Pet-Friendly World - People UNfriendly?

[MsTinkerbelly]

Originally Posted by Words

We've just arrived home from a week long visit to Somerset in the West Country. Not only were W/we able to take O/our two Yorkies with U/us - W/we stayed in a beautiful, 400 year old thatched roof cottage located in the prettiest of villages - but they were allowed into every single bar/restaurant that we went to, both there and in neighbouring villages, and would have been allowed into the majority of those that W/we didn't, judging from the 'Dogs welcome' signs outside. (Equally surprising was the fact that W/we could even take them into the Caves at Cheddar Gorge (free of charge) and on the Lynton/Lynmouth water powered cliff railway (again, free of charge).)

I tell you, there's a lot to be said for country living.

Words

We just came back from two weeks in Europe (primarily Yorkshire, and Stow-on-wold)...amazing how everywhere (pubs, stores, Castles) allowed dogs! They are such a part of the culture and family in the country,

[Sparkle]

I live in a very pet friendly area - our "dog park" is a 7 acre bit of land owned by the city. They recently had a doggy halloween parade up there.
Its beautiful and a great place to take dogs. And there is an enormous bike-trail network that runs through all of the neighboring towns which, again, is fantastic for dog owners.

Both of my current work-places have an open-door dog policy; though dogs only come to work in the summer months at the school due to allergy issues during the school year.

Provincetown is also a fabulous dog-friendly town. I think it was voted 'most dog friendly town' in America in 2010. A huge number of hotels/motels/b&b's and cottage rentals allow dogs. Public beaches allow dogs (on leash), there is a dog park and many restaurants allow them in the al fresco dining areas.

Having traveled cross-country one way with two cats (so *not* fun for anyone, btw) and then back the other way with one dog....I was very impressed with Starwood Hotels (W, Westin, Sheraton etc); each place accommodated my pets graciously.

[Words]

Originally Posted by MsTinkerbelly

We just came back from two weeks in Europe (primarily Yorkshire, and Stow-on-wold)...amazing how everywhere (pubs, stores, Castles) allowed dogs! They are such a part of the culture and family in the country,

I agree. Very different from town/city living. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that out in the country, dogs are such a necessity in terms of warding of feelings of isolation? Plus, of course, dogs are also used for work purposes.

Either way, it's going to be hard to adapt to returning to an area where so many restrictions apply in terms of dog accessibility.

Words