Dog Life

After months of fierce debate and much speculation in the blogosphere and beyond as to what dog the Obamas would choose, the first family welcomes their eagerly anticipated puppy.

The city’s best ideas for a full day of doggie nirvana. Herewith, Seattle’s top dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, shops, and outdoor spots.

A rising star and her dogs

While Cesar Millan’s methods have sometimes attracted controversy and differ in approach from those of our own Fab Five, one thing we can all agree on is that he has made the relationship between people and dogs a household discussion. Whether one condones or condemns his approach, his mass appeal is undeniable.

Old Dog Haven is the last hope for death-row shelter dogs that most potential adopters breeze on past without a glance. The animals targeted by Piper are eight to 17 years old. The plain truth is that senior dogs who land at shelters have a near zero chance of survival. While shelters do the best they can to place older animals, going so far as to offer discounts on the elderly in some cases, or providing scholarships for medical bills, it’s still an uphill grind. Even minor medical costs and inconveniences such as the ongoing need for basic prescription drugs thwart an animal’s chance of being adopted.

An amazing two-legged dog provides hope and inspiration

From hand-carved wood to holograms

Whatcom Humane Society, located near the Bellingham International Airport, has animal control contracts with local governments to serve a population of about 85,000 people, but the shelter will accept animals surrendered from owners living anywhere. In 2006, almost 3,300 animals were accepted into the tiny, dilapidated facility staffed by 16 people. The non-profit organization is assisted by 75 volunteers. The kennels have no access to sunshine or fresh air, and barking dogs blast out a cacophony of noise. Areas for exercising and socializing animals are nearly non-existent. Most animal shelters (including WHS) receive no government funding with the exception of what amounts to break-even animal control contracts. They depend entirely on donations to survive.

Though rescue groups and shelters are, more often than not, known for sparring, in San Francisco, cooperative rescue relationships have earned the city a reputation as a mecca for animal rescuers, a place to go to be inspired by community involvement and creative solutions that are saving animals’ lives.  

Grab a snack at the local barkery, stroll Washington park or take a desert hike before freshening up at the Wag N' Wash and retiring to your swank digs for an in-room doggie massage.