Brought to you by Dog Paddling Adventures
Fall/Winter 2004
In this issue...
Jessie's City Adventures Toronto Dog Friendly locations Travelling in the UK & North America Pet Friendly SkiesDPA Events


Welcome to our Fall/Winter Dog Paddling Post. This issue is dedicated to travelling with your dog. We are looking forward to another great hiking and winter season with you and your pup.

Jessie's "City" Adventures
As the 'CEP' (Chief Executive Pup) of Dog Paddling Adventures, our pooch Jessie has spent most of her life running around, off leash in some of central and northern Ontario's most beautiful spaces. Paddling, hiking and skijoring by the lake have been what life is all about for her, and have led Jessie to view the city with some sort of contempt. So we decided to give Toronto a chance to redeem it's dog friendliness using Jessie as the judge, and were more than super impressed with the great places we visited, and the friendly attitudes we were met with.
The weekend began with myself (Eren), Kathryn, our 4 month old munchkin Kailey, and Jessie the wonder-dog packing into the car and heading for the oldest and most luxurious hotel right in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Fairmont Royal York. We arrived and were greeted with some incredulous stares and laughs from guests wondering what is this dog doing in the hotel. But most amazingly we were greeted with Jessie's own check in station where she was welcomed as an official VIP (very important pooch) guest. Once we arrived in our beautiful room Jessie was once again greeted with a lovely welcome package which included: a doggy blanket, water and food bowl , Evian water (of course), doggy towels and a pillow and a lovely assortment of 3 Dog Bakery treats, mouth wash, toothbrush and toothpaste and a doggy passport. Now what more could a dog ask for! Jessie was free to roam around the hotel, check things out (on a leash) and people were so happy to have her there.
 
We had decided that we were going to put to the test all these "dog friendly" restaurants that we had heard of so away we went on our downtown adventure. We walked around the streets of TO and visited 3 dog friendly restaurants, we enjoyed a lovely patio at Gabby's where Jessie was just like one of the gang (but she opted for water instead of beer).
After Gabby's we decided to head out for a nice dinner at Reds Wine where Jessie was treated like royalty. They have a lovely patio where you can order from a variety of menus and your dog is more than welcome. As soon as we arrived Jessie was brought a lovely water dish and lots of attention, and she just loved it.
After our lovely evening on the town we headed back and before going into the hotel Jessie had a great play session in the wonderful grassy area behind the hotel, just perfect to burn some energy before heading in for the evening. All in all Jessie decided that while downtown treated her pretty darn good she would still prefer the likes of the great North, but hey when she does have to be in the big City the Fairmont Royal York VIP room is her choice of places to visit! Thanks TO for a great night.

Dog Friendly locations in Toronto

Its amazing how dog friendly the world is starting to become. We have compiled a list of attractions, restaurants and hotels in the Toronto Region who welcome dogs:

   
Attractions
Parks
Restaurants
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Centreville Amusement Park
City Walks Guided Tours
Great Lakes Schooner Company
Harbourfront Centre
Toronto Islands Park
Bluffer's Park
Dog Beach
Dog Park
Edwards Gardens
High Park
Kortright Centre
Carmelina
Charlotte Room Restaurant
Erl's Bistro and Bar
Foster's on Elm
Gabby's Grillhouse
Mitzi's Cafe and Gallery
 Reds Wine Country Bistro and Bar
Sassafraz Restaurant
Whistler's Grille and Cafe Bar
Jakes on Main
Windy O'Neill's Irish Pub
There is also a great website that has a listing of dog friendly hotels throughout North America (www.pets-allowed-hotels.com), and there is one for Ontario (www.pets-allowed-hotels.com/can/Ontario/TORONTO/).
 

Travelling in North America

Anyone who has traveled through Europe knows that pets "across the pond" enjoy many perks that their American counterparts do not. One of these is dining out. There is a good reason that dining out and dogs do not mix in the United States - health codes. Local health codes ban pets from enclosed restaurants and recommend that open-air areas should be off limits as well.

Restaurant owners are trying to accommodate pet owners by creating special seating areas on the perimeter of their outdoor cafes. Some provide a bowl of water and doggie treats while others create special menus for pets. For instance, at the Garden Court Café in Glen Ellen, California the special dog menu contains "Babaloo" Pizza and "Bleu" Plate Special. If you want to eat out with your pet, here are a few suggestions:

In almost all cases, restaurants cannot allow pets in their enclosed spaces and no amount of begging will change that.
Please keep your dog away from the other patrons - not everyone loves the idea of dining with dogs. While some restaurants provide bowls of water, don't plan on it and bring a collapsible bowl with you.

Montreal's Hotel Vogue welcomes both dogs and cats on the go with a note from the manager outlining dog-walking routes, pet services in the area and pet-friendly restaurants. Four-legged guests are also treated to veterinarian- developed menus (including vegetarian ones), treats, toys and a "Did you forget?" closet where owners can find pet necessities from leashes and pet beds to toys and litter boxes.

Hotel Monaco in New Orleans welcomes both cats and dogs and offers a "Bone Appetite" package to their canine guests. The lucky dog will not only receive a toy upon arrival but also a luxurious pet bed, treats, Evian spring water and a map of pet-friendly parks. The hotel also has a staff veterinarian on call.

How do you find your dog if he's lost in the woods ?

Put your ear up to a tree and listen for the bark!

 

Pet lovers who want to pamper their pooches can check into Whistler BC's Summit Lodge. Not only will the pooch receive gourmet biscuits at breakfast, customized water bowls and be taken out for walks or hikes by the Summit Lodge staff if their owner is too busy, they'll also be helping the local W.A.G. animal shelter, which receives $5 of the $15 fee. Summit Lodge staff can also arrange a trip to the local dog-grooming spa. Now that's living.

Dogs Allowed in the UK

Thanks to Britain's Pets Travel Scheme (PETS), now Canada and the United States have joined the ranks of happy pet lovers who can bring their animals into Britain.

What is PETS?
On February 28th, 2000, the United Kingdom introduced a Pet Travel Scheme, allowing pets visiting and returning to the UK to forgo the six month standard quarantine. Limited to dogs and cats only, and certain countries that proved to be free of rabies at first, the UK's Pet Travel Scheme has expanded to encompass other countries over the years, provided the animals meet its standards.

The PETS Scheme has very strict rules for entering pets, that must be followed exactly, in the order given. If your pet fails these or if you are not prepared, your pet will need to undergo the standard six month quarantine before entering the UK.

A complete list of procedures is located here.

Even with it's strict guidelines, the PETS scheme has opened up an entire country of vacation and travel possibilities for the pet owner.


No Dogs Allowed:
The Oppression of a Species
By: The Dog

"Seen any good movies lately?" "Checked out that new cappuccino bar?" I haven't! "Did you catch that Impressionists exhibit at the art museum?" As a matter of fact, I did not. Why? Because, they don't allow dogs in any of those places, or at the grocery store, the mall, the donut shop, or at the hockey game!

You human beings, and I use the term loosely, have no idea how privileged you are. Or maybe you do... Maybe this is the only way you are able to maintain your status as the superior race.

Dogs are good enough to fetch your slippers and to guard the house, but treat us as equals? Never. Then to add insult to injury, there are lots of places that don't let dogs in, but CATS are allowed! How insulting! It does prove my point, however, cats are no threat to your position. I mean, have you ever tried to have a serious discussion with a cat? Take my word for it, cats are pathetic conversationalists. Dogs, on the other hand, are intelligent, perceptive, and charming. A little too much competition for the average Joe at a dinner party, I suppose.


As long as we are not accepted among the public, and continue to be treated, at best, as second class citizens, we will remain in this subservient social status, "Man's best friend." How convenient for you. I, for one, am on to your plan.
I must commend pet stores for being so proactive on this issue. Especially the big warehouse type franchises like PetsMart, my personal favorite. They have recognized who truly wields the financial power in the family, the Dog! I go in and shop at my leisure. It's a good thing I got a raise in my allowance.

Pet Friendly Skies

Pet Friendly Skies Taking Off December 2003

All my life, I've heard people say "find something you love and figure out a way to make a career out of it". Well, I finally figured it out.

I left the corporate sales world after 10 years to pursue my first passion - flying airplanes. I've worked in the commercial aviation industry since 1998 and have since reached the final plateau of Airline Transport Pilot Certification.

My second passion is pets - I've had dogs, birds and cats for as long as I can remember.

One day while at home, I was watching a news report about the ill effects of shipping pets as cargo in large commercial aircraft. It suddenly dawned on me - there needs to be an Air Service that caters to pets and their owners.

Imagine the freedom of being able to fly together with your pet in temperature - controlled cabins, not having to worry about the health or safety concerns normally associated with flying your dog in cargo bins…

A company such as Dog Paddling Adventures is great - it offers wonderful getaways for the entire family and facilitates bringing your 4-legged friend as well!

Pet Pilots will be launched in December 2003 and I am looking forward to working with Kathryn and Eren to offer you, their travelers, an alternative to flying your pets as cargo or driving long hours in a car. Flying with your pets as passengers in the comfort, safety, and style of luxurious, temperature - controlled cabins will now be available to you…

If you wish to learn more about Pet Pilots or to receive further information, you can call us at 416-669-PETS (7387) or by e-mail at petflight@yahoo.ca. Our web site, www.petpilots.com along with our Toll Free number will be coming soon.

I know what I love - airplanes and pets. I am fortunate to have found a way to combine both in a career.

I wish you a happy Fall and whether you're flying for a Pet Friendly Vacation, attending special events in the Pet Show Industry or moving your "entire family" across Canada - call us we can help. We are Pet Pilots.

Morrison Sahadeo
Chief Visionary Officer


 

Exciting Dog Paddling Events.....

Dog Lovers' Fall Hiking Club
Our Fall Dog Lovers Hiking Club has been a blast, and we are excited to announce that we still have some space on our final 4 hikes. Book now to reserve your spot and to enjoy the beautiful fall colours with your pup. The more hikes you do the more you save. All hikes include breakfast snacks, warm drinks, buffet lunch and drinks, along with energy snacks for you and your pooch throughout the day.
 

Winter Season

Skijoring and kick sledding are the mainstays of our winter program, and are the perfect activities to get you and your dog working together this winter. Cross-country skiing becomes Skijoring when you add a harness to you and one to your dog(s), and complete the sled team with a shock absorbing rope to connect you and your pup! We begin by teaching you how to ski as well as how to skijor with your own dog, and ensure that everyone feels safe and ready before heading out. As well, a quick release buckle right at your fingertips will make sure that if your pup sees a squirrel and decides to play chase, you can quickly release yourself instead of going along for the chase! We provide all the gear you will need to have a great day of learning and fun in the snow. MUSH!! We will be running 4 one day introductory adventures and 2 weekend adventures, dates to be posted soon our winter page!

All Dog Paddling Adventures include log cabin accommodation, delicious meals, all ski, skijoring and kick sledding equipment for both people and dogs, and services and instruction of a wilderness guide. No previous experience required.

 


If you are looking for a fun way to dress your dog up for halloween this year here are a few ideas:

 

DPA Wearables

We are excited to announce that we are in the process of designing our line of Dog Paddling clothes. We will be offering fleece vests and jackets, tshirts, long sleeve t's and ball caps. Our DPA Line will be available on our website and on all of our trips. Great prices and a fun look!

Dog Pet Peeves About Humans

1.Blaming your farts on me...not funny...not funny!!
2.Yelling at me for barking... I'M A FRIGGIN' DOG YOU IDIOT!!
3.Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly who's walk is this anyway?
4.Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose...stop it!!
5.Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home.
6.The sleight of hand - fake fetch throw. Wow, you fooled a DOG! What a proud moment for the top of the food chain. Idiot!
7.Taking me to the vet for "the big snip", then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back there.
8.Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests. Sorry but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet!!
9.How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know the truth, you're just jealous.
10.Dog sweaters! Have you noticed the fur I'm ALREADY wearing? Imbecile.

 

"An experience with so many pawsibilities"

We are now taking bookings for our Winter 2004 Skijoring Adventures.
Click here to find our more info!

 

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Dog Paddling Adventures
35B- 10520 Yonge St
Suite 230
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4C 3C7
Tel.: 905-237-DOGS (3647)


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