Road trip

Arf! Arf! Arf! Three cheers for Arf!

Hello all! Its #travelTuesday and today its all about Arf… Animals are Fun! We were introduced to Arf when we stayed at the amazing hip Aloft in downtown Asheville. Once we checked into our room an Arf package was delivered. We have stayed at more than a few pet friendly hotels so I expected a little goodie bag with a milk bone and some poopy bags. What we got was beyond my expectation. Aloft ARF Downtown Asheville

Basil was given everything he may need to make his stay just as comfortable as ours. The hotel staff set up a large comfortable and stylish (style is very important to Basil!) dog bed. As well as his own food and water dishes. We also received a goodie bag but what was inside for far from a generic milk bone. Inside I found multiple treats from the local Three Dog Bakery, a few of their poopy bags, and a brand new Kong SqueakAir tennis ball toy.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Basil loves ARF Aloft Downtown Asheville

Well, once Basil “inspected” the entire room and decided that these accommodations will “do” he positioned himself on the Arf bed for a very much needed Boston terrier power nap. As you can see from the photos, he very much enjoyed it. 

While this nap was happening Nate & I went and checked out the hotel. We found ourselves on the roof top pool deck. After a quick dip and a little sun bathing we headed back to our room to find Basil fully rested and ready for more of what Asheville has to offer.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

We spent the rest of the evening exploring this very dog friendly city and making new friends. That night when we decided to retire back to the Aloft, Basil found his way back into that dog bed and promptly fell asleep.Basil loves ARF Aloft Asheville Downtown

Once the sun rose above the horizon and peaked through our windows the next morning we took Basil back to the roof top deck to find a well kept, fully in fenced dog run. Complete with faux fire hydrants and clean astro turf. I was unsure as to what Basil would do in this situation because every time we are somewhere with turf Basil refuses to use it. I think in his mind its carpet and he is a good dog and doesn’t potty on carpet! Well, I don’t know if it was how the dog run was set up or if it was Nate & I encouraging him to “do his business” he quickly found the right spot and business was done.

The rest of our time at the Aloft Downtown Asheville was spent relaxing around the hotel. Basil was welcome everywhere we went and he was treated just like one of the family. Arf is a great policy and because of it we will for sure be back to Aloft Downtown Asheville as well as other Aloft hotels. Make sure to check out their website at http://www.alofthotels.com for locations.

I’ll be post more about our long weekend in Asheville in additional posts for make sure to check back daily.

Travel well, nap well, live well!

-Abbey & Basil

 

Tips for Road Tripping with your dog!

Over pack – When it comes to dogs always over pack! Bring everything that you may need just in case. Bring food, large refillable bottle of water, blanket, favorite toy, leash and food/water bowls. We have portable dishes that stay in the car at all times. Plan for an emergency. Even if you are only going on a short day trip, plan for a longer trip, just in case.

Check the weather along your route – For a longer trip make sure to check the weather on the route you will be taking. This isn’t just for you but for your dog. If you need to stop and have to leave your dog in the car you want to make sure its not going to be too hot or too cold. Extreme weather can harm your pet! Never leave your pet in the car when the temperature is above 69 degrees fahrenheit. If its cold my basic rule of thumb is, if its too cold for you its too cold for your dog!

Stop often – You know your dog better than anyone, so you know when they have to use the bathroom. When we are on the road I try to stop at a rest area and let Basil potty even 2 hours at the least. This may sound like a lot but for us and Basil, who is a smaller dog who drinks plenty of water, this works. If you have a larger dog you may not need to stop so much but I would say its better to be safe than sorry!

Make a comfortable space for your pet – For us we have never crated Basil or Nolan when in the car. They have both been great road trip dogs and are just happy to chill in the back seat. To make Basil comfortable I always bring his favorite blanket. He curls up in it and falls asleep. To keep the car seats protected we use a little weight weighted water proof picnic blanket. Its perfect for keeping the car clean from wet, dirty dog or spilled food or water. It is washable and folds up super small. For those of you that do use a crate in the car make sure to add comforts from home like a pillow or blanket.

Set the child locks on the windows – This sounds funny but it is something that we have learned over the years and it has really come in handy. If we don’t set the child locks on the power windows Basil takes it upon himself to lower the windows in the back seat no matter what the weather outside may be.  

 These five tip have helped us when traveling with our dog all over the United States by car. If you have any other tips you would like to add make sure to let me know in the comments below. Hope everyone is staying warm!

Travel well, Nap well, Live well!

-Abbey & Basil

 

Boston Terrier Advent Calendar- December 20th -23rd! Family Edition!

We have been having such a good time with the family in the great state of Texas, I don’t think Basil could be any happier! Here is a few photos of Basil loving on his family that he has not seen in a while!

Only 1 day before Christmas! Hope everyone is with their family and getting as much love as Basil currently is!

Ho Ho Ho!

Travel well, Nap well, Live well!

-Abbey & Basil

San Antonio,Texas River walk

Christmas in the Southwest started off with a bang! Traveling into San Antonio, TX to experience the world famous River walk.

We drove into town around lunch time and easily found a place to park. The weather was warm, like around 75 degrees, and for us PNW peeps this was very odd for just a few days before Christmas. Before we hit the walk we soaked up a little bit of this large beautiful city. Grand Southern buildings towered all around us as well as a few churches and five-star hotels. It really is true what they say “Everything is bigger in Texas!” We walk through Hotel Contessa San Antonio. Basked in the glory of the stately Christmas tree in what seemed like a lobby with a never ending ceiling.

Basil was less impressed with the overwhelming beauty of his urban surroundings and more impressed with the very large, very long river that was flowing down the middle of town. He pulled me right up to the ledge of river, which I feel like I must mention had absolutely no railing! This made the River Walk even more beautiful to look at but was a little thrilling for me with a hyper Boston Terrier with an “extreme need” to jump in and swim around and/or drink it. 

We spent the next couple of hours walking the paths and stoping in the shops and restaurants as well as watching the river boat tours lazily float down the canal. Along the way there were many great photo opts with waterfalls, floral arrangements and the stage from Miss Congeniality. 

As the day slowly turned to night our tummies were starting to tell us that it was time for some food. There are more than a few restaurants to choose from. Almost all of them with large outdoor patios. One thing I did notice while we were there, not only in San Antonio but in Austin as well, every restaurant and bar had someone outside “hawking their wares” to all the pedestrian walking by. Yelling out their specials to get you to come in and spend your money with them. It was very helpful and it was nice to hear a complete stranger tell me  “you deserve a drink!” Yes, yes I do! 

We stopped upon the Hard Rock Cafe just as twilight hit. They were super friendly and were more then happy to accommodate our large party that included kids and Basil. The staff lit the massive heating lamps around our tables and took our orders. As we sat we talked and people watched and enjoyed as the Christmas lights all came on. The river was alive with dancing twinkling lights. Soon the river tour boats started floating by with Christmas Carolers and even though the temperature was still in the 70’s it actually felt like the holidays. 

With our stomachs full and the kids (and Basil) starting to slow down it was time to head back to the car. The walk back was just as fun. Filled with more friendly people, most of them more interested in talking to Basil than to me! We stopped for a moment and listened to a traveling mariachi and took a ton more photos. The River Walk in San Antonio was such a treat. We can’t wait to come back and highly recommend it if you are traveling anywhere near San Antonio. It was worth the trip for sure!

Until next time San Antonio! Xoxo

Travel well, Nap well, Live well!

-Abbey & Basil

 

 

Texas is Huge! December 16th-19th!

Hello! Its official! Texas is huge! We have been having a great time here and have so much to share with all of you. Internet has been sparse so here are 4 of your daily Boston Terrier advent calendar picture. Enjoy them and next week I’ll have a lot to share with you guys about chic dog friendly spots all over Texas and New Orleans. 

Hope everyone is having a good December and getting ready for Christmas with your families.

Travel well, Nap well, Live well!

-Abbey & Basil

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