TIPS & ARTICLES

posted 06/01/13

DOGS WELCOME!

A man wrote a letter to a small hotel in a Midwest town he planned to visit on his vacation. He wrote: “I would very much like to bring my dog with me. He is well groomed and very well behaved. Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in my room with me at night?
An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who wrote: “I’ve been operating this hotel for many years. In all that time, I’ve never had a dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls. I’ve never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly. And I’ve never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel. And, if your dog will vouch for you, you’re welcome to stay here, too.”

MOTEL ETIQUETTE FOR DOG OWNERS

It’s easier these days to find motels that accept dogs, but with that hospitality comes a tremendous responsibility on your part as a dog owner. Even the neatest and best behaved dog may leave his “mark” behind, whether it’s hair, dirt, smell or a bodily dysfunction of one end or the other. Here are some guidelines for being a good dog-owning guest in a friendly motel:

• Keep your dog LEASHED at all times in public areas, inside and out.

• Pick up your dog’s poop on the grounds!

• Do not groom your dog in the motel room.

• If you must bathe your dog in the motel tub, bring your own towels and tidy up the bathroom afterwards.

• Feed and water your dog on the bathroom floor, and not on the carpets. It’s easier to clean up spills on vinyl.

• Do NOT allow your dog to bark. Hush him immediately at the very first bark. Act relaxed and nonchalant about whatever noise got him started. Give him a chew toy if necessary to keep his mouth occupied.

• Do NOT leave your uncrated dog in the motel room alone, even for a quick trip out to your car.

• Use a sheet on the bed if your dog is going to sleep with you. Minimize dog hair as much as you can.

• Carry a dog hair removal brush, and go over the bedspread and well-trafficked areas of the carpet.

• Bring a spray bottle of Nature’s Miracle for emergency “accident” clean-up. Bring a bottle of Febreze Pet Odor Remover to spritz around the room before you leave.

• Do not allow your dog to run and romp in the Motel room. Even a 10-pound dog can sound like a buffalo stampede. Be honest about your dog when you check into the motel. Don’t try to sneak him in to avoid paying a pet deposit. Remember, be an honest and responsible dog owner and you will be welcomed back the next time…and so will the rest of us.

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