Zelda Wisdom Heathman Hotel

M ay 2 0 1 4
digital supplement
Zelda
Wisdom
Heathman
Hotel
Portland, Oregon
Great Scots!
European Adventure
Empty Nest
Fido left behind?
[ Issue 61.2 ]
Publisher
Susan Sims
Editor-in-Chief
Nicholas Sveslosky
President
Greg Sims
(800) 896-0976
[email protected]
Social Media Director
Ali Kochie
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Elise P. Margulis
(973) 535-1010
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[email protected]
Editorial
Editor-at-Large
Arden Moore
Production
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Join us
May 2014 - Digital Supplement 3
prologue
editor’s note
the ff vault!
Editor’s black lab, Tasha,
always up for playing.
W
elcome to an archived issue of FIDO Friendly magazine straight from The Vault!
If you are new to FIDO Friendly, or if you have been with us for the past 13
years, you won’t want to miss an archived issue each month to compliment your FIDO
Friendly library of great topics and places to stay.
Be sure to click on the links to learn more about destinations and advertisers and
please remember to check with hotels before booking your stay in the event their pet
policies or rates have changed.
Whether you read FIDO Friendly online or in print, I hope you enjoy your new
digital supplement from The Vault!
N ichola s S v e s lo s k y
Editor-in-Chief
On the Cover
Zelda Wisdom.
photo by: Shane Young
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Empty
Nest
Consistency, routine,
family pack structure
and familiar faces: What
to do with Fido when a
member leaves the nest.
By Carol Bryant
B
ack-to-school time means colleges welcome millions of new freshmen and school bells ring
for students in grades 12 and under. As humans, the sting of an empty household brings a
whole new set of emotions known as empty nest syndrome. As a member of the family, Fido
might experience empty nest feelings as well.
What should we as guardians to our canine family members do when the very foundation and
consistency in Fido’s routine is rocked? Thousands of hotels and B&Bs allow Fido, so plan ahead and
take the family pooch with you for this important life change. “The Hotel Palomar in San Francisco
is a perfect example of a Fido-friendly getaway for the whole family. See off your kids to college in the
bay area and acclimate Fido slowly in style,” FIDO Friendly publisher Susan Sims related.
Prevent negative or depressive
behavior and make toy time fun time.
What about the dreaded return trip home and the “but where’s Billy or Suzy” feelings that Fido is
bound to experience? In the weeks before college or school is due to start, start getting Fido used to
being on his own more. Have the student be away from Fido for longer periods of time so that the
eventual separation doesn’t present as such a shock. Small animal veterinarian of 20 years, Audrey
Harvey, told FIDO Friendly magazine, “To cheer Fido up, there are a couple of things that can be
done. Increase their exercise. If possible, get them out for a walk or a run in the morning every day,
particularly if they’re going to be on their own during the day. In people exercise has been shown to be
as effective as mild anti-depressants. There aren’t any such studies in dogs but their brains aren’t that
much different to ours.”
What about getting a second dog to keep the first one company? “Some people think about getting another dog as company, and that can often work very well. People just need to make sure that
they can afford the expenses associated with a
second dog, and have a contingency plan in case
it doesn’t all go smoothly,” Dr. Harvey stated.
Some practical tips to help Fido adjust include keeping the daily activity consistent. Accommodate Fido’s routine as closely as possible.
Did Jimmy take him out at 7am for potty time?
Did Fido and Amanda play for a half an hour at
night? Dogs love routine. Be a part of it.
Interactive toys keep Fido’s mind stimulated
and off the missing family member. Just as with
Fido on a rainy day, an idle mind is a wandering
mind. Prevent negative or depressive behavior
and make toy time fun time. (See the sidebar on
page 53 for tips, toys and tricks.)
Dr. Harvey added, “If a dog is still feeling
down after a few weeks, or if he seems to be getting worse rather than better and getting really
distressed when he’s on his own, vets can help.
There are medications that ease anxiety in dogs,
and they are really useful. They’re not a quick fix
though. There’s quite a bit of work involved, and
it can take a while to help your dog adjust.”
Read the "Top 10 Quick Fixes to Occupy Fido’s Mind" at www.FIDOFriendly.com/features/empty-nest
6 May 2014
PhotographY by istock/BrianAsmussen
Dogs left behind feel the emptiness as much as
humans. There are ways to combat this.
Road to Freedom
The kindness of strangers: voluntary animal transport.
by Laurie Jacobson
A
n increasing number of people meeting up in cyberspace are opposed to what happens to
millions of homeless animals once their shelter stay expires…and they’re doing something
about it.
Volunteer animal transport is a grassroots area of animal rescue. Basically, it’s like a Pony Express
(relay) to move highly adoptable shelter animals who would otherwise be destroyed to rescues that
have room to foster them to adoption. The “legs” are the hundred-mile or so stretch of highway a
volunteer drives to take a rescued animal home. It’s not uncommon for a dog or cat to be transported
as many as 15 legs before finally arriving at a foster or forever home. And it’s happening every weekend all over the country.
“It’s nothing short of a miracle,” said Bonnie Silva, an Emmy award-winning writer, author of 15
Legs—When all that Stands between Death and Freedom is a Ride and the writer/producer of “15 Legs,”
a documentary currently playing on some PBS channels.
“These complete strangers all over the country first get together in cyberspace, then on the ground
to shuttle homeless, often abused animals out of harm’s way. Many of these people aren’t able to foster or adopt themselves, but they can certainly get up on a Saturday or Sunday and take an hour to
move an animal along.” One transport team alone moved 1,200 animals to safety last year. Technology enables this whole thing to happen.
Animal-loving volunteers post pictures of out of-time animals on Yahoo, Petfinder and other message boards in the hopes they’ll find a home.
That’s how the Miller family found Batman, a tiny Chihuahua in a Florida shelter. Once approved
as an adoptive family, only one hurdle remained; the Millers live in Maine and Batman had only 48
hours left to live. That’s when the coordinator
jumped into action. First she mapped the animal’s route to the adoptive home. The trip was
divided into legs where each driver would serve
as a compassionate escort for an hour or two before handing Batman off to the next driver.
The itinerary was then posted online. In
addition to the route and handoff locations,
drivers found notes on Batman’s health, behavior and other helpful travel information.
People signed up for the various legs, some
to drive, others who offered overnight shelter (bed & biscuit). The cyber-based run
sheet filled up and Batman was pulled from
the shelter. The transport was ready to go.
During transports, whenever a volunteer driver
hands the leash over to the next, they call the
coordinator who is monitoring the journey from
a computer far from the actual route. Traffic, lost
drivers, accidents or car sickness are just a few of
the things that could go wrong. Batman’s transport ran without a hitch, and he was delivered to
the Millers safe and sound after three days.
Animals are transported by car, train, plane, canoe, snowmobile, one at a time or in groups. And
not just dogs are transported, but also cats, rabbits,
birds, pigs and horses. There are breed-specific
transports, creature-specific, size- and region-specific transports. Volunteers come in all shapes and
sizes, too: men, women, children—even other
animals who help comfort the traveler. Two transporters from New Jersey met while transporting
and fell in love. On their wedding day, they transported. Even elderly and sick animals are transported so they may spend their last days in loving
arms. It’s a profoundly hopeful and empowering
volunteer activity. Whether it’s from one end of
Florida to the other, a multi-state transport or a
cross-country run, the end result is always a better
life for a previously unwanted animal.
The transports showcase the human-animal
bond in action and the very best of what humanity has to offer. Bonnie Silva’s life has been
changed by what she’s seen. “The work these people choose to do will never cease to touch me.”
To see videos and pictures of transports log on
to www.fifteenlegs.com.
To find out more and how you can
get involved, as well as see videos log on to
www.FIDOFriendly.com/features/road-to-freedom.
May 2014 - Digital Supplement 7
Training 101: He Yaps, She Yaps
The Barking Dog
You love your neighborhood—except there is one hitch. You live next door
to Buddy Barker. How do you deal with your neighbor’s marathon yapper
and still maintain harmony on the block?
8 May 2014
The goal here is cooperation.
No one wants a neighborhood feud.
daycare for a day or more each week. A tired dog
is a happy, quiet one. Mention anti-bark collars
that trigger the release of citronella, a scent
most dogs detest.
The goal here is cooperation since no one
wants a neighborhood feud. But if these suggestions fail, then you may have to contact your
local municipality about noise ordinances that
apply to barking dogs. I hope this strategy is employed only as a last resort. Arden Moore, America’s Pet Edu-Tainer™, is the author of 19 pet books
and hosts a weekly radio show on PetLifeRadio.com.
D
are both social and
vocal creatures. They
bark as a way to express their feelings and to communicate. There are several
kinds of barking in the canine
language, which I call “doglish.”
We can simply put them in
four categories and translate
doglish into English:
Doglish: High pitch short inVladae
terval hyper bark; English: I’m
Roytapel
excited, let’s play, I’m happy.
Doglish: Demanding normal
pitch, short burst; English: I want something
from you, go get it, let’s go. Doglish: Low pitch
growling barking with intervals; English: I don’t
agree with the situation, someone is coming and
they shouldn’t be here. Doglish: Lonely, long interval prolonged barking in combination with
howling or whining; English: I’m lonely, scared,
bored and I want you to come home.
Cures for barking that do not work: Ignoring the
behavior (to ignore is to condone), putting him
in a crate or closet, using a spray bottle (certain
breeds love water), distracting him with commands or food or avoiding the problem entirely.
Cures for barking that will work: Eliminate
the cause and attack the symptoms. Give your
dog another job to do besides barking; such as—
have Fido find a treat in a puzzle or Kong. Be
the trustful boss for your dog, become the alpha
leader or your world will never change. Physically and mentally tire your dog. Allow him to
run back and forth for 10 to 15 minutes, two
times per day. Vladae Roytapel is the Dog Wizard
of LA, CA, and guest on AnimalRadio.com. Find
out more by visiting his website at www.socaldogtraining.com. yap
factor
for many reasons
Discipline Factor
Lack of structure in your dogs’ life.
Excessive Energy Factor
Your dog is not physically and mentally
tired enough throughout the day.
Welfare Factor
Your dog is bored and has
no other work to do.
Territorial Factor
Your dog thinks that he’s the
security dog on duty.
Fun Factor
Your dog just likes to bark. It’s fun.
Fear Factor
Your dog is barking to express
isolation or separation anxiety.
Demand Factor
Your dog thinks that he’s in charge
of you and you are his servant.
ill u stratio n s b y corey olin
T
he tight economy is
keeping even a tighter
leash on one’s mobility
these days. Job hopping has
become a lost art. Equity in
homes is shrinking. In fact,
a recent national study indicates that the percentage
of people relocating is at a
modern-day low.
Still, staying put doesn’t
Arden
Moore
mean you have to put up
with the furry neighborhood
noisemaker. My advice: opt for a little diplomacy
and neighborhood friendliness first. Introduce
yourself to your neighbors and engage them in
a conversation.
Ask them about their dog and his personality.
Tactfully ask why he stays out in the backyard
and explain that he barks during the day. You’d
be surprised at how many people are unaware
that their dogs are big barkers when they are
away from home. Some assume that their dog
barks only when they’re home to alert them of
someone approaching their property.
Without being nasty, inform them that you
sincerely want to work together toward a solution. The key is to not put them in a defensive
posture. Try mentioning the fact that some dogs
bark out of boredom or the need for exercise.
Depending on where you live, backyard dogs
can be at risk for being teased, stolen or even
attacked by roaming predators, such as coyotes.
Dogs can dig under fences, escape and possibly
be hit by a vehicle.
Provide your neighbors with some remedies.
Ask if it might be possible for the dog to stay
inside and have access to a doggy door for potty
breaks. Suggest they provide a long-lasting treat
such as a hollow, hard rubber toy stuffed with
cheese, kibble or peanut butter as they depart
for the day. Ask if they have considered doggy
Patagonian
Paradise
Not the End of the World... Not for these dogs.
Story and Photography by Lorraine Chittock
"T
he City at the End of the World,” conjures up images of sled drivers shouting, “Mush”
not canine overpopulation. When Bob Morley arrived in Ushuaia, Argentina, during
Christmas 2003, he couldn’t help notice the preponderance of hounds. “They were
everywhere. Within a couple of blocks I’d have a pack chasing my motorcycle. I’d never seen anything like it.” Upon returning five years later with his dog Bizkit, he couldn’t help notice the change.
“What happened to all the dogs, and so fast?”
Dogs are interwoven into the fabric of Latin society in a way that they are not in European cultures, and loose canines are common all over South America. Differentiating between owned dogs
and strays, or callejero, is difficult as most people don’t put collars on their pets, and animals are often
free to come and go as they please. Their diet may be dry dog food, or it may consist of table scraps.
“People telephone us saying,
‘You have my dog, I want to collect it.’
But we have to tell them the city
never delivered their dog to us.
Where are those dogs?”
In neighborhoods without efficient garbage collection, bags are strewn on the ground and quickly
ripped open by scavenging canines—a role man’s best friend has had for thousands of years. The
varied refuse usually offers enough nutrients for a dog to exist, even if it’s not always the healthiest
diet. In areas of the world with a tourism industry that supplies additional refuse from sources such
as restaurants, loose dogs thrive.
But Ushuaia’s city council, along with other governing bodies in Patagonian, Argentina,
want to be known for colonies of penguins rather than an overpopulation of dogs. The Municipalidad de Ushuaia also needed to protect local residents who complained of being bitten. By
2005 Ushuaia’s dog situation was out of hand. City officials decided something had to be done
and approached Dr. Marcela Garber, head of
the already existing Zoonosis, or department
for animal health and welfare. Dr. Marcela
began a program of offering free sterilization,
micro-chipping and the re-homing of strays.
In the past three years, staffed by three veterinarians, four vet assistants and four others,
Zoonosis has sterilized more than half of Ushuaia’s 15,000 dogs. Dr. Marcela is responsible
for 3,000 of those operations.
The Zoonosis program is simple: sterilization
and vaccinations are free, with a complimentary
pick-up and drop-off service when needed, if dog
owners agree to have their pet micro-chipped.
Some of the funding for Zoonosis comes from
fines. Nuisance dogs are captured and brought to
the Zoonosis facility, and the owner can only reclaim their animal after a fine is paid. With each
incident, the amount escalates, with the third
fine reaching the equivalent of approximately
$550, a hefty deterrent when the Argentinian
per-capita income is less than $7,000 a year.
To read more on this article, connect to
www.FIDOFriendly.com/features/patagonian-dogs.
May 2014 - Digital Supplement 9
European adventure
Great
Scots!
Trigony Hotel in Dumfries and Galloway,
Scotland is as welcoming to dogs as
it is to their gaurdians.
Trigony Country House Hotel sits on four
acres of beautiful Scottish countryside,
top; The dining room offers a wonderful
view of the grounds, above right.
All homemade dog meals are nutritionally balanced using the
best local ingredients. Dishes include: Carrot Cookies; Winter
Game & Pasta Casserole; Beef, Rice  & Vegetable Hot Pot; Turkey,
Pearl Barley & Potato Roast; and Banana Pudding.
S
A path on the edge of the hotel grounds wends into
beech and pinewoods, and it is an ideal place for four
paws to explore. Wildlife spottings may include roe deer,
buzzards, owls and red squirrels. The main path around
the hotel leads to the woodcutter’s cottage at the edge of
the woods and also into a field with lovely views over the
Kier & Lowther Hills.
Dogs are allowed in all the public rooms apart from the
dining room, but should guests want to dine with their
dog, the bar is the place to take your meal—while Fido
happily curls up in front of the open fire.
There is a small charge for dogs of £2.50 per day. Included
in the stay are drying towels and a doggy bed, as well as dog
food upon request. And Bess will happily show visitors all
the best walks around this Fido-friendly hotel.
A path on the edge of the hotel grounds is
an ideal place for four paws to explore.
ituated on more than four acres of secluded gardens and mature
woodland, Trigony Country House Hotel started life as the shooting
lodge for Closeburn Castle. Now home to the Moore family, this B&B
combines the welcoming ambience of a country house and a hotel
in Scotland, with the comfort expected of a much-loved family home. The 10
hotel rooms all have hand-sprung mattresses with fine Egyptian linen and are
individually furnished.
Trigony is a very relaxed Fido-friendly hotel. The welcome box contains a
ball and treats, as well as a welcome note from Bess, a black Lab and the hotel
mascot, and a map of the hotel grounds and surrounding countryside showing
all the best walks in the area.
10 May 2014
If you go
Trigony Country House Hotel
Closeburn
Thornhill Dumfries & Galloway
Scotland , UK
01848 331211
[email protected]
www.countryhousehotelscotland.com/
pet-friendly-hotel/pet-friendly-tour.htm
u
Kirkland,
WASHINGTON
Ocean Views
No complaint goes unsniffed at this Fido-friendly resort.
By Heather Larson
Woody assists
guests with any
and all requests.
Stay
The Woodmark Hotel, Yacht
Club & Spa
Room Rate Range: $175–290; Pet Policy:
No pet fee, no weight limit. 1200 Carillon
Point, Kirkland, Washington 98033; (800)
822-3700; www.thewoodmark.com.
Play
Mile-long walk along the beach from
The Woodmark to Kirkland with stops at
Houghton Beach Park; swimming, grassy
picnic area and children’s playground
and Marsh Park; art sculptures, grassy
area, dock and bench seating.
Shop
Barkz: The dog stop
115 Lake Street South, Kirkland, WA;
(425) 822-0292; www.barkz.com.
A panoramic view
of Lake Washington
from a guestroom at
the Woodmark Hotel.
I
t’s hard to imagine any guest, canine or human, not responding to Woody, the hotel's canine mascot, in a warm, friendly way. Woody’s office is located in the hotel lobby so he can
easily assist hotel guests with any requests. He will gladly set up a play date with your dog
prior to your arrival. That’s one of his favorite activities.
Located on the scenic shores of Lake Washington at Yarrow Bay, The Woodmark welcomes
dog guests by providing them with a bed, water bowl and a treat—plus no pet fee is charged.
On site are a full-service spa called Northwest Face Spa and two restaurants that offer water
views from every table: Bin on the Lake and the Beach Café. Woody hosts a Yappier Hour on
Wednesdays from 5–7pm in the Beach Café’s outdoor seating area, weather permitting. Dog
treats are standard fare.
For the rest of us, the Beach Café focuses on Northwest cuisine in a casual, friendly atmosphere. The menu includes burgers, steaks, salads, seafood and chicken. Bin on the Lake has a
special wine storage system that makes available more than 80 wines by the glass. Serving local
and seasonal delicacies, Bin’s features small and large plates and delightful wine pairings.
Guestrooms and suites contain all the extras. Luxury bedding with down pillows and cashmere throws grace the beds. Complimentary high-speed Internet access, a 32” LCD Flat Panel
TV with surround sound and a computer docking station make it easy for those who need to
stay connected. Soaking tubs and a rainwater shower along with a selection of bath amenities
allow for self pampering. If you’re not inclined to use the make-your-own Martini Bar, call the
desk and someone will do it for you.
Hungry late at night? You have complimentary “Raid the Pantry” privileges, from 11pm–
1am, with everything from snacks that include sandwiches, soups, chips, desserts and juices.
Hotel guests can go cruising on the Woodmark II, a 28-foot Chris-Craft. The tour wends through
Yarrow Bay, to the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, by the University of Washington and in front
of elegant homes on Lake Washington. One of those homes is owned by Bill Gates.
May 2014 - Digital Supplement 11
The cabellero's or cowboys, use dogs to
herd livestock, or as companionship.
Bruiser, now 13 years of age,
laboring up a steep hill in Chile;
Lorraine and Dog on the deck of the
three bedroom cabin in La Ballena.
opposite:
Chile Dogs
Heat Up
Earthquake shakes writer back to the States.
Story and photography by Lorraine Chittock
W
ill you stop scratching?” I mumble from a deep sleep. Fleas. When I reach over to comfort Dog, my hand grazes the wall. Vibrating. Like crazy. Raised in California, I don’t
usually get alarmed by earthquakes, but our cabin is constructed of wood, on stilts and
perched on an extremely steep hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Chile is having an 8.8 magnitude
earthquake. During the next 90 seconds the capital of Santiago will be displaced almost 10 inches
west in what will be Chile’s second worst earthquake. We’re in La Ballena, 200 miles north of the
epicenter.
When the shaking worsens, I fling open the window and jump out stark naked onto the deck.
Boxes fall from atop the wardrobe as I lift Dog and Bruiser outside. Once my canine companions are
safe, I reach back inside to grab a comforter to drape around my body. My laptop containing all the
files for my new book Los Mutts, my passport, clothing and shoes stay inside. In a fraction of a second
I have decided what’s truly important in my life.
We keep watch on the ocean—calm though at this moment a tsunami is devastating several
coastal towns including Talhuanaco where our pack once camped for months. No electricity. The
blackout will affect 93 percent of Chile’s population. Amazingly, there is no damage to the threebedroom cabin we rent for $200 a month.
Six hours before the earthquake, I’d clicked “purchase” for an airline ticket to Dallas—a speaking and book
tour awaits me. Santiago’s International airport suffers structural damage. All flights are canceled. Communication is sporadic, but I’m able to reschedule. I check for news on how animals are coping.
Two years before, Mount Chaitén had erupted in Patagonia. Just as in New Orleans at the time of
Hurricane Katrina, residents of Chaitén were forced to evacuate the volcanic eruption without their
pets. More than 600 dogs were left behind. Animal lovers in Chile mobilized to create their country’s
first animal rescue operation. One of the first organizations on the ground was CEFU (Control Etico de
la Fauna Urbana or Ethical Treatment for Urban Animals, www.cefu.cl).
The 2010 earthquake affects a greater area. Entire cities are devastated and families are forced to
leave in search of food and supplies. CEFU immediately begins gathering volunteers and medical sup-
12 May 2014
plies to help the animals. Many of the photos
in Los Mutts are taken in Chile, including a
few featuring CEFU in action.
While animal lovers rise to the occasion,
I scurry around getting ready for our flight.
Leashes. I can count on one hand the times
I’ve needed them in the past four years. During my first months in Mexico I was stunned
by how few Latinos used them, even on busy
streets. Owners trust that their dogs will
watch for cars. With street dogs, of which
there are many, rules of the road are often
passed generation to generation by trafficsavvy canine mothers. Pups not paying attention get injured, or worse. Though limping
canines are not a rare sight, startlingly few
bodies lie on highways, considering the huge
preponderance of loose dogs.
On quiet streets I cautiously began doing
the same with Dog and Bruiser. Wandering offlead gave them the freedom to sniff dogs they
liked and avoid those they didn’t. Snarls were
exchanged but rarely escalated. More than four
years later and with stray mutt encounters in
the hundreds, Bruiser and Dog each had only
one scratch on both their faces. America will
If you want to
smuggle illegal
goods into
America,
dogs could
be the ticket.
be different. I put their old leads in crates that I’ve
purchased from Chile’s Home Depot.
At the airport I drop off the luggage at the
ticket counter before driving our trusty van to
the customs office—a gift for the Chilean government, since I’m unable to legally sell it. Dog,
Bruiser and I take a taxi back to the terminal.
Because of earthquake damage, huge tents are
erected for flights within Chile. The three of us
enter and exit through three. Each time Dog and
Bruiser are shooed by officials assuming they’re
strays. “Son mis perros. They are my dogs,” I reply laughing. A simple misunderstanding; I still
haven’t put on their collars. While living miles
from the nearest town, there’s never been a need.
Also unfamiliar is tarmac, cement and glass.
I feel like a country-bumpkin. Bruiser’s grin of
excitement spreads to anxiety when we arrive at
the American Airlines counter. Dog recognizes
the sheets I put inside her crate and immediately
dashes “home” and curls up inside. Bruiser, a dog
who loves his freedom more than any other, is
horrified about being incarcerated. He didn’t fare
well flying from his native country of Kenya to
San Franciso. But there is no way to return to
America other than by air. Driving back is out of
the question. I watch horrified as two men carry my beloved, captive canines to a conveyor belt. Dog
and Bruiser watch horrified from inside their plastic cages. What have I done?
Once I arrive at Gate 27, I grill everyone in an American Airlines uniform regarding if my dogs
are on board. On the tarmac at the bottom of the airline stairs two personnel reassure me that my
dogs are already in cargo. I’m relieved. And scared. Dog and Bruiser are both 13 years old. For four
years I’ve entertained fantasies of meeting someone with a private jet so we could fly as a pack. That
person never materialized. There is no choice.
It’s a very long 12 hours. I had booked a seat as close to the front as possible to ensure I’m one of
the first to disembark. Once out of the plane I jostle through other passengers who stroll leisurely
along the hallways. The woman at passport control takes forever to stamp my documents. At baggage
claim I drag two big boxes off the conveyor belt onto a trolley. I’m so focused on my luggage, I don’t
notice two animal crates already on the ground. Dog and Bruiser!
Ten feet and paws prance, leap and bounce in ecstasy after 14 hours of separation. Airline officials
watch with misty eyes. No one says, “Dogs aren’t allowed outside their crates!”
An American Airlines worker asks if I need help. “Yes, please!” Two loose dogs are added to my
two huge boxes, two big dog crates, a duffle bag plus laptop. I’m only 105 pounds. “The dogs need
to be back in the crates,” the worker says apologetically. Dog whimpers with heartfelt sounds I’ve
never before heard.
If you want to smuggle illegal goods into America, dogs could be the ticket. Instead of lining up
like everyone else on the plane, we’re led to a special agriculture section. I’m the only one in line.
“Rabies?” the man asks. I hand him all my paperwork: the rabies and distemper certificates from the
vet and the form from SAG, Chile’s governmental agricultural office.
Meanwhile, the airline bellhop is asking numerous questions about my exotic dogs. After such a
long absence, I’ve forgotten my Kenyan mutts resemble dingoes to many Americans.
“What’s in your boxes?” asks the official baggage controller. “Four years worth of junk!” I reply.
To read more connect to www.FIDOFriendly.com/destinations/escape-from-chile.
May 2014 - Digital Supplement 13
k
Portland,
Oregon
Hotel Installs Bronze Sculpture
Donated by Banfield, The Pet
Hospital®, in Honor of Zelda.
from left, Carol Gardner of
Zelda’s Wisdom, Stephen Galvan
(director of sales and marketing
for the Heathman) and Dianne
McGill (executive director of the
Banfield Charitable Trust).
Heathman
Hotel
Beautiful boutique hotel in Portland welcomes Fido.
By Susan Sims, publisher
14 May 2014
Sleep
The Heathman Hotel
Portland Oregon
1001 SW Broadway at Salmon,
Portland, OR, 97205; room rates $179–$459;
pet fee $35 per day; (503) 241-4100;
www.portlandheathmanhotel.com.
Pet policy
All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier
when in any public spaces of the hotel,
if you leave you pet in a guestroom
unattended it must be crated and all
noise must be kept at a minimum. We
suggest that if this occurs you place your
“Do Not Disturb” sign on the guestroom
door to avoid any problems. Two pets
allowed per room.
GREENER
April 2009 marked the completion of
their 4 million dollar “green” renovation
combining the best of luxury and
sustainability; Environmental
Design + Construction.
Play
Laurelhurst Dog Park
3499 Southeast Oak Street,
Portland, OR 97214; (503) 853-4685
PhotographY by Shane Young Photography
O
ne of the “World’s Best Places to Stay,” said Conde Nast Traveler. One of the “500 Best
Hotels in the World” according to Travel +Leisure’s most recent 2009 awards. AAA has
awarded this luxury Portland hotel 4 Diamonds for 25 consecutive years. And they welcome your dog!
Built in 1927 and located in the heart of Portland’s cultural district, this 150-room luxury hotel
maintains strong partnerships with local arts and culture organizations and is Portland’s premier arts
hotel. An independently owned luxury boutique property, the Heathman Hotel is a member of the
Carino Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and Historic Hotels of America.
The Heathman Hotel in downtown Portland rolls out the red carpet for you and your furry best
friend and at every turn; luxury awaits even the most discerning pooch.
On a recent visit to be part of the Zelda statue unveiling, we experienced first “paw” the many
amenities travelers have grown accustomed to expect when staying at the Heathman.
Upon check-in all of their four-legged guests receive a welcome goodie bag with treats, a toy,
biodegradable waste bags and a detailed guide to the area for places to walk and take your pet. You
also receive a bowl with mat and bed for use during your stay. Additional services and amenities can
be arranged through their concierge.
Beautifully appointed luxury accommodations exude charm and history, with dark wood furniture
and soothing décor, paired with original artwork created by Northwest artists in all of their guest rooms.
Fine dining rounds out your experience at the Heathman Hotel, and if you leave Fido crated in your
room, you can dine at their elegant restaurant or choose casual dining in the adjacent historic Marble
Bar and Tea Court. My personal favorite is room service, and our dog Junior always says paws up to that!
Portland is truly a walking city with much to discover. After dinner, you can walk with Fido to
window gaze and have a cup of coffee at an outdoor Fido-friendly café, when weather permits, before
heading back to the hotel. This was a fun trip and I have a feeling that the art of discovery will bring
us back again and again to the Heathman Hotel.
One of the
“World’s Best
Places to Stay,”
according to
Conde Nast
Traveler. Zelda &
the Heathman
The Heathman Hotel has unveiled a
bronze sculpture honoring Zelda, the
English Bulldog star of Zelda Wisdom. The
sculpture, generously donated by Banfield,
The Pet Hospital®, celebrates the hotel’s
long-standing pet-friendly tradition.
“The
Heathman Hotel has developed valuable
relationships with each of our guests
who’ve brought their beloved pets through
our doors,” said Stephen Galvan, director
of sales and marketing for the Heathman
Hotel. “We’re excited to unveil this statue in
commemoration of these friendships, and
we look forward to expanding our network
of canine companions.” The Heathman
Hotel was also recently recognized by
CitySearch as a premier pet-friendly hotel
in Portland. Created by renowned bronze
artist Jim Gion, the statue was funded by
Banfield, The Pet Hospital. The sculpture
is fashioned in the likeness of Zelda
wearing the Heathman Hotel’s celebrated
beefeater costume and lives outside the
hotel’s entrance. Additionally, the replica
features a bronze version of Zelda’s dog
bowl, which is constantly filled with fresh
water for visiting pooches to enjoy.
Zelda,
the world famous English Bulldog, was
born in Portland, OR, in 1996. Zelda’s books,
greeting cards and calendars have
entertained people around the world who
have fallen in love with her wit and wisdom.
Zelda
Wisdom
Need a cure for the blues? Smile, it could be worse.
Or at least that’s what Zelda says.
By Carol Bryant
16 May 2014
"Tough times don't last.
tough people do."
C
arol Gardner was having a bad day.
Divorce bestowed itself upon her
doorstep and left Carol in a deep depression with huge debt. Her divorce attorney
lamented, “Honey, you need to either get a therapist or a dog.” So Carol did what she’d wanted
to for as far as she could remember: she got an
English bulldog. The look on the four-month-old
puppy’s face was a mirror image of what Carol
felt in her heart. It was love at first sight. Having
grown up with a Dachshund, an English Bulldog
was quite a deviation. From that day on, Zelda
would impart her secrets and wisdom into Carol’s
life and soon into the hearts of millions.
“I always wanted an English Bulldog. They just
make me laugh with that pushed in little face. You
don’t know whether they are canine or human,”
Gardner gleefully shared. “I think that’s the magic
and secret of Zelda. When people see her photograph, they see themselves. I often say there’s
a little Zelda in all of us.” Indeed. Thousands of
people subscribe to Zelda’s free daily newsletter
dogma. The wisdom that is Zelda shines through
photographed images coupled with humorous,
spot-on quotes to mirror the frivolity and mood
of the message.
Finding costumes is a mixed bag for Gardner.
Recently on a shopping trip, Gardner and her production person Linda Moore discovered popcorn
bowls. Outfitted with a chicken costume in a big
movie theatre seat and the two bowls of popcorn
between her legs, Zelda’s latest message was born:
“Time for a chick flick!!”
Recently the Heathman Hotel in Portland,
OR, erected a bronze statue of Zelda. As one of Portland’s most Fido-friendly hotels, Zelda serves
as the perfect puppy ambassador to welcome guests. Not a one-dimensional supermodel, Zelda is
so much more than a beautiful Bulldog mug posing for “puparrazzi.” Having been a part of almost
10 adult books, it was a natural progression to share the magic of Zelda with children, both in person and in print. Princess Zelda and the Frog will be released in the spring by MacMillan Publishing.
Perhaps best known and adored for her message on greeting cards, Zelda was Hallmark’s #1
selling mass card line. In today’s tech savvy world, more than 500 paper cards are available via
Card Store and can be sent to recipients via postal mail through Zelda’s website. Fans behold,
the 2012 Zelda calendar is in the works.
“Zelda knows life is tough,” Gardner quipped. In the 2011 calendar, one image is of Zelda in a
referee uniform. The quote below says, “No one ever said life was fair.” Who hasn’t had a rough day?
Such is the eternal timeless wisdom of the magical Bulldog in costumes to rival a Lady Gaga concert.
Zelda works with children with learning disabilities, the Morris Animal Foundation in a cure
for canine cancer, as well as dog rescue organizations. Educated, compassionate and well-traveled,
this jet-setting canine doesn’t let fame go to her head. “Zelda is allowed to fly on the airline, all 61
pounds of her. She loves to sit next to me in the cabin and greet the fellow passengers.”
One of Gardner’s favorite Zelda-isms she proudly displays on her desk features a photograph of Zelda in a boxer’s outfit with a band-aid over her eye. The quote reads, “Tough
times don’t last. Tough people do.” All hail the eternal wisdom of Zelda, keeper of the dogmas and Fido ambassador of good will. Learn more and sign up for daily Zelda dogmas at
www.zeldawisdom.com.
Carol Gardner in a neverbefore-seen behind-thescenes photo with Zelda.
April 2014 - Digital Supplement 17