Blogs

I am deeply saddened to inform my readers that my husband and I had to say a painful and heartbreaking final goodbye to Asti, the furry celebrity behind the PawPrints blog, on Wednesday, December 8, 2011. Asti holds a special place in my heart, and I will never forget the fond memories, and how she taught me to live, love, and laugh. Our house is quiet now, a lot quieter than it was during the 15 years that Asti lived in our home. Saying goodbye was more awful than I could have ever imagined and no matter how long our furry friends live, it is never enough time. So, this month's blog is in memory of our beloved Asti! I will share with you some places she loved to visit in the Pocono Mountains!

We started camping locally to see how she would do and found that the four-county region offers more than just camping with your pet. We visited motels, cottages, hotels and even top of the line resorts that offer pet-friendly lodging. Asti's favorite campground was Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort in Waymart, as she loved their "Pet Swimming Area Only" beach and her favorite hotel was a tossup between the Inn at Pocono Manor and the Chateau Resort & Conference Center.

I do believe her favorite Pet-Friendly Attraction had to have been shopping at Coach located at The Crossings Premium Outlets.  Oh, wait, that was one of my favorites with her. I think she enjoyed the Water Gap Trolley ride better than shopping. Asti's favorite State Park was Promised Land State Park located in Greentown, Pa.

Our last excursion this year was visiting Santa at the Country Junction, World's Largest General Store!   She really didn't want to sit next to Santa and have her picture taken but she did it for us. Amazing what our furry friends will do to show how much they love us!

I miss Asti everyday and it hurts like crazy. Only time will tell when the next visit to the animal shelter will be. In the meantime, I will be visiting the Pocono Mountains with my friends, family and co-workers furry buddies.

"If there are no dogs in Heaven then when I die I want to go where they went." - Will Rogers

Do you remember the photos of you as a child on Santa's lap, or the excitement of waiting in line thinking of what you would tell Santa you wanted for Christmas?  Well, now your furry four-legged friend can experience this feeling at the Country Junction, World's Largest General Store in the Pocono Mountains!

Santa "Claws" will pose with pets and/or people this holiday season at the Country Junction.  We hear he loves all types of animals; so bring your cat, dog, or bunny; all ages are permitted!   If you have a fidgety pet they'll snap a few shots to ensure a picture perfect finish.   As you can see from Asti's photo, she wanted out of there.  Santa has no issues holding smaller pets on his lap but Asti was a bit too big.

While we were waiting for our pictures to be printed we took a walk over to the pet store where they have birds, reptiles, fish, bunnies, ferrets, kittens and puppies.  They also offer a large selection of pet food, toys and much, much more.  We picked out a new toy for Asti and stopped by the K9er-Diner for a few of her favorite iced cookies! 

After we picked up our photos we walked over to the petting farm and fed the llamas, sheep, and goats.  Asti wanted no part of the animals, which surprised me, until I turned around and noticed she met a new friend, a bull dog named "Sam". 

We then proceeded to the general store and walked the yellow brick road.  This place is exceptionally pet friendly!  There was a customer that had a really cute black poodle sitting in the cart, when I got closer a white poodle popped its head up from under the coat; Asti barked, I screamed, and the lady pushing the cart started laughing because there was yet another one in the cart playing with the items she was purchasing. 

In the general store you will find an endless shopping experience from foods, candy, ice cream, gourmet coffee, fresh popped popcorn to house wares, a flower shop, Yankee Candles, and an art gallery.  You will also find Ashley Furniture, Sorrenti's Wine Cellar (wine tasting available), ACE Hardware, and you can even have a delicious lunch and a movie in the "Barn Door", their restaurant and theater. 

‘Tis the season to make memories! So why not capture those memories with a picture of your furry friend with Santa "Claws" at the Country Junction World's Largest General Store located on Route 209 in Lehighton.  Santa will be there the next two weekends (Dec 10-11 and Dec 17-18) from 12 noon to 4:00 pm.  A variety of picture packages starting at $5 will be available for purchase and are printed on the spot! 

Have a barking good time this Holiday Season!

Meet Buster! Buster is a two and a half-year-old, full-bred boxer who was rescued a few months ago by Katie, a co-worker of mine. This month Buster became introduced to all the pet-friendly locations in the Pocono Mountains!

A few weeks ago Buster and Katie set out to discover the lake region in the Pocono Mountains when the fall foliage was at its peak. Their first stop was at the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau's Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center to find out where they could go hiking.  Unfortunately, the trail that is located at the center does not allow pets. However, Allison, one of our information specialists at the center, directed Katie and Buster to Shuman's Point Natural Area off Route 590 in Hawley. 

At Shuman's Point they enjoyed the many varieties of trees and wildlife. If you decide to hike these trails be careful, as you and your pet may encounter a squirrel, turkey, grouse, white-tailed deer or even a black bear. All have been spotted! There are marked and unmarked trails and this is one of the last underdeveloped areas around Lake Wallenpaupack. The lake was formed in 1926 and consists of 300 acres of woodland and is a natural area set aside by PPL for the public's enjoyment.

Twenty miles south of Lake Wallepaupack is the Promised Lake State Park. Buster has not been to Promised Land State Park but Asti and I have hiked the trails numerous times.  I remember when Asti was a puppy, the first time we were hiking at Promised Land, she encountered her first wild turkey and took off running .... taking me with her!  I think I still have a scar on my knee where she dragged me through the bushes. Anyway, there are about 50 miles of hiking trails in the park and the surrounding state forest area. They have two lakes and several small streams, waterfalls and wetlands bubbling with life.

Remember when visiting natural and state parks to keep your pet on a leash at all times, and to pick up and dispose of all droppings in trash receptacles or outside the park. Also, be sure your pet has been licensed and vaccinated and bring along a first aid kit with you. Pets are not permitted in designated swimming areas or overnight areas unless otherwise specified.

For more pet-friendly information on and around the Lake Wallenaupack area, such as lodging, dining and area activities, please contact our Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center at 570-226-2141.

Asti and I love to travel around the Pocono Mountains finding pet-friendly establishments! Last month we took a road trip to the northern region, looking for a pet-friendly campground to stay at this fall.

Our first visit was at Ponderosa Pines in Honesdale. Nestled beneath the pine trees, Ponderosa Pines offers large wooded and open campsites, tent sites, and rustic and full service cabins. Asti and I walked along the lake and watched a family trying to paddle their boat. Being the spoiled pooch she is, she was treated to a doggie ice cream and a bone from Fran, the owner. Unfortunately, I did not get a treat, grrrr!

The next stop was Valley View Farm & Campground in Waymart. After meeting with Bill, the owner, we took a walk, and let me tell you, the view from the campsite was incredible! Valley View is a friendly, family place where the campsites are spacious and are available in the shade or open field (where Asti took off on me).

We met Debby and Tim at the Countryside Family Campground where they are more than happy to have your pets join you while you're camping, as long as you follow their pet guidelines. You may want to visit the Countryside Family Campground website periodically as we hear they have fantastic deals you don't want to miss. This past summer they posted a weekend deal and were booked up the same day it was posted!

Our final destination was the Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort. This campground has been family owned and operated since 1954 and has a "Pet Swimming Area Only" beach (both photos taken at Keen Lake). The day we were visiting they were getting ready for their "Wild Thing" event which consisted of fun and games for pets and pet owners. Jan, one of the owners, told us they were having a Pet Fashion Parade and a Canine Musial Chairs game.  All donations from the weekend benefitted the Dessin Animal Shelter and Pocono Wildlife Rehab Center. Wow, can't get any more pet-friendly than that! Asti wants me to book a site for next year's "Wild Thing" weekend.  Better get her a lift jacket and a start on playing musical chairs!

With fall here, there is no better time to pack up the pets and head to a pet-friendly campground in the Pocono Mountains!

 

Pets are always welcome at the Water Gap Trolley and ride for FREE!

This month, I wanted to do something different with Asti and thought it would be fun to take her for a ride ... aboard a trolley! We selected a black and white bandana, jumped in her car (Yes, we bought a Subaru Outback just for her!) and headed off to the pet-friendly Water Gap Trolley located in Delaware Water Gap (exit 310 off of I-80). This is a family owned and operated business and consists of three different trolleys; Mike, Ike and Look-a-Like. The staff are very friendly and dedicated to making you and your pet's time on the trolley fun, entertaining and informative. 

Upon our arrival Asti met Harley and Rocket, two beautiful, full-bread Chihuahua's! They just completed their trolley tour with their owners Ann Marie and Tiffany Schofler from Ashland, Pa. Harley and Rocket were vacationing with their owners at Mountain Vista Campground in Marshall's Creek. Harley and Rocket sat on their owners laps during their tour and got the full effects of the fresh mountain air. 

The Water Gap Trolley takes you back through history by learning about the Native Americans and the early settlers of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. After the tour, visitors can browse the gift shop, play a round of mini golf, have a picnic or just hang out on a park bench. New this year is the Souvenir Pressed Pennies machine. You can also take a walk through downtown Delaware Water Gap and visit unique restaurants, shopping and recreational attractions. 

Please keep in mind that although pets are welcome on this property, smaller dogs are allowed on the trolley and larger dogs can ride on the trolley ONLY if the trolley is not crowded. Owners must clean up after their pets.

Come see what you and your furry friends have been missing. Open seven days a week, rain or shine, April through November. Tour times are 10am, 11:30 am, 1pm, 2:30pm and 4pm. Adults are $9.50, children ages 3-11 years are $4 and pets are FREE! Call toll free 1-800-275-1242.

On another note, while we were there we were introduced to the Passport to the Poconos program. This is a discount card that will help you find lodging, camping, restaurants, attractions, shopping and indoor and outdoor recreation. 

If your best friend is your dog and you enjoy the outdoors, you will love being together in one of the Pocono Mountains State Parks. Pets are permitted in Pennsylvania State Parks if kept on a leash and attended to at all times. State Parks are not just for hiking, they are a great place for outdoor activities such as camping, boating, fishing, hiking or attending environmental education programs. This weekend, Asti and I took a long walk up at Big Pocono State Park. Big Pocono State Park consists of 1,306 acres of rugged terrain at the top of Camelback Mountain. As you can see from the photo, you can enjoy a magnificent view of eastern Pennsylvania. On a clear day you can see portions of New York and New Jersey. There are 8.5 miles of trails and most of the trails have steep grades with some that are extremely steep, so be careful. Entrance to the park is from PA Route 715 and Exit 299 off I-80 at Tannersville.

Before you go be sure that dogs are allowed on the trails you plan to hike, your dog is wearing up to date tags and their vaccinations are current. Don't forget to visit our pet-friendly page on our website.

On the Trail bring along plenty of water for both you and your dog. Don't forget the bowl! Always keep your dog on a leash, carry a container or bag to clean up and carry a first-aid kit. Before climbing back in the car after the hike, scan your dog for ticks. 

Now, hit the trails and enjoy some happing hiking with your best friend! "Woof" Woof"

I love being with Asti and consider her an integral part of my family and make every effort to bring her with me on all my travels.  Last month we went camping in the Pocono Mountains and this month we decided to visit the Chateau Resort & Conference Center, located in Tannersville.  This property offers the perfect escape for pets and their families.  Located at the base of Camelback Mountain, Chateau Resort & Conference Center is a pet-friendly resort with walking trails and welcoming treats.  Upon our arrival we were greeted by Jessica at the front desk and she handed us our Pet Friendly Welcome Packet that consisted of a Fido Friendly Magazine, bag of Science Diet dog food, complements of Pet Smart; and a bag of dog treats tied in a bow with a welcome card that had Asti's name on it. We also received a copy of their Pet Safety Guidelines that included a pet-friendly walking map.   Very Impressive, if I do say so myself!  Oh, and I almost forgot, a voucher for a coupon book at The Crossings Premium Outlets.

After settling in our room and looking over the packet of information we decided to go to The Crossings Premium Outlets for a walk as they are listed as a pet-friendly attraction on our website.  This outlet center features over 100 designer and name brand outlet stores and the discount books offer 25% to 65% savings.  During our walk we came across the COACH store and to our surprise, pets are welcome inside the store!  So excited, we entered the store.  At first I thought the sales lady heading our way was going to ask us to leave but she smiled, welcomed us to the store, handed me a 30% coupon and asked me what my dog's name was.  Then all of a sudden other sales people and customers were inquiring about Asti.  As I was walking around the store looking for something to buy with my great discount Asti started barking, she was looking at herself in a full view mirror.  Everyone in the store started laughing.   As we continued our walk we found the Cole Haan Store is also pet friendly.  Please remember, when shopping at The Crossings Premium Outlets to bring along a doggie bag to pick up after your pet along with water and a bowl as it gets hot during those dog days of summer.  Forgot your water bowl?  No problem, a staff member of the food court will bring out a bowl of fresh water for you.  Now that is pet-friendly hospitality! 

As mentioned in previous blogs, plan your trip with your pet by calling the properties and asking about their pet policies.  Keep your pets on a leash at all times and clean up any messes.  Bring a crate along with their favorite blanket and toy if you plan to leave your dog alone in the room.  Oh, and leave your cell number with the front desk in case of an emergency.   

So far, I have never had any problems staying in a hotel, motel or campground with Asti as she is easy-going, and an adaptable dog.  On this trip she went out to potty as normal, walked the dog walk, shopped the stores, and ate like a princess, slept normal and all went well.  Another great pet-friendly trip in the Pocono Mountains! 

Next month we plan to go hiking at Big Pocono State Park, stay at another Pocono property and possibly find some water sports to bark-take!  "Woof"  "Woof"

Please be sure to leave your paw print in the comment section of your pet-friendly experience in the Pocono Mountains!

This is a photo of Asti, my 16-year-old puppy, wearing her camping bandana, sitting on "her" rock behind our 5^th wheel camper and enjoying life in the Pocono Mountains!

My husband and I are members of Outdoor World Campgrounds and decided to go camping locally at pet-friendly, Timothy Lake South in Bushkill, Pa.  Timothy Lake South is open to the public and offers a relaxed atmosphere, which includes an outdoor pool, play area, laundry facility, general store and ranger station. With many local pet-friendly attractions, and outdoor recreation nearby it is guaranteed to make you and your furry friend happy.  

 Another Outdoor World Campground in the Pocono Mountains, where we enjoy camping, is the Scotrun Camping Resort.  This property has a list of amenities that include a beautiful lake and pool complex and a long list of nearby pet-friendly attractions.  Jeff, the manager who runs the Scotrun Campground, is a hoot!  You will never see this man without a big smile on his face.  This campground is just minutes from The Crossings Premium Outlets, which is also pet-friendly.  Asti and I plan to go shopping at the Crossings next week and will be adding our findings in our next blog.  Make sure you come back to find out how pet-friendly they are and how you can get your FREE shopping discount booklet.

So, where should you go in the Pocono Mountains to camp with your furry travel companion?   I am happy to say that there are more properties now accepting pets:

Chestnut Lake Campground 

Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA

Don Laine Campground

Driftstone on the Delaware

Hemlock Campground & Cottages

Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, Inc.

Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort

Mount Pocono Campground

Mountain Vista Campground

Otter Lake Camp-Resort, Inc.

Outdoor World Scotrun Resort

Pocono Vacation Park

River Beach Campsites

Silver Valley Campsites & RV Sales

WT Family Camping

Camping with your furry travel companion can be a lot of fun and a great experience as long as you follow these basic steps: 

2. Always keep your pet leashed. While your pet may be well mannered, it helps to keep him leashed in a public environment. This will ensure that there aren't any unforeseen issues with other pets or wild animals.

3. For the safety of your pet and others, make sure to never leave your pet unattended.

4. Make sure your pet is current on his vaccines. Although the outdoors is a great playground for your pet, he will be exposed to elements that aren't encountered at home. Tell your vet of your plans and ask for any additional vaccine recommendations.

5. Protect your pet from fleas and ticks.

6. Check his identification tag. If your dog roams away from the campground, it's important that someone knows who he belongs to.

7. Make sure you remember to pack some plastic bags so you can pick up and dispose of your dog's waste properly.

8. Bring some familiar items for your dog such as a dog bed, favorite toys and treats.

Asti loves to go on camping trips and we plan to camp around the Pocono Mountains more this year. 

Please be sure to leave your paw print in the comment section and read the previous PawPrint blogs on traveling with your pet!  "Woof" "Woof"

I will be devoting my blogs to pet-friendly places to stay, as well as pet-friendly attractions where you can get outside and explore the Pocono Mountains by hiking at a state park, walking your furry friend in a dog park, shopping at one of our pet-friendly retail stores or canoeing down the Delaware River.  Future blogs will also include information on emergency veterinarian hospitals, pet stores, pet sitters, groomers and other pet-friendly travel experiences to be had in the Pocono Mountains.

If you want to have a great pet travel experience when you visit the Pocono Mountains, you will need to choose the right place to stay. I suggest pet owners request a ground floor or corner room to limit unfamiliar noises if your pet is easily disturbed. Selecting a campground, cottage or home rental may work best if your pet has a tendency to bark a lot and needs more space than a hotel room can provide. You will also need to respect the rules of the property by finding out in advance any restrictions they apply and respect them during your stay. You do not want to arrive at a property only to find out that the they only accept small pets weighing under 20lbs. while your bundle of joy weighs over 90 lbs.

If your pet is prone to barking or has separation anxiety, you do not want to leave them alone in the room. Keep your pet on a leash at all times as other visitors may be afraid or allergic. Is your pet permitted to sit on the furniture at home? If yes, they will most likely do this when they are away so I suggest you bring a couple old sheets or blankets with you to cover the furniture in your room. Also, notify the front desk immediately if your pet causes any damages to the room or property.

It is also customary to leave a larger housekeeping tip when traveling with your pets to compensate for any additional cleaning that may be required. Most importantly, take responsibility and ALWAYS pick up after your pet and dispose of the waste appropriately. I keep two doggie bags tied to Asti's leash (my pup) at all times so I am never embarrassed when we are out in public.

No matter where you're going in the Pocono Mountains, PawPrints will help you find that perrrrfect pet-friendly location.