Walter & Rupert visit Parker Park

One of our favourite beaches in Victoria is Parker Park in Cordova Bay (5405 Parker Ave). It's so sandy, quiet in the mornings, and the boys can run like the wind (Trust me, they love to run!)

Walter is spring loaded so he always appreciates good jumping space!

Rupert isn't quite as exuberant as his big brother, so he's happiest exploring and sniffing questionable things in piles of seaweed!

If you're looking for a good place to take your furry friend, we highly recommend this beach! it can get busy in the summer with families and small children, so if your dog is excitable I would recommend going early when it's quieter! 

Below are a few more photos from their Easter morning adventure! Enjoy

Charlie visits Hotel Zed

This delightful little lady is Charlie and she was kind enough to be a guest contributor for Rupert's blog while he wasn't feeling well. (Rupert has epilepsy and, very rarely,  his back legs get weak and he can't walk for a few days. It doesn't cause any pain but it requires a trip to the vet, a cortisone shot, and a lot of rest, snuggles and treats. He's already on the mend and back on his feet! Thank goodness!) 

So, while Rupert was getting spoiled by his nanna and grampop, we took their delightful moppet to the super awesome and pet friendly Hotel Zed (3110 Douglas Street) They were so kind to let us visit and take photos, as well as providing lots of info about their pet policies.

Now....I have to say that you can't visit Hotel Zed and just "snap a few pics". There are so many funky spots and spaces that before long you get super inspired and end up having a full on stylized photo shoot! (We always follow the rules and kept Charlie on her leash, but I removed it in photoshop on some of the really artsy shots. I got so excited editing them that I couldn't help myself!)

Hotel Zed is cool, colorful and chock full of super awesome amenities like a ping pong lounge, a pink waterslide , long board rentals, a VW shuttle van and a retrofitted Airstream (basically an instagrammers dream!)

I asked about the pet friendly amenities that they offer their guests and they said:

"We have pet-friendly rooms available at both of our hotels (we also have a Hotel Zed in Kelowna) and $1 from each night's pet cleaning fee goes to the BCSPCA for pets who don't have it as good as yours. We also give you a special doggy towel when you check in with a dog, and tucked into it are some treats and some doggy bags"

I also asked if they had any tips for guests who are visiting with their pet:

"Make sure you leave your cell phone number with the front desk if you're going to leave your pet alone in the room for any stretch of time. That way we can call you if your pet is missing you too much! We also usually recommend putting on your dog's leash BEFORE you open the door to the room to leave. Even the best behaved dogs can get overexcited with all the new sights and smells at Hotel Zed and take off!"

That's great advice, as there is definitely a lot to see and a lot of hustle and bustle! 

When asked if they had any memorable pet stories they said:

"Not everyone has a dog! We've had rabbits, cats, birds, iguanas..."

ummmm...I think an iguana photo shoot would be amazing...just saying! 

I always ask why they think being a pet friendly establishment is important, they told me:

"Many of us at Hotel Zed are pet-parents ourselves, and we know that it can be really tough to leave your pet behind when you go away. Sometimes the logistics just don't work out and sometimes you don't want to leave them behind! We think it's important to pick a fun hotel that welcomes your WHOLE family with open arms!"

Below are the photos from Charlie's adventure at Hotel Zed  from her visit. Please scroll through and enjoy! 

Hi! Come with me and I'll give you a tour!

Let's go inside! It's super fun

The funky lobby is so cool...

I like typewriters although my paws are a little too big to type with.

Hmmmm....I smell eggs benny. 

I'm just going to sit here in the lobby and look fabulous.

And I'll sit here and look fabulous too. Maybe I'll listen to some records...do they have Erasure? hmmm...I wonder

Long boards aren't for puppers but they sure look like a good time.

Let's pose in a sunbeam by the front desk.

Oooh Ping Pong! 

Me and my sister!

Hey! Hurry up, there are things to see.

I'm going to pose here, I am quite the supermodel you know! 

I don't think I could go on that but it sure looks fun!

ummmm....something is behind me isn't it??

An airstream! All hip pups love airstreams.

Yes. I'm cool. 

An artsy shot! These make my sister very happy! 

Me and my brother-in-law are checking things out.

Artsy shot! 

Hurry up! There is still more to see! 

I'm sitting here thinking about lovely things...like treats and belly rubs and naps.

Hi! I love you!

I think I need one of these...

Thanks so much to Hotel Zed for letting us wander around and take photos! 

I think being a rebel against the ordinary is the best.

PS. If you stop by, be sure to check out the Ruby, a very hip and delicious restaurant that shares the lobby. I was trying to take our photos but kept getting distracted by the yummy looking breakfasts that people were enjoying  (I am definitely going back there for some eggs benny!) 

Thanks again to everyone at Hotel Zed for making Charlie feel so welcome! We'll be sure to stop by again and say hi! 

Be sure to visit their website, fb and instagram pages for more info!
https://www.hotelzed.com

https://www.facebook.com/HotelZED/

https://www.instagram.com/hotelzed/

Rupert visits the Ocean Pointe Resort

We visited the lovely, pet friendly Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, situated overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour. The resort is located along the waterfront Songhees Walkway, a scenic 5km path, perfect for taking your dog for a walk. There are also two off-leash dog parks within a 5 minute walk from the hotel. 

We stopped by and were greeted with a lot of dog loving from the staff and visitors. Rupert thoroughly enjoyed our visit! 

We chatted with Nicole and she told us:

"We understand that your pet is a member of your family, and we want to provide a pet-friendly environment which allows your whole family to enjoy a vacation together." 

I asked them about their pet friendly amenities:

"The lobby and guest rooms are pet friendly. In the lobby, dogs are welcomed by the front desk staff with dog treats. When staying overnight, the guest rooms for our four-legged guests are prepared with a dog dish, small towel to wipe paws, pick-up bags, and a bag of treats."

When asked about travelling tips they said:

"Pack a favorite comfort toy for your dog when travelling. When traveling by car, never leave your pet alone in the car. Ask our front desk staff for a map outlining the best nearby walking paths and dog-friendly parks." 

Danielle at the front desk even provided a memorable pet story for us! (Thanks Danielle!)

"Last summer, I had a couple check in with the sweetest beagle named Muddy. I fell in love with him over their stay, giving him pets and treats every time they came through the lobby. Funny enough, 3 month later when I was traveling through Quebec with a friend, I bumped into the same couple at a train station and only recognized them because of Muddy!

We all laughed how even at a busy station across the country, I was able to recognize Muddy like he was an old friend. Dogs are my favorite kind of guest!"

They sent along this quote from an email of a guest:

"we always appreciate a pet-friendly hotel. Again, our expectations are exceeded as all staff are genuinely happy to see our dog and make us feel welcome. In some "pet-friendly" hotels you can tell that you are tolerated. Here, even our dog is made to feel special."

In the spring, Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort hosts an annual fundraising event for the SPCA, called Best in Show. Best in Show is a fun, casual dog show where families can have their dog participate in a number of contests including Best Dressed, Most Endearing Rescue Dog, Best Trick, Cutest Puppy, Cutest Male Dog, Cutest Female Dog, Most Original Hair. All proceeds are donated to the BC SPCA Victoria Branch, and prizes are awarded to the top 3 in each category.  This year’s Best in Show is on Saturday, June 2nd.

We really appreciated the time they took to talk with us and show us around, as well as all the information they provided! Below are our photos from our Ocean Pointe Adventure (as well as Rupert's commentary!)

Be sure to check out the links below for more information!

www.marriott.com/yyjvo

https://www.facebook.com/DeltaVictoriaOPR/

https://www.instagram.com/deltavictoria/?hl=en

Hi! I'm about to visit this nice hotel! We've heard a lot of lovely things about it! 

My auntie Heather & Uncle Jason love to stay here with their pups!

Lets go check it out! 

Welcome to the hotel! 

The obligitory artsy black and white shot. Mum was inspired by the pretty light! Here I am sitting in the lobby with my pops. I've been getting a lot of head pats and ear rubs! 

Let me check this room out! 

This looks comfy and cozy! 

I like it! Lots of room to play and big windows! 

Pops and I are back in the lobby. We like people watching (and I like treats)

I'm the king of the castle! 

Here I come! 

The inner harbour is pretty. The nice lady in the hotel told us that the little harbour ferries are dog friendly so I think we'll be checking them out soon.

Off we go! Thanks so much to the Ocean Pointe Resort for letting us stop by! 

Rupert visits Butchart Gardens

Beautiful Butchart Gardens is one of Victoria's top tourist destinations. The 55 acres of gardens and meandering paths are lovely every season and it's dog friendly !!  When we arrived, Rupert was given biscuits and ear rubs by the staff at the information desk and they mentioned that are dog water dishes with filtered water throughout the park. They also have biodegradable refuse bags available. We started our walk at 9:30am, it was still quiet and the sun was peaking through the trees. It was a wonderful way to start the day. 

Here are some tips they provide visitors to the garden who are bringing their pets!

• Use a short leash

• Stop by the visitor centre when you first arrive and get your four-legged friend a complimentary treat

• In the warmer summer months, it’s best to come in the morning or after 4pm once it has cooled down a bit. (Avoid high heat/high foot traffic time)

• we highly recommend keeping pets at home for Firework Saturdays, as the noise can be distressing. If your pet is travelling with you, you can take them to your vehicle before the show. Always leave windows open enough for air to circulate and closed enough to keep them safely in the vehicle.

I also asked why they think being a pet friendly place is important.

"Because we have so many visitors who are travelling to The Gardens in their own vehicles, it quite often they bring their pet. It’s important to us that pets are not left in vehicles and so we encourage them to enjoy The Gardens with their family."

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the gardens and Mr.Roops had fun exploring and checking everything out! 

Be sure to click on the links to the Butchart Garden's social media pages for more information and photos of beautiful flowers and plants:

http://www.butchartgardens.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thebutchartgardens/

https://www.facebook.com/pg/butchartgardens/

Below is our photo slideshow (with commentary by Mr.Roops of course!) from our garden adventure! Enjoy! 

I need some biscuits before we go anywhere!

Biodegradable poo bags, just in case I need to do some business.

So much loveliness!

Haha! I always walk mum and pops on a leash!

Hmmmm.....where to go first...there are so many cool things to see.

Mum likes it when I sit nicely, but usually there are too many wonderful things to smell (I made an exception here becasue mum was excited about the light!)

Oooooh. The sunken garden is so pretty!

I'll sit here nicely because you have treats and keep telling me that I'm a handsome good boy.

This is a nice spot. Maybe I can convince them to build me a house like this in the backyard.

Hey. What are you doing up there??

Pop's and I are going this way.

I'll sit nicely again, but only because mum likes photos of me and sunbeams.

Hi! There are so many neat paths to explore!

The beautiful fountain.

I'm just going to enjoy the view with my pops. I love him a lot.

Time for a drink break!

This is a funny looking dog. He didn't want to play with me. 

My mum thinks I'm pretty special. 

Continuing on our adventure.

I'll stay on the path!

More prettiness in the rose garden.

And I'll sit here too. Only because I keep getting treats! I can't wait to come back when the roses are in bloom!

A kiss break by the fountain.

Come this way, we're heading into the Japanese gardens!

This is cool! I like dragons.

Pop is showing me neat things but I'm too busy walking! 

I like the bridges in the Japanese Gardens. They are so pretty.

Mum wanted to get some pretty bokeh through the leaves so I thought I'd bring out my super model face.

Another nice place to stop in the shade with a drinking station. Mum and dad can park me here for a minute while they get a cup of coffee to walk with!

Our walk is over and we had so much fun! Thanks Butchart Gardens for allowing dogs to visit! 

The wonderful adventures of two scruffy pups.

Meet Walter & Rupert. Our two terrier mixes. Walter is 9, gives the best cuddles and runs like the wind. Rupert is 8, is full of mischief, sings loudly and is a mouth kisser (Seriously, that's how he wakes us up every morning. lol) They're our little adventuresome scamps and this new project is perfect for them. Last year we had great fun with our Shop Dog series so we are doing something new for 2018. We are compiling a list of pet friendly businesses, patios, tourist attractions and hotels around Victoria (and eventually Vancouver Island). We'll stop by these places, take a few photos of them checking them out and then do a blog post (and share on social media).  Walter sometimes gets anxious in new situations so he'll be staying home during visits to busy places (he'll be getting snuggles and toast crusts with his nanna and grampy so he'll be very happy!)  

We love supporting local and sharing this kind of information to other pet lovers! So please follow along and if you have any suggestions of places to include in our list, please send me a message!!!

Cheers

Sarah, Walter & Rupert