I don't have any human children of my own. The ones I do share my life with on occasion are ummm, sort of ... adopted. Or maybe inherited?
Anyway, but I have dogs!
And if you haven't figured it out after reading this column for nearly 20 years, I love them to pieces. The ones that have passed on to rainbow bridge are still loved as much as the ones sitting beside me at this very moment. They are my children and I would do anything for them to keep them healthy, happy, protected and, most importantly, loved - the same thing a human would do for their human child. So when I read or hear a comment from someone boldly stating, "They are not children for crying out loud!" my response is, "Um, well, to me they are!" And I highly doubt that I am alone in my reply. Right folks?
Having had the privilege of writing this column for as long as I have, I have been able to observe and write about how dogs have positively influenced our lives, health, peace of mind, community and businesses over the years. And what I can honestly say, from anecdotal evidence, is our lives are going to the dogs! Both large and small businesses have been watching the boom in this crazy canine culture and, as a result, there is an economic boom in all things dog - from dog accessories to dog beds, clothing, daycares, etc., as well as places that allow dogs to accompany their people.
The idea of Fido being left at home when his or her owners go out for the evening, or away for the weekend, is as archaic as choke collars!
Want to go out for dinner and bring Fido along? Then check out vancitybuzz.com and read about 10 great Vancouver dog-friendly patios where you can sip a mojito and watch the sunset with your pooch at your side.
Another great site to locate dog-friendly places is bringfido.com. Go to this sight and type in your destination, press enter and voila - all things dog is at your fingertips.
How about a weekend in Whistler? We all know how insanely dog-friendly Whistler is. Type in whistler.com/pet-friendly and take your pick of accommodations, restaurants, trails and lakes.
Love the Okanagan wine regions? Then going to See Ya Later ranch is a must - and don't forget to bring your dog - they are super dog friendly.
Paying homage to the original owner of the winery, Major Hugh Frazer, who had two passions in life, dogs and parties (he apparently had plenty of both), dogs are allowed to visit the winery with their people!
The entire story of the See Ya Later Ranch and the Major, as well as reviews on their award-winning wines, can be viewed on their website sylranch.com.
Speaking of the Okanagan, the B.C. Interior is a destination spot not just for wine lovers but also for those looking to spend a weekend or summer at campsites or cabins at the lake. There are so many more campsites and cabin rentals now available for dog owners than there were 10 years ago. I just Googled "dog-friendly cabin rentals B.C." and was blessed with a plethora of choices. Cottagesincanada.com is another site you can check out for Fido-friendly lake-side cottages.
When someone told me about Norm's Eatery and Ale House in the Freemont district of Seattle, I had to check it out for myself. This place is full of hustle and bustle of the four-legged kind! The food is great, the atmosphere is eclectic and I don't think I've ever seen so many happy people enjoying food and beverages with their dogs in one place!
This is a must for anyone heading into the area with their dog. Besides your dog, you will need an open mind, a big smile and friendly attitude.
Keep in mind that although these places are dog friendly, they still have rules and boundaries that both the dogs and humans must abide by to maintain the peace and good tidings.
Please respect their rules so that we can continue to enjoy places like these with our pets.
Now, grab your leash, your dog and the keys to the car as there is no time like the present to share this beautiful life with your dog.
Joan Klucha has been working with dogs for more than 15 years in obedience, tracking and behavioural rehabilitation. Contact her via her website k9kinship.com.
