Take Your Dog on a Doggie Vacation
The city of Portland, Ore enjoys many nicknames.
"Stump Town", referring to all the tree stumps left behind after settlers cleared the hills along the Willamette River to build the settlement that would eventually grow into Portland. Ironically, you'll be hard pressed to find a stump in this city. Unlike other major West Coast cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle...Portland has an abundance of tree lined streets and parks filled with towering pine.
"The People's Republic of Portland", a tounge n' cheek reference to the political activism in the city. People aren't armchair pundits in Portland...they're activists. Not in the sense that you will see a picket line or a protest march on every block. (Although, they aren't exactly uncommon, either.) Their activism is demonstrated through personal involvement with city organizations and citizen's groups like Portland City Club. People in Portland take pride in being politically involved.
"The Rose City". which is also the city's moniker. Obviously this is in reference to the city's rose garden, which is a must see.
But I now purpose a new nickname for Portland. Drum roll please.
"Dog Town"
OK. So it may not be as poetic as "Rose City" or "P Town", but it is certainly fits this city. My daughter actually made up the name, dazzled by all the dogs she saw here after we moved here. I've lived all over the country, but I have never been to a place as dog friendly as Portland. I'm sure it must rival France. Not only do the public parks welcome dogs (as long as the owner has all the necessary pooper scooper equipment), but so do 90"% of the businesses. I've seen dogs in hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, Trader Joe's, bars, business offices, and public bathrooms. It is as if there is an unspoken rule among Portland residents: if you don't like dogs, you don't belong in Portland.
Actually, I once witnessed a subtle exchange between two women at a coffee shop that underscores this observation. One woman had left her little Benji dog sitting outside the in some pretty fierce conditions. There was a cold rain, and the wind kept knocking over the sign out front. Meanwhile, the poor dog was obediently waiting for its owner by the door. Eventually, another women walked in, noticed the dog, and made sure to make a pointed comment about the poor thing once she entered. She even went so far as to give the dog a treat, she felt so bad for him. (Yes, Portland coffee houses don't just serve espresso. They serve doggie snacks as well.) People in Portland like their dogs. And they expect them to be treated well. And woe to the person who leaves their dog out in the wind and the rain.
So, what does this mean to all you dog owners out there around the world?
Consider taking your dog on a vacation to Portland. Who knows? Maybe your dog needs a vacation. Who would want to be couped up in the same old back yard day after day, taking a walk down the same street, raising his leg by the same fire hydrant. Maybe your dog needs some fresh scenery? Maybe she wants to get out of the country and see how city dogs live? Maybe he just wants to poop in a new park. Well, my friends, Portland is your answer.
Imagine checking in at a high end hotel that treats your dog like royalty, eating a five course meal at a fine dining establishment that won't mind Fido being curled up under the table, and ending your night playing fetch at one of Portland's spectacular parks. It's the perfect canine getaway.
Here's a few links to help you get started on your next doggy getaway.
For all the info you need on the Portland dog scene, check out "Portland Pooch".http://www.portlandpooch.com
You and your dog must also try some of Portland's world famous micro brews like "Hair of the Dog" http://www.beerme.com/breweries/us/or/1973.shtml
And, should you need a night alone in Portland away from your dog, try out The Waggin Wagon http://wagginwagon.com to hire a doggy sitter.
And, finally, a City Guide for dogs and Pet Friendly Hotels In Portland
Enjoy!
