PugFest 2007

Here are some pictures from PugFest 2007 this past weekend. Pugs of all different shapes, sizes, colors and ages were there to celebrate their awesomeness! Some pugs were dressed up in costumes, while other pugs rode around in luxury in their strollers. I dressed my pug Jack (pictured below) in a UGA t-shirt in honor of the big Georgia/Florida football game. There were several contests that your pugs could participate in, from the oldest pug to the pug who had the curliest tail and longest tongue. Overall, I had a great time at Pugfest and enjoyed talking with fellow pug owners about what we love the most; our pugs!

I would love to hear back from other people who attended this "pug-tastic" event.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

If you want to go on a beautiful fall outing in the North Georgia mountains with your dog, Cloudland Canyon State Park is the place to go! This is the perfect time of the year to go because the leaves are beginning to change beautiful colors and the temperature is just right for a hike.

Unfortunately, Cloudland Canyon 's waterfalls have not been in existence for over a year due to the drought, but it is still worth the trip. The entire state park is dog friendly, but they must be leashed at all times.

There are over 6 miles of mountain hiking trails to enjoy for you and your pooch to enjoy. I would not recommend to bring your dog if they are out of shape because the trails might be a little too strenuous for them. Make sure to bring plenty of water for you and your four legged companion because there are no water fountains on the trails.

Cloudland Canyon makes for the perfect day if you want to enjoy the beautiful outdoors with your dog!

Hotel Indigo

For all of my Atlanta dog lovers, Hotel Indigo which is located in the heart of Midtown is pet friendly and has no pet fee! I have personally never stayed there, but I have heard great things about it. If you aren't a poor college student like myself and can afford something a little bit better than a Motel 6 and are traveling to the Atlanta area with your furry companion, Hotel Indigo is a great option for you!

I know summer has passed, but Hotel Indigo also holds a Canine Cocktail hour every Tuesday night from 5-8 PM for their 21 and over dog loving guests and their four-legged guests all summer long, from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend. They even have a delicious doggy menu and complimentary treats and water. How cute! I know Memorial Day is several months away, but keep this event in mind if you and your pooch want to go out for a summer night out on the town !

Has anyone ever stayed at Hotel Indigo or attended this event? How was it? Let me know!

Excuse me, how much did you say that would cost me?!?!

One big and EXPENSIVE responsibility of having a dog is taking them to the vet for yearly check-ups and for anything else that might happen in between. I know this blog is about pet friendly places in Georgia, but I feel that finding the right veterinarian is very important to every fellow dog lover. I used to take my pug Jack to the Banfield Animal Hospital that is located in Petsmarts, but I felt that I was being overcharged.

After doing some research and talking to other dog owners, I scheduled Jack's yearly check-up at the VCA Falcon Village Animal Hospital that is located in Lawrenceville, GA. I heard and read nothing but good things about it so I definitely had high expectations. The staff was friendly and helpful, but the the nurse assisting the doctor was exceptionally caring and loving toward Jack; I could tell she loved her job. The vet was nice and took her time to listen to my concerns and answer all of my questions, but I still feel that I was overcharged.

Here is the breakdown of my vet bill that was over $300.00:
$45 Comprehensive wellness examination (I believe this was the blood test to check all of Jack's vital organs)
$11 DA2P (Distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza)
$8.00 Bordatella (Kennel Cough)
$18.oo rabies
$9.00 parvovirus
$8.00 Coronavirus
$25.00 heartworm test
$50.00 fecal exam
Jack also received a benadryl shot, cortisone shot for itching, and some medication for his skin irritation which probably added up to at least $30.00.

I know Jack is worth every penny to my name, but give me a break here..I am a poor college student! I need to find a good and decently priced vet for my two wonderful dogs...any suggestions? I need your help fellow Georgia dog lovers! Was I over charged or is this the standard rate for yearly check-ups?

Calling all pug lovers!!

Ever since I got my pug Jack, I have been a pug enthusiast! I am officially addicted to the breed and would recommend to anyone to get a pug. I also think it is safe to say that fellow pug owners feel the same way. My mom sent me an exciting email yesterday about a festival that is all about pugs! How exciting is this?

The festival/fundraiser is being held on October 27 at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds from 10 AM to 4 PM. The event is being sponsored by the Southeast Pug Rescue and Adoption. I will definitely be attending this event with my pug and will post pictures of it on my blog. Pugs rule!

Click here to find out more specific information on PugFest 2007!











**This blog was edited to add photos**

Motel 6

I forget to mention in my last blog post that I also found out that Motel 6 is a dog friendly motel nationwide. Whether you are going somewhere for pleasure or business in or outside of Georgia, you can stay at a Motel 6 and bring your dog! The Motel 6 that I stayed at in Hilton Head, SC was exceptionally clean with a friendly staff as well. It was also located less than five miles away from the beach. I was thoroughly impressed.

Check out http://www.motel6.com/promotions/pets.aspx to read their pet policy!

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

I went to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina this past weekend and by surprise found out that dogs are allowed on the beach during specific dates and times throughout the year! I have been to a lot of beaches along the East coast, but I believe this is the first beach that I have gone to that permits dogs on the actual beach. Some dates do not even require the dog to be on a leash!

Unfortunately, I did not know this great piece of information until I got there so I did not have my dogs there to enjoy the beautiful beach. Although, many other beach goers did take advantage of the dog friendly beach. I bet there was over twenty dogs of different sizes, shapes, and breeds just in the general area as myself.

If anyone wants to take a long weekend beach trip, but cannot find a dog sitter, Hilton Head is the place to go with your dog! Hilton Head is only about an hour away from Savannah which also makes it a plus for Georgia dog lovers!

To find out the dog rules for specific dates/times on Hilton Head Island Beach go to:
http://www.hiltonheadisland.com/beach.htm

Does anyone know of other pet friendly beaches? Has anyone brought their dogs to Hilton Head? If so, what was your experience like? I would love to hear other people's comments and experiences!



**This blog post was edited to add a photo**