Our Rosemary McClure writes in the Los Angeles Times about B&Bs and hotels going to the dogs. But not to the cats. It's a story that will interest pet-owners everywhere. Except maybe folks who keep fish. Hard to take them on the road with you. From her piece:
In the age-old war between cats and dogs, the Fidos of America have scored another victory.
Their triumph revolves around the nation's bed-and-breakfast owners. Long a bastion of anti-pet sentiment, the B&B industry has grown so fond of dogs that it's luring them with special toys, treats and cushy beds.Cats, meanwhile, are rarely invited anywhere.
This makes my pal Darby, a handsome Wheaten terrier, giddy. He loves to travel and hates felines, so he's only too happy to hit the road and check out places to stay, especially places that don't allow cats.
In the past three years, our jaunts together have chronicled a growing dog-acceptance trend. It began with budget lodgings such as Motel 6, which has always had a soft spot in its corporate heart for man's best friend. (I haven't told Darby, but the chain also accepts cats.)
As the recession took hold, high-end hotels rolled out the grass carpet, making it clear that affluent clientele could bring Rover along; they'd even supply Evian water and down-filled dog beds.
"The economy threatened to put a lot of innkeepers out of business," said Jenn Wheaton, program coordinator for the California Assn. of Bed & Breakfast Inns (www.cabbi.com). "They found a new niche by opening their doors to travelers with pets."
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