatre, the University of Alberta, the
Edmonton Art Gallery, Northlands Park, Alberta Fairytale
Grounds, Father Lacombe Chapel, the High Level Bridge
Streetcar, and the John Janzen Nature Centre.
Upcoming Events:
- Edmonton Street Performers Festival (McIntyre Park, Old
Strathcona District). July 9-18, 2004. (780) 425-5162
- Edmonton International Fringe Festival (Old Strathcona),
August 12-22, 2004. Visit their website for details:
www.fringetheatreadventures.ca/eiftf/2004.html
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NOTE: Not all events or attractions permit pets. Please
contact them directly prior to bringing your pet.
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We hope you enjoyed your visit to the PET FRIENDLY Canada Newsletter!
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