Canine "Innkeepers" Make Bed and Breakfasts Warm and Fuzzy

Part mastiff, part Rhodesian ridgeback and all innkeeper, Bojangles is a furry, friendly, 90-pound hound that welcomes guests at the historic Burnt Toast Inn in Ann Arbor, Mich. Owner Sarah Okumyama handles the more mundane matters, such as reservations, cooking and bookkeeping and leaves entertaining the guests to Bo. The perfect innkeeper, Bo instinctively knows when guests prefer their privacy or when they need a little doggie attention.

As Susan Strom of the Whitegate Inn in Mendocino CA notes: "Guests who come to Bed and Breakfasts and Inns usually are looking for a connection with the owners/innkeepers and even with the history of the place. Corky the Miracle Dog is an important part of making that connection." Most people just love to hear the feel good story about his miraculous adventure and all the wonderful things people did to help him make it home to the Whitegate Inn. Corky, a Portuguese Water Dog, generally visits after breakfast or during wine and cheese hour at the B&B and is often seen posing for pictures with the guests!

At the 1890's Captain's House on the Lake in Granbury, TX, Rudy the Dalmatian and Million, a retired greyhound, live in the owners' quarters. But they entertain guests each night as they romp by the lake and cause a ruckus chasing ducks into the water. "The guests at our B&B love to interact with the dogs while we're out on a walk," owner Bob Hayes says. "Everyone enjoys watching them."

Meramec Farms, located in the Ozark hills of Missouri, has been in the same family for more than 180 years. You can visit the farm animals, go on a horse ride, explore caves or just relax in your cabin. If you plan on taking a dip in the swimming hole, be sure to ask Feisty and Sylvie, the farm's doggie innkeepers, to help you find the way. These friendly terrier mixes are happy to share their knowledge of the 460-acre grounds or just spend some time relaxing with you, enjoying the scenery.

Ellie May and Melvin, a schnauzer poodle mix and a lab/poodle respectively, assist Martha Helfrich and her partner Rob Rochon at Canterbury Cottage in Bar Harbor, ME. The "oodles" don't enter the guestrooms or beg at the breakfast table, Martha assures, but they are welcomed in the living room area of this cozy bed & breakfast. She often finds little Ellie May nuzzled next to a guest, or 80-pound Melvin with her head resting contentedly in someone's lap. "Dogs sense whether or not you're a dog person," Martha notes.

It's historic, fashionable and located in downtown San Francisco. Best of all, the Hayes Valley Inn has Breezy, a lovable cocker spaniel that is sure to make you feel right at home. This special dog is happy to greet his guests at this city bed and breakfast.

Many innkeepers find that their pets make for a more complete bed and breakfast experience for their guests. "Dogs provide an extra dimension of comfort to travelers," explains Sarah Okuyama. With their sweet nature and ever-welcoming wags of tail, it isn't any wonder why bed and breakfasts love their pet innkeepers.

Article Source: http://www.mycontentbuilder.com

Jane Leisteiner is fond of writing and loves staying at B&Bs. For more information on Michigan bed and breakfast inns or Missouri bed and breakfasts, check out the iLoveInns website.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated