North Woods Pet Friendly

Seeing the world through a new pair of eyes is what traveling with your fur children (a.k.a. pets) is all about. Here are some “up north” destinations for maximum pet-friendliness.

If destinations limit pet size or require a stay in a smoking room, they are not on this list. If you know somewhere interesting that should be included or want to update folks on the places listed here, please let me know.


Crane Lake, Minnesota
Distance from Minneapolis: About 6 hours.

Where to Stay:
Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboats
Crane Lake, MN
800-882-6287
Host: Jim Janssen
Web Site: http://www.voyagaire.com
E-mail: info@voyagaire.com
Rates: Lake Home $175 – $1695 Houseboats starting at $385 per day. Houseboats accommodate multiple people easily. Currently there are no extra charges for pets.

It is likely your entire trip will be spent touring the waterways in one of 33 houseboats that allow pets. You will have an in service prior to striking out on your own on the proper operation of the houseboat. The houseboats offer a fantastic opportunity to let your dogs be dogs while enjoying the solitude of the border country.

During the winter, this area is known as “The Nation’s Icebox” and is located near International Falls. When summer arrives, though, there are magnificent things to behold. Voyageurs National Park is a 219,000-acre water-based park. So much of this park is covered with water that no roads lead to its interior. During open water season your best travel bets are by floatplane, canoe, kayak, motorboat, sailboat or houseboat. There are some excellent hiking trails on the Kabetogama Peninsula, but the only access on the United States side is via air or water ferry.


Duluth, Minnesota
Distance from Minneapolis: About 2.5 hours.

Where to Stay:
Historic Willard Munger Inn
7408 Grand Ave. - Duluth, Minnesota
Telephone (218) 624-4814
Toll Free: (800) 982-2453
Web Site http://www.mungerinn.com
Email: munger@mungerinn.com
Host: Will Munger
Nightly Rates: $45 - $200

This is a very pet friendly destination with a pet exercise area and numerous trails that lead right from your front door. There are 23 smoke-free rooms ranging from economy, whirlpool studios, kitchen studios and fireplace suites. The Inn also manages the adjoining 70-site Indian Point Campground located on the Western Waterfront Trail, where you can enjoy hiking, make a campfire, or take a short canoe paddle on the river during the summer and fall seasons. Enjoy the new courtyard with rock garden, fire ring and complimentary grills.

Your hosts want to help you experience Duluth’s Urban Wilderness. As a guest, you will receive a continental breakfast served around a wood-burning stove in the cedar lounge. There are complimentary, quality mountain bicycles provided with your room and for a small extra charge you could rent canoes and kayaks.

The Munger Inn is located at the end of the Willard Munger State Bicycle Trail and the Western Waterfront Trail, just one mile from the foot of Spirit Mountain Ski Area, across from the Lake Superior Regional Zoo. They are 4 miles from the Canal Park area. In addition to the West Waterfront Trail and Munger Trails, there are a number of other
excellent bicycling /mountain biking / hiking / cross country ski and birding trails within close proximity to the Munger Inn.


Grand Marais, Minnesota
Distance from Minneapolis: About 5 hours.

Grand Marais is located between the shores of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountain range. This area offers wonderful outdoor adventures where you will discover a pristine natural harbor, an incredible selection of hiking and mountain biking trails, well groomed cross-country ski and snowmobile trails, a multitude of streams and waterfalls, and spectacular scenic vistas. You can also experience an eclectic mix of creative crafts, inspirational art and historic souvenirs. This small harbor village has many cafes, coffeehouses, diners, taverns, restaurants, museums, galleries and specialty shops all within walking distance of each other. Here’s a tidbit about Grand Marais: The Kadunce River northeast of Grand Marais was once known as the Diarrhea River. Drinking its water was not a good idea.

Where to Stay:

Gunflint Lodge
143 South Gunflint Lake
Grand Marais, MN 55604
800.328.3325
www.gunflint.com
http://gunflintlodge.blogspot.com/
Hosts: Robert, Miranda and Zach Kerfoot. Bruce and Sue Kerfoot. (Retired)
Rates Start at: $99
Pet Fees: $20/night/pet

Gunflint Lodge is located in the wilderness of northern Minnesota. Established in 1927, they have created a tradition of providing every accommodation to make your vacation as adventurous or relaxing as you wish. The atmosphere pervades wilderness elegance and comfort. Your hosts strive to make your every wish and desire possible while providing excellent attention to detail.

Gunflint Lodge also offers a Dog Lover’s Weekend in Afternoon dog socials will give you a chance to meet other pets. They set up an agility course for the entire weekend (for a K9 Olympics, north woods style). Pet fees are waived during this special weekend. First reservations received get a complimentary upgrade to a premier cabin with a spa. Dog Lover’s Weekend rates start at $395.


Minocqua/Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Distance From Minneapolis: About 5 Hours

Where to Stay:
Loon Call Cottage
Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Contact Telephone Numbers: (760) 399-6308 or (715) 356-3301 in the summer.
Web Site: http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com/stories/LoonCallCottage.htm
E-Mail: sp1944@aol.com
Host: Sue Parker
Nightly Rates: $150 per night with a two-night minimum. Additional non-pet rooms are available at the main house, price available on request.

This private getaway offers a beautiful cabin on a 6-acre island in Lake Tomahawk, part of the Minocqua Lake Chain. The cottage has one bedroom, which is very comfortable for two to three people (if you don’t mind sleeping on a sofa) and has all the amenities. Hot and cold running water, heat, electricity, complete kitchen, all dishes, utensils and bedding. All you need are your personal items and food. The cottage has a fireplace and a generous supply of firewood. It is classic "North Woods" with lots of knotty pine and a deck to relax on as well as a gas grill. The only access (other than by water) is via the footbridge, so the only vehicle traffic on the island is golf cart. The island is extremely quiet and is the perfect location to get away from it all.

Pet Travel Packing List and Tips

* Crate/Kennel/Carrier
* Leash and Collar (Flexi-Leash is good to take along too.)
* ID Tags (We include on with local information too.)
* Food and Water (Bottled water works well too.)
* Food and water bowls.
* Blanket or other bedding.
* Pooper Scooper, baggies and kitty litter if your cat is traveling along.
* Favorite toy.
* Grooming supplies
* Pet First Aid Kit
* Petastic or similar carpet cleaner, just in case there is an accident.
* Call and confirm that pets are still allowed where you plan to stay.
* Ask about restrictions and fees so you are prepared.
* Get a ground floor room for easier access to the “bathroom.”
* Keep your dog on a leash in public areas.
* Don’t let your dog swim in the hotel pool.
* Don’t leave your dog loose and unsupervised in the hotel room.


Helpful Links:
http://www.petswelcome.com/ Pets Welcome
http://www.bringfido.com Bring Fido
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com/stories/LoonCallCottage.htm Loon Call Cottage (Image)
http://www.gunflint.com Gun Flint Lodge
http://www.mungerinn.com Munger Inn
http://www.voyagaire.com Voyagaire Houseboats and Lodge

Michael Vick, Roger Goodell and the NFL

Michael Vick, former quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, unlawfully participated in, and organized, savage fights between dogs, torturing and killing those dogs who performed less than victoriously. His unconscionable and unforgivable behavior should not be rewarded with resuming his career and making millions. I am boycotting the NFL and all related money makers for the entire season and I'm certain I'm not alone in feeling this way.

What Roger Goodell would like you to think is that Vick is returning with no delay. Vick is going to be allowed to practice, workout and attend team meetings. If someone picks him up, and some team probably will, he could play in his new team's final two preseason games. Goodell apparently wants all the folks that line the NFL's pockets to feel that Vick has been punished enough and the NFL isn't going to punish him more.

Vick will be "mentored" by Tony Dungy while Goodell oversees Vick's progress. Some of the parameters include no drug or alcohol use, no possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon and no owning dogs.

Hey, here's a thought, in addition to not condoning dog fighting and other blood sports, let's see the NFL add things things to take a hard line on: abusing women, drunk driving, vehicular manslaughter while drunk driving, weapons possession. There are so many more, but perhaps they can start with these.

How does the slow reentry into the NFL really look? To me, I see the public relations and spin doctors hard at work here. The new season is beginning and the NFL probably doesn't want their fan base thinking about the overpaid hoodlums, led into the arena by a convicted felon that kills his dogs. How does the NFL solve that? Keep Vick away until the fans get to see the new players and start getting that warm, fuzzy feeling from their weekly addiction.

The NFL has given the league permission to hire Vick. The question now is which team will take him? How does a football team make adding Vick to their roster look like a positive thing for the community?

If you would like to share your thoughts with Roger Goodell, here is his contact information.

Roger Goodell
Commissioner, National Football League
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017

It should be interesting to watch this story unfold. If you have thoughts about Michael Vick's return to professional sports, please share them here.

Additional Information:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/01/080128-vick-dogfighting.html

Avoid Feeding These Foods for Your Dog or Cat

Lots of people are looking for ways to feed something other than commercial pet food to their dogs and cats. Your dogs and cats can enjoy a variety of protein, carbohydrates, fruits and veggies, but be aware that some food can be toxic to your pet.

Here is a brief list of "Do Not Feed" items that you'll want to pay close attention to:

• Alcoholic beverages (This should be a no-brainer)


• Artificial sweeteners (NutraSweet, SweetN'Low, sorbitol, xylitol and similar items)


• Avocado


• Candy


• Chocolate (all varieties and forms)


• Coffee (all varieties and forms)


• Fatty foods


• Garlic


• Grapes


• Raisins


• Macadamia nuts


• Moldy or spoiled foods


• Mushrooms


• Onions and onion powder


• Salt


• Seeds (any type -- watch under the bird feeder too)


• Yeast dough

If you have any question about whether a food source is okay for your pet, contact your veterinarian (DVM) or call the pet poison control line at the ASPCA 888.426.4435

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Dining Out Doggie Style - Twin Cities

Enjoy the beautiful weather while you can and take pooch along with you for a bite -- to eat.

Psycho Suzie’s Motor Lounge Welcome to Tiki paradise! Dogs will get a water bowl and can enjoy the deck and garden while socializing with their people. Psycho Suzie’s Motor Lodge has homemade food with daily creations, fabulously kitsch décor and excellent rum concoctions for tossing back so be sure Fido brings a designated driver. Their web site encourages visitors to embrace lowbrow heaven.
2519 Marshall Street NE Minneapolis 55418 612.788.9069

Lucia's Restaurant Chef Lucia Watson, offers select local ingredients and reasonable pricing. Lucia's Dog Bar is available on the patio during the warmer months, or in Minnesota-speak, weather permitting. The dog bar offers shade, treats and water from an elegant fountain.
1432 West 31st Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 612.825.1572

Corner Coffee serves coffee, tea, smoothies and other beverages as well as made-to-order sandwiches, soups, and pastries. You can get your wi-fi free and on Friday nights you can listen to live music from a variety of local bands. Every month, Corner Coffee, features local art for your viewing pleasure. There is usually a good dog event just around the “corner” and the web site is updated frequently.

514 N 3rd St Suite 102 Minneapolis, MN 55401 612.338.2002

WA Frost The historic, shaded patio welcomes dogs with a water bowl and a cool place to relax. A warm ambiance is created with turn-of-the-century architecture at this fine dining establishment with a full bar, their outside garden dining area is something to look forward to each summer. Dogs are allowed at the outer tables; they must be leashed and under owner's control and care at all times.
374 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102 651-224-5715

The Happy Gnome has one of the most extensive beer selections in town and was named one of the “125 Places to Have a Beer Before You Die” by All About Beer Magazine. The food is an excellent eclectic mix of “American Nouveau” You and your dog will enjoy watching life unfold from the lush, dog-friendly patio in the Cathedral Hill district.
498 Selby Ave St Paul, MN 55102 651.287.2018

Know somewhere that should be on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments and thank you for getting the word out on dining doggie style.

Start Your Puppy Right

Participation In Class Is Good, But It’s Not Enough!

If your veterinarian approves, examples of learning experiences for your puppy include:
Ø Go to the beach; let your dog sniff around. (On leash and bring a poop bag!)
Ø Drive to your vet’s office. Ask the receptionist to give your dog a treat. Leave.
Ø Tie a bandanna on your dog. Help keep him calm while you do so.
Ø Give your dog a bath. Warm water! Perhaps skip pup’s head and ears at first.
Ø Put a hat on your head, let pup see you. Give him a treat.
Ø Find a shop window display with a lifelike animal or human. Let your dog see it.
Ø Help your pup sit or stand on a bathroom scale.
Ø Find a construction site; walk up to it, but not so close that your pup is frightened.
Ø Invite a friend or neighbor to ring your doorbell, help your pup sit quietly to greet your friend. Ø Arrange for your dog to spend the night with a trusted friend. Take your pup’s crate.
Ø Learn about noisy children by walking past a schoolyard or a playground – at a distance.
Ø Clip one toenail while your dog licks peanut butter off the refrigerator door.
Ø Put your pup on a low table and “play” veterinarian or groomer. Reward calm behavior.
Ø Play hide and seek in your living room.

Puppy Rule of Twelve: (From Peaceable Paws)
Before your pup is twelve weeks old, he should experience at least twelve new and different:

Puppy Rule of Twelve: (From Peaceable Paws)
Before your pup is twelve weeks old, he should experience at least twelve new and different:

Surfaces to be on wet grass, slippery tile, gravel, bark, grating, and steps.

Objects to investigate inside a car, wind up toy, hollow paper tube, wheelchair.

Locations to Visit if it’s okay with your DVM, go to a friend’s home, park, busy street.

People to Meet assorted sizes, color, gender, and children under supervision.

Sounds to Hear garage door opening, lawnmower, stove timer, various CDs.

Moving Objects cows or horses, gates, roller blades, flag in the wind.

Polite Dogs to See or Meet ones with good manners, no bullies, only a minute or two at a time.

Food Containers eat from food dispensing toys, a dish, and your hand, hand in dish.

Ways for Owners to Handle in lap, on table, touch inside ears, open mouth, use a brush.

Times Alone in Crate when you’re in bathroom, while you put out trash, at a friend’s house.



For More Exposure:

Make a habit of putting a new and different object in your home every few days. Just put it down and let pup investigate without your help. A mirror, ladder flat on the floor to walk through, the vacuum across a hallway so the dog has to walk over it, a big stuffed animal on the floor, a ticking alarm clock, some empty packing boxes and anything else new and interesting.