Fall 2007. (Issue 4): Dogs Rule. . .and Sheep Should Respect That!

On a recent trip to Ireland, I had the distinct pleasure of attending a sheep herding competition held in a field in a town called Clonbur in County Galway, Ireland. Held in conjunction with a fair and a sheep-sheering contest, the stars of the day were clearly the Border Collies that were entered by their proud owners in a contest that demonstrated the power of dogs over sheep! more>>

Sping 2007. (Issue 1): Elegant Traveling Gone to the Dogs: Dogs Encouraged!

You've seen the listings of hotels that accept dogs and been warmed by the thought that some hotels ‘welcome' dogs. But how often have you been told by the management of a luxury, historic hotel that dogs are encouraged? Now, that's my kind of place! And where do you find that level of understanding of the needs of you and your pet? At none other than the group of family-owned chateaux managed by the family that invented the chateau-hotel concept: Grandes Etapes Francaises, better known in the US as GEF Hotels (www.gefhotels.com). more>>

Summer 2007. (Issue 3): “Erin Go Woof. . . Visiting Doggie Mascots in Ireland!”

While taking Fido with you in your travels is the ideal, sometimes your furry friend has to stay behind while you travel. That unquestionably creates a special ache in the heart of dog owners that only dog-lovers can identify with. To patch up that empty spot while traveling, I look for opportunities to stay at places where there's a live-in pup to snuggle with along the route and I look for friendly folks with equally friendly dogs in my travel to take time for a unique pet experience along the way. The joy of it lasts well beyond the trip leaving great memories of the dogs you've met and their owners. more>>

Spring 2006: "Dogs Accepted. .Dog-Friendly. .Dogs Welcomed. . .What's the difference?"

There was a time when you had to drive for hours to find a place that would accept you and your furry best friend. Thankfully, hoteliers and innkeepers have learned that accepting you along with your pet is big business. But with all the competition for your stay, there are vast differences between the quality of the pet-related experience you will have between one lodging facility and another. Let's explore what to look for in your travels! more>>

Fall 2006: Maine Teen Camp Kids and Pampered Pets Alike Enjoy Maine in the Summer Time.

In my role as “Stephanie Abrams Travel Fairy Godmother,” I often send people on trips that I believe they need to take as much as they need to breathe. One of my recurring wand-wavings is a four-week trip I sponsor at the Maine Teen Camp in Porter, Maine, for three teens. The teenagers are identifed by the Giving Tree Outreach Program of Tucson, Arizona, which assists needy kids and rescues homeless kids from the streets of Tucson. This year I few Kamisha and Alex, 14 and 15, and Eric, also 15 and who was returning for his second summer at camp, to the East Coast for their participation at this wonderland for teenagers. more>>