Santa Fe-Cation at the Pawsome La Fonda Hotel

Well, in dog-truth it was a working trip....not a vacation.....but HEY how can you grump around when the assignment is at the FAB-ulous La Fonda Hotel on the Plaza?

NOT THIS DAWG....I can sniff out a good gig even with this squooshed up nose!

You see, I-Travelin' Jack, New Mexico's most famous....and adored PET TRAVEL reporter......had several assignments on this trip.
I had  to dogficially welcome our Ski Journalists who were coming to visit, ski and write about our FABulous NM ski resorts.

George Brooks our Ski Leader E.D. of Ski New Mexico  was here at the kick-off Ski Reception to ensure the visiting journalists kow all about our great New Mexico powder...AND our 9 ski resorts.  Course I MUST help him with the official WELCOME....

But before the reception..... I have to dog-personally check out and review the

 historicLa Fonda Hotel on the Plaza

so that means I must get to work! 

I KNOW.....it's a RUFF job, but some dog's gotta do it!

See, La Fonda, one of America's historic hotels...and one of Santa Fe's gems is

PET-FRIENDLY!

I know some folks would say "who wudda thunk"...but this dog reporter is on the job and is on top of all the poop---er scoop!

So not only am I checkin' it out...but I am doin' a PRE-Renovation Check out.  See...they are undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation of their 170+ rooms.....so this trip we're doin' the BEFORE thing...and then in the fall, we'll come back and check out all the changes.

Here I am checking in through the garage entrance to the Hotel.  Notice the nice artwork on the wall...I dog-certainly hope they keep those special New Mexico touches! Neat, eh?   

                                               
And get this!  There's even an artful forest in the parking garage....WoWee Gazoowie!  A dog might wanna lift a leg on that.....don't worry I was good!    BOL!
                              
But..now that I've CHECKED OUT the covered garage area...it's time to CHECK IN! And wouldja get a glimpse of this!?! My very own Doggie Gift Bag! Presented by the Reception Manager himself! Now that is pretty Dog-pressive! Can't wait to see what is inside. It's obvious they are dog-definitely PET FRIENDLY!


Time to check into to our room.....ER  correction! SUITE.  Talk about SWEET! 

This was one nice set of digs here at the historic La Fonda Hotel. 

Here is our kitchen....and stop a dog-minute here! 

There's my Welcome Bag.....I gotta check it out pup-suite puleeze! 

Every pup gets a La Fonda special EMILIA POOCHIE Gift Bag.  Tucked inside that little black bag was a squeaky toy (YAHOO-my favorite kinda toy!)  AND a dog-fabulous gourmet yogurt dipped peanut butter biscuit...now THAT's something to chew on!  There are also information sheets on pet-friendly places and tips around Santa Fe.  Handy-dog-dandee for sure! THANKS La Fonda! LUV IT! 

But on with the tour of my SWEET Suite! (#274 in case you wanna check it out personally!)...Here's the Living Room, complete with a Luv-A-Lee Kiva Fireplace...and  pretty comfortable furniture too! Definitely get that Santa Fe feel here...what with the hand painted furnishings and all!

Why there's even hand painted art work in the bathroom!

And art is everywhere! Even on the glass doors leading into the bedroom!  AND WoW! Take a look at this gi-normous and fabulous bedroom!  This suite dog-definitely gets a Jack Hi-Paws-5 dog-dorsement!   

And here's our very own balcony.....where you can watch the Santa Fe action on the Plaza...yes that's right...it's a paw-step away from the hustling-bustling Santa Fe Plaza!  Pretty doggone handy! Can't ask for more than that for LOCATION-LOCATION-LOCATION!

Now that I've checked out the room....I better get ready for the Evening's festivities.

Check me out in this gi-normous Dressing Room in my suite! 

I think they thought of doggone everything for the fashion and cushy conscious pup (and people too!) 

It's time for the Ski Reception....so we're heading up to the Rooftop Terraza. 

Talk about a nice setting.....the Cathedral right behind me.....this might just make a dreamy spot to get married....

HMMMM.....not ready to bark out my vows yet, hunky bachelor that I am...

but I will keep it in mind for Someday!  

 

But now it's time to get serious.....(BOL!.....one of my famous bulldog jokes....Get It?) 

Rob, from Geiger PR Firm....our Tour Specialist Team Extraordinaire is headin' up this whole ski press tour...and Rob is lettin' me in on some of the low-down.  They'll be exploring
                                                                           Ski Santa Fe
                                                                    Taos Ski Valley,
                                                                       Red River Ski Area
                                                   and even
                                                                    Ski Apache in Ruidoso.                                                
                            Hmmm makes a dawg wanna ski, eh?

 But my job here tonight is to dog-ficially welcome the Ski journalists.  Hmmmm....what is this all about?!?  You are messin' with the Dog-Governor of New Mexico here.....ah well...it's all in good fun and about bein' dog-spitable, ya know!  (Don't tell him...but I actually LIKED this little ear-massage!)

After all the work and fun is over, it's time to hit the sack in my comfy cozy room with this snazzy bed!

 ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZz..................................................................

MORNING TIME....


Good-Morning....and a Dog-Dandy good morning it is! 
Back to work (tee-hee) at the breakfast table.
Ya know some dog's gotta do a Food Review and who better than MOI! 
Check out this yummy SW delight of a breakfast at La Fonda! 

AND I get to join in on this taste-treat because La Fonda offers lobby-side indoor dining where we dogs are WELCOME!  Now that is what I call pet-friendly!  Thanks AGAIN La Fonda Hotel!  For thinkin' of us pups who like to travel.....and EAT!

Pup-script on this....the breakfast was double dog YUMMY! (That's my Food Review!)

But now it's time to go shopping!  And you can do it right inside La Fonda Hotel.  They have several areas with some top notch shopping

.....including the finer things in life!

 And wouldn't you know it.....they are PET-FRIENDLY too!  Yahoo!  Luv this store!
Jill don't look...I'm thinkin' there might just be the perfect Valentine gift in here for you!

OKAY....
we've Partied, we've Slept, we've Dined and we've Shopped! ALL inside the historic La Fonda on the Plaza!  Dog-Definitely gets my prestigious 5-PAWS rating for all-encompassing pet (and people) luxury throughout! 
I'm comin' back...

after the grand renovation....which is in progress as we bark!  When this multi-million dollar renovation is complete in mid-August 2013, they will have 178 rooms and suites!

So's I'm a-thinkin'....this dog needs to be the 1st dog to sniff out the findings when complete! 
YUP-PUP now that is a plan and it is goin' in the Doggie DayTimer right now!
You can be sure I'll report back then!

But since I am in Santa Fe.....need to check out some of the fun pet-friendly places and things to do....so here go a couple Travelin' Jack pup-friendly Santa Fe recommendations

     
Can't come to Santa Fe without a bit o' ART perusing...and what better place to check out art than on the world-famous Canyon Road where there are over a hundred art galleries in a mile stretch.  And while I haven't done a scientific study (yet!) I'm pretty sure that they are all pet-friendly!  YUP-PUP, they even have water bowls scattered all up and down Canyon Road....like this gallery here, Darnell Fine Art.

There's all sorts of art...for every taste imaginable....Like

fine art, Native American art, textile art, modern art

                                                        sculpture art in outdoor sculpture gardens

folk art

                                                           why there's even Animal Art! 
I want THIS ONE! It's talkin' to me!  Mmmmm....love ya little lamby! Here's a Jack-Smack just for you!

 And after Canyon Road..can't think of a better way to finish out my mini-tour of Santa Fe than the Railyard District.  Now this is a gathering place of all good things found here...from galleries to eateries to shops....even walking areas.  Dog-definitely worth checking out.....my final recommendation of this blog!

Now that I have filled your mind with all these great places....it's YOUR turn to explore Santa Fe.....along with your pet of course!  And you might just want to explore it like I did...starting out with a fabulous stay at La Fonda Hotel on the Plaza. 
It might be at the End of the Santa Fe Trail...but it's only the Beginning of your Santa Fe-Cation!   

DOGGIE HUGS AND SLURPY KISSES!

Is YOUR Pet Ready to be a STAR?

Yup Pup....that's right. 

Is YOUR pet ready to be a STAR? I'm bettin' my KIBBLES for the day

(wouldn't want to wager more than that afterall....I could STARVE!)

 that your pet would LUV to be a STAR!

And here's how....just submit YOUR favorite photo (or more!) to  www.TerrieQPets.com
 and your pet could be showcased in the amazing book PET FRIENDS soon to be published.

                               
Here's the Book Cover......of course I'm on it...along with the Queen of the Air Waves, Miss Terrie Q!  You know that doggone grand gal that is ALWAYS talks about dogs and pets on her KKOB Weekend Radio Show!

And here's an even BIGGER and BETTER reason to participate in this book!  ALL the photo proceeds go to support Albuquerque's two great City Shelter Foundations.....SAVE LUCKY PAWS and KENNEL KOMPADRES!  And that means that the money goes directly to the 4-footed kids at the City Shelters.  Now THAT is what I call a doggone good cause! 

Just think....YOU can be a hero to YOUR pet (all the animals around New Mexico are just beggin' to get into this book ya' know) and you could be a local hero to the shelter pets too!

The submission time for photos is JANUARY 28TH....so don't hesitate....get those photos in NOW!  And you'll be one proud Pet Parent, I'm a bettin'!

THANKS so much for helping our pets in need.    Just click on this link.....and your pet is on its way to becoming a Literary  Star!  www.TerrieQPets.com

DOGGIE HUGS AND SLURPY KISSES!

It's Doggone BRRRRR Out There!

I don't know about you but BRRRRR...it's freezy cold outside.....
                                
.... so I think I'll just stay inside and blog about a Pet-Friendly Winter message.  You know you can just never be too careful when it comes to taking care of your pets.

So....with that barked about, here are some pet winter safety notes I have been jotting down to remind everyone about this doggone important subject.

1) TIME TO BE INSIDE!  In New Mexico, there are some frigid temps out there right now, so DON'T be leavin' those pets outside.  Bring 'em in!  Wind will drop the temps even more, so please be aware of these weather factors on top of cold temps.    Just use this guideline....if it's too cold for you...then it's probably too cold for the dogs and cats in your family too!  Old and young pets are especially sensitive to cold so play it safe with them for dog's sake!

OH...and on the pawsitive side of cold!  Wintertime makes for GREAT SNUGGLE TIME!  Both with your persons as well as your kitty and doggie family too!  Oscar and I believe in snuggle-time!

                            

2)  OUTSIDE PLAY TIME!  While winter weather might be a bit frosty on the nose...it's still a fun time to play outside....'specially in that fresh new powder they call SNOW!  I dog-personally LOVE to play in the snow.  But here's a tip for those wintery play times.
   
                                

3) DRESS for the event. Not only does my sweater keep me warm and cozy, it also shows off the High Stylin' Pup that I am!  Now don't I just look dogonaire in this snuggly SWEATER?  Yup-Pup...that would be a YES! Dog-personally, I have a whole closet full of dandy sweaters...even a ski jacket.....why I wouldn't be caught playing dead without my winter cozies! 
                                     
BOOTIES or not?  They make special booties for dogs who like to play in the snow.  Some dogs like em....some don't.  They are available at most pet stores.  If your pet won't keep 'em on, then  consider PET FOOT BALM... there are a number of good dog foot salves out there to coat your pet's paws and protect them from Ice and cold.  But make doggone sure it's made for PETS.  It must be edible, as us dawgs do like to lick our paws so it needs to be safe too!     
4) FOOD & WATER  This is the time to bulk up.  Make sure you feed your pet a little bit more if they are outside a lot ...they need substance in their body because they expend more energy coping with the cold temps.  BUT don't do this if they are inside couch potatoes....we want no pudgy pets....not real healthy you know! 
                                     
WATER is very important in cold temps. Snow is NOT a source of drinking water.  Make sure your pet stays hydrated, so check and fill that water bowl often.  AND if there is an outside water bowl, make sure the water does not freeze... heated water bowls are an option if your pet is outdoors for lengthy time periods.
                                           
5) PROPER GROOMING   This might sound a bit silly...but doggone it...it's important.  Dry indoor air, fireplaces etc dry out that air...and just like it affects YOU PEOPLE's skin, so does it dry out our pet skin and causes shedding as well.  Ways to combat dry fur is to brush often to get rid of dead hair and skin and to stimulate the glands.  A nice visit to the Doggie Day Spa is OF COURSE a doggone good idea!  Never underestimate a good paw-ssage, conditioning shampoo....and a little PUP PAMPERING!  A MUST in my dog-estimation!

6) WINTER VACATION OK...you knew this was comin' from this travelin' dog.  Here's my Dog-Philosophy on this subject.   Winter is here to stay for at least a few months....so why WHINE about it....get the car packed and hit the road for a fun winter vacation! Why we here in New Mexico are Dog-Blessed with great wintertime fun destinations...and they DO include the PET too!  Some of my Favorites include:

SIPAPU Ski Area.  Now here's a fun time for the whole family.  The one and only Sipapu Cardboard  Derby Race.    BARK about a good time!  The whole gang can get involved in this fun event scheduled this year for Saturday, March 16th...so get ready to roll....er slide!   

NOTE:  Dogs are not allowed to race (they made an exception for me last year since I am a famous Dog Reporter)  But here's a word to the wise from this dog to yours...DON'T even think about racing with your person.  Much more fun to watch the people slide down the mountian from the sidelines!  Let them be the crazy ones!  HA!  Oh...and 2nd NOTE on this.  I'll be a Celebrity Judge at the Race this year....so make sure to look for me when you come to this fun winter happenin'!   

RUIDOSO.  They call this the Ultimate Winter playground, and I would have to dogree!  In addition to all sorts of fun wintertime activities in town, their local ski area, Ski Apache  is PET-FRIENDLY!

Yup-you heard me right.......You can take your pet to the ski area and buy a ticket on their enclosed gondola.

Take a ride to the top of the mountain (or it might be the top o' the world....seemed like it to me) with your dog!  Now this is what I call a treat!  You can watch the action from inside the enclosed gondola....

...and the BARK ON THE STREET is that they have a brand new Gondola this ski season....so of dog-course, I will be checkin' that out real soon!  And so should you.....Ruidoso is a great winter time destination.

RED RIVER is one of my all time FAVORITES!  But specially in the wintertime. 
You (and by you...I mean the pet too!) can play in the snow around town....you can eat lunch at the base of the Red River Ski Area on the deck...while watching the slope action....  
and you can even hit the trails with your person at Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area...they have a dedicated area where the pooch can hit the trail too!  Talk about a good time......WHEEEEE....here I come...ready or not!  Yep...Red River is one fun pet-friendly wintertime destination.

...and those are just a few of my dog-recommendations.  There are LOTS of very fun places to go visit and play in the snow this wintertime...right here in New Mexico.

But just make sure you take all these words of advice on taking care of your pet in these frosty cold days!  BRRRRRRR....stay warm!

DOGGIE HUGS AND SLURPY KISSES!

 

 

PAWSITIVE RESOLUTIONS FOR 2013

The New Year is a time of reflection and renewal for people...but why stop there?  

  It's time some DOG set the concept straight...and who else would that pup-sibly be but ME- Travelin' Jack of dog-course.  Why, you betcha...I've got some PET RESOLUTIONS for 2013 and I think it's high time I share those secrets with you too! 

    Of course the PAWfect way to bark about this subject would be to share it on my favorite TV show, "New Mexico Style" with my gal-pal Nikki Stanzione. 



So we headed to the set on this very day-the 2nd of January...to talk about it.
Click on the following link to see what we had to say: PET RESOLUTIONS


Did we talk to fast for you to get all that top-dog info down?  Well never fear...here is all the poop- 'er I mean scoop-- JUST for you!
Travelin' Jack's 4-PAWed Resolution Guide for 2013.


1) EXERCISE. Yep, this resolution is NOT just for people.



PET OBESITY IS A GROWING PROBLEM. Approximately 53% of adult dogs and 55% of adult cats are classified as obese. This overweight problem, just as in humans, can create health challenges for your pet....like Diabetes....or even injuries (like Canine Cruciate Ligament injuries--exacerbated by overweight pets stressing out their back legs). So it's your doggone duty to manage your pet's weight!

RESOLUTION: Take a 30 minute walk with your pet daily in addition to your normal activities. We dogs just LUV this exercise.....AND guess what (double-dog-deal here) it will be good for BOTH of you!

2) ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP.  Just as it is important to prioritize YOUR annual wellness check-up, so is it important too for US PETS! From necessary vaccines....preventive heartworm programs ..to even an annual dental check up for your pet....they're all equally important to keeping your pet fit and healthy.

And Now is a good time to make an appointment with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet is up on all their shots and medications. And don't forget to get that Microchip too (if you don't already have one).  Dognapping is up 70% according to American Kennel Club...so it's doggone important to have your pet  microchipped.

RESOLUTION: Make a Wellness appointment with your Veterinarian soon.

3) TRICKS. Yes, you CAN teach an old dog a new trick or two (or a young dog for that matter too!). This here is JD Platt and his super duper K9 KINGS FLYING DOGS.  And let  me bark at ya.....they are MY motivation for learnin' new tricks. I got to meet up with them at the Balloon Fiesta this year...and they do dog-definitely have some tricks up their paws!  Now I might not do THIS trick... but there are LOTS of tricks that are right for just about any dog! 
And it's easy as 1-2-3.  Choose a new trick for YOUR dog and incorporate that fun activity into your daily routine.
For example:  An active dog...like an Australian Aussie loves activity based tricks like Frisbee games or Agility contests.

 Low key dogs (like ME) may be more suited to learn how to "roll over and play dead". HMMMMM...think I'll give that one a try this year!  Stay tuned for THAT photo down the road a bit!

I've already got the trick of "playing nice to get a treat" down paw-pat perfect!


RESOLUTION: Teach your dog a NEW trick (or more) in 2013! You'll both be entertained....and you'll impress all your friends with those smart new tricks.


4) PET-CATION!  Of course Travelin' Jack would promote this Resolution!

New Mexico is a FABULOUS state for pet friendly travel. With seasonal opportunities scattered around the state...there are LOTS to choose from.

I think I'll plan a WINTERTIME pet-cation in Ruidoso...

where I can ride in the Gondola at Ski Apache to view the world from the top  .....and play in the snow!

SPRINGTIME I think I'll head down to explore Sierra County's Ghost Towns ....like Chloride and stay overnight in an historic log cabin...  .
where I can while away the day imagining what dogs of yesteryear did in those historic sites.
...and then explore them in dog-person!

SUMMERTIME.....the cool mountains of North Central New Mexico call out with activities like hiking along gurgling rivers

....or sailing away on a pristine lake
......there are LOTS of great COOL places to explore up north!

FALL foliage is superb in Chama. Hiking the mountain paths amidst the golden Aspen...awaiting the sound of the whistle of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR as it passes by......pretty doggone exciting eh?

RESOLUTION: Plan your pet-cations now...... These are fun vacations for people too!
There's NO better place to plan that trip with so many exciting places tucked all around than New Mexico!

Yep......Travelin' Jack is ready for a great 2013....and it's time for you to set those 2013 resolutions for YOUR pet NOW!   AND the best part of this plan? You will benefit right along with your pet!

    Oh....doggone forgot one other resolution you MUST make! 
Get YOUR pet in a book this year!  It's so easy even a cat could do it!
And here's just the book:"TERRIE Q & TRAVELIN' JACK PET FRIENDS".

                      
Don't delay for dog's sake!
The deadline for photo submissions is January 15th.
And it's a fundraiser for Animal Welfare!
AND it's just one doggone cool thing for you to do for YOUR pet this year!  Here's the link  www.TerrieQPets.com for all the details.

And.... HAPPY NEW YEAR!



DOGGIE HUGS AND SLURPY KISSES!