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Murphy’s Gatlinburg Getaway Part II: The Smoky Mountain Dog House and Patriot Park

The hotel and Doggywood was the focus of Part I. Part II covers the rest of Murph’s big vacation adventures. The Smoky Mountain Dog House It poured the morning we planned to take Murphy for a hike on one of the only two trails that allowed dogs in the Smoky Mountain National Park. So we decided to do some shopping instead in a place Murph was welcome too: the Smoky Mountain Dog House. (Someplace I found while I was planning our Smoky Mountain getaway.) Me and Murph in front of their big sign. Another sign in front of the store … Continue reading →

Murphy’s Gatlinburg Getaway Part I: The Holiday Inn and Doggywood

I’m so glad I took the time to plan Murphy’s Smoky Mountain getaway. We were pretty much prepared for what to expect while traveling with a dog in the Smoky Mountains, but we also lucked out a little too. Everywhere we took him held surprises! Our Accommodations: The Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort I decided to book us into the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort instead of renting a cabin. For one thing the price was more affordable, but also we didn’t have to worry about driving back and forth from a cabin into town. We could walk to Gatlinburg’s main thoroughfare … Continue reading →

How Much Does Your Pet Influence Your Lifestyle?

A week or two ago, I saw a story on Today about people who take their pets to work. I didn’t catch the full story, however. I think it was really more about how much pets influence some people’s lives. All aspects of it. Work One of the men profiled in the Today piece explained how he had moved his workplace for his dog. Apparently he runs his own business and leases office space. When a landlord prohibited pets from being in the building, the man went and found more accommodating office space elsewhere. But other people who didn’t own … Continue reading →

Find a Vet Before You Need a Vet

Be prepared… isn’t that the Boy Scout motto? It’s a pretty good motto for just about anyone — especially pet owners. I recently read a story of a woman who took her dog on vacation with her. While on vacation, the dog began suffering from bloat — a serious and life-threatening condition. She brought her dog to the nearest vet. The story could have ended badly except for one thing: the dog’s owner was an experienced vet tech. She recognized the bloat from the x-rays and overruled the vet’s desire to do more tests before acting. As soon as the … Continue reading →

Dollywood is For the Birds (Among Other Things)

While Murphy enjoyed Doggywood during our recent Smoky Mountain Getaway, Wayne and I enjoyed Dollywood. And we truly enjoyed it. Especially me, because at every turn I discovered this was no ordinary amusement park. In addition to the exciting rides, craftsman exhibits, and great food, there was also an emphasis on animal conservation. Eagle Mountain Sanctuary As far as birds go, Dolly is definitely for them. In particular the bald eagle. I’m not sure exactly how many eagles call the 30,000 square foot aviary known as Eagle Mountain Sanctuary home, but what a nice one they have! (And apparently it’s … Continue reading →