RUFFING it at Elephant Butte Inn & Spa.....NOT Roughing It!

                                  

With Memorial Day loominng and summertime around the corner, I-Travelin' Jack, decided that Jill and I would beat the crowds and head to Elephant Butte....AND especially to avoid the crowds at the lake who are 'roughing' it in their tents.


We chose to go the other direction and luxuriate in the 'casual elegance' of the Elephant Butte Inn & Spa, that is...

....pet-friendly! Not only do they welcome registered pets with a doggy treat, they also have a very reasonable pet fee. $15 for small dogs, $20 for large dogs...and that is FOR THE ENTIRE STAY, not per night.

Before heading to our room, we took a little walk about the property.  Ya know it's a double dog good thing when you have to stop and smell the roses along the route!  Lovelee property.  OH....and take note here you dog people out there......I love it when they post signs telling everyone what they expect.  We ALWAYS obey the rules.....OK...got it.  I'll carry my leash with me whereever I wander around this dog-fabulous Inn.

The Inn is full service with 2 restaurants, large outdoor pool area, gift shop, and full service Spa on property. The majority of the rooms face the lake, with an outdoor porch for enjoying the lovely views and weather right from your room. The rooms have been recently redecorated with lovely decor as well as accommodating to your every need.

We especially enjoyed the large sweeping lawn area with lots of roaming area for the pup. A complimentary full service hot breakfast is part of the room rate for all guests...but perhaps even better than that is the on-property Ivory Tusk Restaurant and Tavern...with a Pet-Friendly Patio!

Whether you want a late afternoon happy hour beverage or a full steak dinner (or both...which is what we did!), Jill and I  (especially me!) enjoyed this nice element of our vacation experience. Followed by a nice afternoon refresher, we decided to hit the Ivory Spa.

Jill decided to take a much needed personal treatment and luxuriated in the Ivory Spa right on property. But....dog-alas!  They don't allow Pets in the Spa.....

so I enjoyed a cool Iced Tea with my new Gal Friend, Susie, while Jill got her Massage. I hear through the dog-vine that their Massage Therapist, Debbie, works magic in the spa.  Jill said it was a totally wonderful and relaxing part of the stay here.

But.....lucky for me.....Lucky DAWG that I am, I found the answer to this dog-lemma!  Right across the street at the Elephant Butte RV Resort!

Not only do they have NICE DIGS....'er RV pads for those RVers out there, but they have LOTS of great stuff on site for the travelin' pet....like a DOG WASH!

So Yippity Doo Dawg!  I got my PAW SPA treatment too! 

Why Jill and I felt so refreshed after our little spa treatment, we decided to check out the nearby hiking trails....they have several right there by the Inn

and they even come with their own Pet Potty Stations....NICE! 

But back at the ranch...or the Elephant Butte Inn & Spa as the case may be for this trip......we decided it was dinnertime! Yippee! 

So I got all spruced up....and we meandered over to the Ivory Tusk Restaurant & Tavern....on the PETIO where I could dine right along side Jill.   We picked out a table by the gurgling Water Feature (I've got an eye for all the niceties, you know!)

and then WHAT do I SPY.... a cute little doggie lass also dining on the Petio with her family.  Got to know her TOOT-SWEET....her name is Bella.  I do believe she was quite taken with my Dog-anaire looks....but then who wouldn't be!

But the Dinner Clock is ticking.....gotta get back to the dog-portant stuff now.  I'll just sit here and peruse the menu with my glass of Red Dog-ernet!  (some people call it Cabernet...but that sounds too much like cat for my choosing, so I'll just bulldog-erize it...if ya follow me!)

But I dog-gress.  Dinner.  Think I'll have Steak & Shrimp......Yup-Pup, that is my decision!  It looks yummy!

 

                                                                                                                       Do I have to share with Jill?

All right...maybe just a bite! 

How was it you ask?  It was DOUBLE DOG YUM!  And that is no exaggeration!

Yep, this has definitely been a nice little visit.  Without stepping foot off property for our little quick getaway from the city to Elephant Butte Inn and Spa, we were able to enjoy a full service luxury experience together.....me and my best pal-gal, Jill!

My official Travelin' Jack review you ask?  Why Elephant Butte Inn & Spa get my 5-PAWS RATING....and as you all know...it just doesn't get any better than that!

Now....this is our idea of RUFFing it.....NOT roughing it! We WILL be back!

For MORE info on Elephant Butte Inn & Spa, check out their website....
www.elephantbutteinn.com

or if you are RVing it...check out www.ebresort.com.

See you round the bend in the road!

DOGGY HUGS AND SLURPY KISSES! 

Alamogordo is TOP DOG....and TOPS for People Too!

 When I hear the name Alamogordo, I think of White Sands National Monumennt....but let me tell you..that's ONLY the beginning of fun times in this great New Mexico city!

Of course NO one can discount the fun in the sun at White Sands.....but here's a few tips for the pup visitor....well even the people visitors to this big sandbox in the desert! 

1. Wear proper attire and bring your shade with you.  It's SUNNY there!

2. Drink lots of water. 

3. I got a Junior Bark Ranger Bandanna (photo 1) that is not only snazzy looking but if you wet it down with water, it keeps you cool too!

4. Bring your sled!  And if you don't have one, you can buy (and resell afterward)  one right at the Gift Shop.

5. HAVE FUN!

It's just a hoot to check out all the families having fun on the sand dunes!  Course you gotta wear your shades too!  But the FUN has just BEGUN!  

 Next stop on our Outdoors Alamogordo adventure is Oliver Lee Memorial State Park.  They have several trails to hike.....and I found the coolest springs to cool my jets in....and my feet too! 
Well actually ALL of me!  There's nothing more fun on a warm spring day than to dip your toes into cool clear clean water!  I highly dog-recommend Oliver Lee State Park for just such an adventure.

BUT WHAT!  DOG-FORBID!  What has Jill got planned now!

 DOG WASH?    Hey wait a minute....just because I'm a wet (and dirty) dog....let's think about this a minute!

 Aw-Oh.....guess my begging didn't pay off.  Looks like it is Bath Time in the Self-Service Dog Wash!  Dog-nab it!  Actually it's not that bad...but don't tell Jill I said that!

 A full day of fun in the sun, on the trail and in the water.....time to check in to a DOG-FRIENDLY hotel.  Yep....we found one!  SEE....it says so right on the sign.  Thanks Magnuson Hotel and Suites!  We LUV dog-friendly.

Why look at this!  They don't just advertise dog-friendly....the SPEAK dog-friendly too!  A welcome Biscuit from my man John at check in!  NICE touch Magnuson Hotel & Suites!

 Hmmmm...gotta check out the lobby.  It's been renovated in full southwestern style.  Just what this dog personally likes!

But of course the real test is the Room!  Snazzy!  Yup...it passes the Travelin' Jack test!  BTW, in case you are not familiar with the name Magnuson...here's a Jack tip....it used to be called the Best Western Desertaire....till it changed brand names about a year ago.  And with that change they have renovated the property!  Pretty nicely done if ya ask this travelin' dog!

DAY 2.....of our Alamogordo Adventure.  We're off to check out the histric district!  Here I am at the Plaza.....great murals and other snazzy pieces of history to take in....and don't forget New York Avenue.....lots of fun shops and walking area to explore too!  Ya know.....a trip is not complete without shopping, right?  Right!  

But there's more to Alamogordo than OLD history...

How 'bout SPACE HISTORY!  They have a truly OUT-A-THIS-WORLD museum here in Alamogordo..the New Mexico Museum of Space History!  Here I am in the outdoor exhibit area. Look at all this cool stuff would'ja? 

 Why no matter where I look.....or SIT...there's cool stuff all around!  I'm dog-pressed!  HINT....the museum inside and their IMAX theater are only accessible to service dogs....BUT there are several dog sitting businesses in town that you can leave your pup at (for a fun pup outing) and then go explore the INSIDE of the museum and take in a grand IMAX movie too!  Everyone has fun that way!

Even Rocket Man Jack! 

But Hey...we're not done yet!  There are just so many doggone cool things to do in Alamogordo. 

 
Like the Toy Train Depot!  Just my size...I'm a thinkin'.   Where IS that train?  Not waitin' around though because my tummy is growlin' and it's time for a Picnic! Right next to the Toy Train Depot is a City Park filled with LOTS of giant trees, grass, picnic tables.....well, just all the goods for a nice outdoor picnic.  And then right next to THAT park is the Alamogordo Zoo!  ALL located right on White Sands Blvd...easy to see...easy to get to!  It's so easy...and fun...to explore ALL the super duper things here!

But...they say...there's another thing I need to check out.  Are they NUTS??????  

You betcha!  Nuts about Pistachio nuts that is!  Why look...it's the Worlds' Largest Pistachio Nut....together with the world's smallest nut....named Jack...NAW not true...but that is one of my bulldog jokes!   

 You too can get your picture taken here at McGinn's PistachioLand USA farm and vineyard.

 And just as I was done posin' by the nut....what do I see but a cute lookin' lassie and a very interesting Green Tour bus!  What's this about eh?  Well, let me tell you....Michelle clued me in...they take you on a Farm Tour in this snazzy bus....and WHAT?  Well behaved and leashed dogs can go too?

 OK....I'm IN!  Let's get this baby rollin'....I want to check out those Pistachio trees and those vineyards where you harvest your own grapes!  Let's Roll!

Tour's done....BTDW  (that means By The Dog Way in case you don't talk bulldog!)  there is one snazzy Gift Shop at McGinn's too!  We went shopping inside (Yes...I was invited in too!) and lo-and-behold....do I spy ICE CREAM?   Yup-pup  I do...so Jill quick got a cup of Pistachio Ice Cream  and I sure did enjoy that sweet cool treat at the end of my tour.  Thanks McGinn's for being so pet....and people friendly!  This was one great stop on our adventure!   

Yup-Pup.....Alamogordo is one cool place to visit!  Sand...Sun....Fun galore!  Take it from me.....Travelin' Jack, Roving Bulldog Reporter...this is one cool place to visit.......and I give it my PAWstigious 5-PAW review!  And we all know it doesn't get better than that!

You too can create your very own special Alamogordo Adventure.  Start by checking it out on their website www.alamogordo.net

Gotta go now...the sand and sun await Mr. Sandman....AKA Travelin' Jack!  See ya soon 'cause I'll be BARK...er BACK!  WOOF!    

Happy HOWL-o-Ween! And a SAFE one too!

YIPPEE.....It's HOWL-O-WEEN!  One of my favorite days of the year....cuz us Pups get to dress up like

 GOBLINS

  And glow in the dark Skeletons......BOO!  Did I scare you?  Or....if you are from Albuquerque....maybe you should be a BARKING BAD DAWG!   Now THAT is a good one if I do bark so myself!  BOL! 
BUT...there's some other important things to say about HOWL-O-WEEN.......like SAFETY tips for your pets!

SO, being the ultimate Pet-Spert.....I checked out some dog-dandy advice for you from my good PAL Thomas Dock  He has some really doggone grand advice for all of us....    

                                                                 READ ON my friends........ 

 

 HALLOWEEN AND OUR PETS...SPOOKY FUN OR SCARY DANGERS?


Posted by Thomas Dock on October 29, 2014 at 10:23pmView Blog

In a little less than 48 hours from now, hundreds of thousands, if not millions of kids will take to their neighborhoods in a wide variety of costumes, all in a quest for miniature chocolate bars, lollipops and other sweet candies. "Trick or Treat" night is an annual celebration rooted in antiquity and a popular holiday among kids and adults alike. I am sure that many of you have incredible costumes planned, exciting parties to attend and, hopefully, just the right level of scariness. Most of us truly enjoy this holiday....but what about our furry companions? How do our dogs and cats feel about ghosts, ghouls and spooky jack - o - lanterns?



There are four main concerns that we have when it comes to Halloween and our pets: First, the potential dangers of what ends up in the trick or treat bags; second, how some Halloween decorations are cause for concern; third, how will your pet react to the legions of witches, vampires and werewolves, and finally, should your pets endure costumes for our enjoyment?



Most everyone is aware that chocolate is a concern for dogs and there will certainly be bagfuls at lots of homes across the country. Chocolate contains the chemical, theobromine, which, in the right amounts can cause heart arrhythmia, hyper-salivation, hyper-activity, seizures and even GI upset. Thankfully, the good news is that most of the chocolate found in a typical Trick or Treater's haul is milk chocolate, which contains much less of the theobromine than baking chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate. Still, it's best to keep your canine friend away from the loot...enough milk chocolate can still cause problems, especially for smaller dogs. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, try to find the wrappers and determine what kind and how much, then call your veterinarian!



And, it's not just the chocolate sweets...the sticks from lollipops, foil wrappers and other items can cause an upset stomach or possibly even an obstruction or perforation. With the popularity of parents providing "allergy-safe" treats at homes with teal colored pumpkins, it's important to remember that those stickers, pencils or super bouncy balls may smell similar to candies they have been mixed with and many pets may think of them as just another treat to eat!



The increasing popularity of the Halloween holiday has lead to an explosion of extremely frightening decorations and ways to make your home (or party) as spooky as possible. While most of these are pretty safe, remember that the fake spider webs could be tempting to your feline friends, leading to a linear foreign body and an emergency surgery! Candles inside of jack - o - lanterns or used for decorations can be knocked over by spooked pet, so please place them carefully where fire danger is minimized.



The excitement of the day may be too much for even the best-behaved dog. Constant visitors to the door as well as the spooky sights and sounds may cause some pets to become fearful, These pets could run away and become injured in a variety of ways. Consider allowing your dog to spend Halloween in his own special place inside with special treats, safe and secure from the goblins. Even if you have a fenced yard, Halloween is definitely not a good night for your dog to be outside without supervision and restraint.



Costumes on people can be equally scary to pets. Masks, large hats, and other costume accessories can confuse pets and may even trigger territorial instincts. It is not unusual for pets to act protective or be fearful of people in costumes, even if they normally are very social with that person.



Last, but not least, let's chat about pets and costumes. The plethora of pictures showing dogs dressed up as lions, Great Danes painted to look like Holstein cows and even some cats with angel wings leads many people to believe that our pets LOVE this kind of activity. In reality, some pets are just never going to be comfortable in anything other than their "birthday suit." When considering whether to dress up your pet, think of the following:



Avoid using rubber bands or anything that can possibly constrict circulation or breathing

Nothing on your pet's costume should be edible.

Avoid using any toxic paints or dyes

Don't force your pet ... if he or she fights in any way, leave the costume idea alone!!

For more info on pets, you can read Tom Dock's Blog at http://community.petpalstv.com/xn/detail/3304610:BlogPost:113995  And I'm proud to endorse him!  Oh...and PSSSSTTTTTT......Tell him Travelin' Jack sent you!

So with all that good stuff to RUFF-uminate on, I think I'll just sit back and carve my very own personal BULLDOG Jack-O-Lantern.   Hmmmmm...whatda ya think?  Does  it remind you of any dog in paw-ticular? 

Happy Howloween everyone! 
Doggy Hugs and Slurpy Kisses




 

ABQ....where there's always something great happening! Specially for this dog!

Just about a Dog-Zillion things to do in Albuquerque if ya  ask this DAWG! 

But first, I think I'll take a little summertime break by the Sunflowers!  I've always had a hankerin' to be a "flower dog-child!" 

 Although a workin' dog can't mosey around the flowers too long.  Places to go, people to see...and work to do, so I'll head to my FAV TV show, 2KASA Style to hang out with some of my A Team there for my next Pet-Friendly TV segment.  Here I am on the set with Guest Host Howie...from YELP!,  Show Host, Chad Brummett....my pawsonal bud, and the gee-orgeous Weather Gal, Kassandra Crimi!  LUV 'em all!   

 And after the TV show, it;s back to work at the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, where I am the dog-ficial AMBASSA-DOG!

 Some of my work there includes welcoming all the 2-legged kidlets who come every Wednesday to Stories in the Sky!  It's cool and Everyone loves it...including me!

But there are also many dog-fabulous events that take place at the Balloon Museum....like this week's Mini Maker Faire!  It was totally RAD with lots of neat inventions and hand designed and made creations.  And of course LOTS of cool folks came to visit me there!  Well, maybe they came to the Faire....BUT they also took time out of their adventure to sit with me a bit.  Here's the too cool Martin family who stopped by my table. Thanks EVERYONE for coming to the Balloon Museum!  We LUV our visitors!

But Dog-Duty calls.  I've been asked to be a JUDGE at the Top Hat Dog Affair in town...that would be none other than the TOP HAT AND TAILS event at ABQ Uptown. I got to Judge with Miss Allison of radio fame on 99.5....one cool, easy listenin' radio station....but back to my official role.....Dog Judge  

And I of course picked the doggone cutest little gal around....look at her strut her stuff!  She's a WINNER in my book...and she took home a prize too...thanks to my influence!  Luv Ya, sweetie...you are one stylin' cutie patootie pooch!  MWAAAAH! (a Jack smack just for you!)

 Wow, with all this work, it's time to take a load off my bulldog feet and relax a little....so where does this dog go for a nice time in ABQ?  Well, that would be the Patio...er PETio at Church Street Cafe in Old Town.  In addition to great food, fabulous outdoor dining, this place is even music to my ears as I listen to Ronaldo strum his guitar and croon those melodies.  But WAIT!  I'm heading back to my table.....I think I smell BACON!  Yep...wouldja look at this!  My fantastic server has brought me my very own bacon.  Now THAT is what I call Pet-Friendly service!  I just LUV Church Street Cafe! 

 But stardom calls again.  Back to work.  I got called for a TV commercial.  Here I am on the set with a green screen backdrop, pretending to be flying through the skies in a hot air balloon.  Miss Kathy and I were actors in the commercial.  Our role....to 'try' to catch the key.....and of dog-course to look handsome on the set!  We missed the key...dog-nab-it (it was in the script)...but I think I got the handsome dog-actor down good!  What do you think?

 Of course the Pop-A-Lock guy GOT the key.  (HINT-they get the key everytime!)  I think that is their motto!  It was a grand shoot, and I can' t wait to see it air.  Watch for it on KRQE and KASA TV.  You might just see me in my latest TV commercial!  Thanks Pop-A-Lock for including Travelin' Jack in your commercial!  Next time I lock my keys somewhere accidentally, I know who we are callin!  That would be Pop-A-Lock Locksmith!

But the weekend rolls around...and here I am at another fantastic dog event....BARK IN THE PARK in Rio Rancho!

They had LOTS of great things going on there for people and their pups.....like here I am getting my Dog-Tattoo.  I had to get STARS seeing that I am a star......get it?  Aren't I just the cleverest bulldog   you ever met?  Yup-Pup...that would be me!I got to judge the DOG GAMES at this event.  There were great categories like BEST WIGGLEBUTT (I shoulda won that one but since I am the JUDGE, I don't get to win!), BEST TRICK, Best Tail Wag....dog-cetera!  It was one fun day for everyone...two and four footed.  It was put on by Enchantment Pet Resort...and they did a doggone dandy job of hosting this fab event for dogs! Thanks Enchantment Pet Resort for inviting me to be Judge at your PAWstegious affair for pups!  

 Time to get back to the Balloon Museum.  We've got SO much happening, I just love it!  This beautiful Children's Peace Stature is getting ready to have a grand affair this weekend, the 21st...so come on out to check out the action! 

 And WOAH!  what's this?  Another TV segment shoot at the Balloon Museum?  Here's my buddy Michael Newman, host of the TV show  New Mexico True TV.  He's doing a relaxed intro shot for the show on our green lawn.  Hmmmmm, I can't wait to get my call from them to do a pet-friendly segment!  It's just gotta happen, right?  In the meantime, I'll just supervise from the sidelines.  GOOD JOB MICHAEL!  I think you got it spot on!  And now, as I take a quick look back at my pawstigious TRADING CARDS, I am reminded that it is almost time for our biggest and grandest hot air balloon show in the world...right here in Albuquerque!  The International Balloon Fiesta.  And I'm gonna make sure to be there.   

And of course, I wouldn't let a party pass this pup by!  So we have planned our very own FURRY FRIEND FIESTA DAY for Pups and their people!  It's FREE...it's on Sunday October 5th...and it's gonna be one doggone GRAND pup-nic in the park!  Stay tuned for more details....BUT make sure to put it on YOUR pup-calendar right now!  

You'll wanna be there with all the high-flying adventures, I dog-guarantee!  See you soon at the Balloon Museum!  

DOGGIE HUGS AND SLURPY KISSES!

P.S. (Pup Script)

For more pet adventures and good info, CHECK OUT

www.balloonmuseum.com

www.itsatrip.org

www.newmexico.org