pet connection

For many folks, the month of March means Spring Break. A time to pack up the pups and the kids to hit the road for some family fun to celebrate start of spring.

For me and mine, it might mean taking off for a week in sunnier, warmer locales like, for instance, Southern California, where the stars come out every day.

For a trip like this, I might elect to drive the new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Touring Convertible. Although it will never rate multiple DogCar review paws, the Sebring is perfect for beach-side cruising, and roomy enough to carry a couple of harnessed hounds in the back seat. There’s no better way to enjoy the spring sunshine than in a convertible.

But the Sebring isn’t just any convertible. The Touring version has a retractable hardtop that raises and lowers with a simple push of a button. Within seconds the car is transformed from a quiet and secure sedan to a fun-in-the-sun, open-air convertible. Spring showers may bring May flowers, but they won’t spoil your driving fun in the stylish Sebring.

And finding a pet-friendly hotel shouldn’t be a chore either, with many establishments opening their doggy doors to those who travel with their furry friends. In fact, some hotels are even encouraging it by offering special pet packages that feature everything from doggy treats to full-scale massages.

American Express Platinum Travel Services reports that several high-style hotel chains are actively marketing their properties to dog-friendly families.

“This growing trend of ‘pet travel’ has prompted hotels and resorts to meet this demand and better accommodate pet guests with the addition of pet-friendly amenities, including special menus, day-care and playgrounds,” says spokesman Chris Heuwetter. “It’s the next phase in travel customization – similar to the way high-end resorts became increasingly kid-friendly over the past few decades.”

The Loews Hotels chain is promoting a “Loews Loves Pets” program that offers pet items such as dry and canned pet food on the room service menu, as well as special pet beds, leashes and litter boxes.

Nationwide, W Hotels are enticing pet-friendly families with dog toys, bones and a special puppy pampering turn-down service with a nighttime treat.

But the ultimate in pet pampering and people pleasing rises from the Ritz Carlton Park Avenue in Manhattan. The hotel offers a special “Doggy & Me Package” that includes a $50 spending spree at Saks Fifth Avenue’s dog-friendly Jazzy Couture collection, a basket of treats and a pet portrait photo shoot by a famous professional photographer.

Spring is near so let’s pack up the pups and hit the road for fun, sun and maybe enjoy some pet-friendly pampering.

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