Pet Friendly Establishment Archives

Dog Friendly Westin Buckhead Atlanta

August 31, 2013

Last week, we attended BarkWorld 2013 and it was held at Atlanta’s dog-friendly Westin Buckhead. It’s not my first time to stay at a Westin Hotel. I’ve shared my stayed at the Westin Chicago Michigan Avenue. Westin Hotels are an upscale hotel chain owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

The Westin Buckhead is located in the heart of an affluent Atlanta neighborhood. It is surrounded with tall buildings. There were lots of cemented area and not enough grassy areas. However, Westin Buckhead has a small designated potty area w/ poop bags (i.e. ziplock bags) and trash bin. I hope Westin Buckhead creates future plans to offer more appropriate eco-friendly poop bags for their furry guest.

Since it was hot and only a few places to walk around the Westin Buckhead, I enjoyed strolling inside where it was cooler. The decor in Westin Buckhead is warm and relaxing.
The best part of my 4 day stay was lounging on Westin Buckhead’s couches.
I Golden Enjoyed it especially the leather couch.

Westin Buckhead provided water filled bowls to its furry guests and bone treats at the registration area. We were surprised with the choice of treats they were offering their furry guests. Wishing for a healthier treats especially for dogs like me who have allergies.

Another favorite part of my stay at the Westin Buckhead was the stair entrance. Many of you know that mom and I enjoy stair climbing. We did a mini stair climb work out in the morning and appreciated the morning sunshine.

Overall, I had a PAWsome stay at the Westin Buckhead. Mom had to pay a discounted BarkWorld pet fee (which we never had to pay on our stay at Westin Chicago). All the staff at the Westin Buckhead were very friendly and enjoyed all the BarkWorld furry guests. Special Thanks to Christine Coppola, Westin Buckhead Director of Event Management.

I’m am going to miss riding the elevator and sleeping on Heavenly Westin Dog Bed.

Lots of Golden Thanks Westin Buckhead Atlanta … will see you again on BarkWorld 2014.

Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs
SUGAR

Shoe Dog Adventure: Finding The Right Fit and Shoe

June 28, 2013

Mom and I took a break from our workout as her foot is hurting. She said that her gym shoes are causing pain and she needs to get new ones. Mom’s gym shoes are fairly new (4months old) but it’s the wrong shoe type for her foot. This is the reason why mom decided to go to Road Runner Sports, a running and walking store. Road Runner offers a Shoe Dog Program where they provide analysis on your foot and assists you in finding the right shoe type.

I watched my mom as she went through her shoe dog adventure which is broken into 7 parts.

1) Basic Foot Sizing was that first step of her adventure. Due to her ankle injury, her one foot is larger then the other foot.
2) What’s the main Purpose of the shoe? It is very important to use the right shoe for running. There’s a big difference of buying a walking shoe vs a running shoe.
3) The Balance Board which helps determine what kind of arch you have. It also lets you know how you carry your weight on your feet. My mom did not expect the result that she has a high arc.
4) Running/Jogging on the Treadmill which helps analyze your stride. Mom’s run was video taped and she had to run barefoot.
5) Shoe Recommendation based on the 1)-4) tests.
6) Optional to use/buy Road Runner custom Insole Mold of your foot which you can place in the shoes you purchase.
7) Shoe Shopping Time

Guess who helped mom? His name is Mike, known as Magic Mike.
Based on analysis there are only 3 brands that would be a perfect fit for my mom’s feet.
She was not pleased with all the (loud) colors so it took her a long time to decide which ones. She said gym shoes are not the most fashionable shoes to wear. Comfort and stability are very important and style should be the least priority.

She found the shoe style most similar to what she had. The new lace color was a bit loud so she switch it with her old laces. She plans to donate her old gym shoe once she switch the laces.

Shoe Dog Adventure is great marketing for Road Runner Sports. As a retriever dog I am very familiar with the word SHOE, on how it … looks like, used, and smells like too. I guess that is why they call the process a Shoe Dog Adventure.

Just love that the mascot they selected is a dog. I just wish it’s a Golden dog (me) and it will be called Golden Shoe Dog Adventure. Well, human feet are precious, like gold.

Shoe Dog Adventure is a great helpful program. We hope Road Runner can attract many dog owners to find the right shoe and help fight pet/human obesity.

For a location in your city, check out Road Runner Sports website.
Lots of Golden Thanks Road Runner. My mom was totally sold on the excellent service and your “method” for finding the right fit and shoe. Road Runner Sports totally brought a top notch experience in buying a gym shoe.

Lastly, Lots of Golden Thanks for making your establishment dog-friendly (totally makes sense since Shoe Dog mascot is a dog).

Mom gives Road Runner Sports 2 Thumbs Up and 4 Golden Paws from me.
Mom and I were not compensated for this post. We just wanted to share our experience shopping at Road Runner Sports.

Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs

SUGAR

Is Your Car Dealership Dog Friendly?

April 22, 2013

Many car manufacturers know there are many dog lovers. Nowadays, they build and designed vehicles with dogs in mind. According to AAA about 80% of dog lovers take their dogs on the road with them. Many dogs typically enjoy car rides. I do!

There are many cars in the market. Lots of choices and to make it simpler to decide on a car that fits your needs and your dog. It’s a plus if your car dealership is dog friendly.

With all the rain and mud mom’s car needed a car wash.
Of course, I went with her and off we go to the dealership, Field’s Group in Northfield IL.
Why? It’s free car wash. It’s not my first time to be here but we were gone for a year and just have to say Lots of Golden Hello’s to many people we’ve missed.

So while the car was getting washed, our first on the list was to visit our car saleslady for 15 years (imagine mom knew her before she got me). She was so happy to see us especially ME. We hung-out and chit-chat at the Cafe Lounge. Did you know that this dealership has an in-house chef. The chef cooks breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks for its customers? No doggie cookies but perfectly fine as the chef always serve fresh fruits at the lounge, apples and/or banana.
Oh I do enjoy fruits.

The lounge has very comfy leather seats. To keep you occupied, there’s a wi-fi and a big screen tv but it seems to be stuck in golf channel. Adjacent to it is a playroom and a retail area. Customer Service is very important to this dealership.
They go above and beyond the norm. They have such wonderful people and always makes us (ME) feel like the most important customers at the dealership.

Is your car dealership dog-friendly? If it is, here are some tips to remember …
1) Make sure your dog is on a leash? Use an appropriate leash.
A retractable is not recommended.
2) Be mindful of other customers.
Some customers might not be fond of dogs 🙁 and/or allergic to dogs.
3) Be respectful of the showroom cars on display.
Make sure not to take your dog inside the cars on displays.
4) Make sure to be aware of your dogs behavior at all times.
For example: if your dog barks (excessively).
5) Be kind and don’t forget to Thank everyone.

Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs
SUGAR

Is Your Home & Garden Center Dog Friendly

April 4, 2013

We are in search of Spring flower bloom. Luckily, one of the suburban upscale boutique home and garden centers welcomes dogs when accompanied by their owners to shop.
The store is called Pasquesi located in the town of Lake Bluff.
A family owned business that is known in the community because of their superior commitment to quality. It’s not my first time here. I’ve been here many times.
It’s always a double treat coming here as I get to have a 20 minutes car ride and get to smell all the wonderful scents in the store.

As soon as you enter the store, lovely scents greet you from their selections of indoor flowers/plants, candles, soaps and other hand care products. The store is very orderly and the isles are wide to make it easy for me to stroll the store.

Pawsome part of the store is their wide range of pet products.
They carry the brand of my bed and have a variety of sizes/designs.
But we’re not here to shop for me. …

They were still in the process of filling up the nursery.
Definitely, I’ll be back again to see all the beautiful Spring/Summer flowers/plants.

Do you have a local Home & Garden Center that is dog friendly?

Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs
SUGAR

Dog Mall Walking and It’s Etiquette

March 11, 2013

You read it right, Dog walking in the mall. Mall Walking is the PAWfect alternative braving the Chicago winter when it’s just too cold outside to walk.
There’s a dog friendly mall just a short walk from where we are staying temporarily.
It’s The Shops at North Bridge Mall located on Michigan Avenue,
but there’s multiple entrances on the side/back.

Actually, its not my first time to be in this mall.
I was here Sept 2010, click here to read my post.
Well its been 3 years, a lot has changed. Yes, sadly the doggie bakery no longer exists.
But the mall installed a cookie station. Check this out … how cool.
Mom was not sure of the ingredients of the cookies and due to my allergies I can’t have one 😐

I visited several shops. Of course one of them was the Chicago shop.

Many of the workers/shoppers were very pleasant and respectful.
Even the general mall workers were very happy to see me. They seem to be so used to seeing dogs in the mall walking. The family area is also pet friendly as it decorated by various pet art.

Yes, I wore my purple pawz boots and noticed many shoppers stared at me.

Just in case you plan to do mall walking, I like to share some etiquette.

1) Just like walking outdoors (sidewalk/park), your dog must know/master the command of HEAL.
2) At all times, make your dog walk along with you. Don’t allow your dog to walk in front or ahead of you.
3) Use the proper collar/harness and best to use a shorter leash. We use a 21″ leather leash.
4) Walk on the right path/direction. No running on the walking path.
5) Your dog may draw attention to others, make sure your dog knows and/or mastered the sit/stay command.
6) When inside the store (shopping), keep an eye of your dog. Be mindful of what stores to go and what goods to purchase.
7) Before walking in the mall, make sure your dog has relieved themselves. Make sure to always bring a poop bag and some wipes just in case your dog has an accident in the mall.
8) If there’s a food court in the mall, be respectful and avoid taking your dog to that area.

I had a PAWsome time mall walking. I suggest that you check your local malls if they allow dogs.

Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs
SUGAR

I’m joining this post to Monday Mischief for those shoppers stared at me …
I think they whispered some words too about my purple pawz.

Dog Friendly Westin Buckhead Atlanta

Shoe Dog Adventure: Finding The Right Fit and Shoe

Is Your Car Dealership Dog Friendly?

Is Your Home & Garden Center Dog Friendly

Dog Mall Walking and It’s Etiquette

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