Last year, my husband and I, along with our two Directors of Barketing, Zoey and Mattie for Fido Friendly magazine, set out for a snow trip the first two weeks before Christmas. Our reasoning was to choose a time when most folks were still busy planning for Christmas break and not to be driving in too much snow.
The “girls” knew change was in the air as they watched us ready the Ford Windstar for travel. It was after we secured the Canine Covers that the difficulty arose. We could not keep them out of the car. So, for the next hour, they sat glued to their seats, watching us scurry about, loading their precious cargo. Amazing how focused these two hooligans can be when it comes to transporting their food. For this road trip, we brought along dehydrated dog food from the Honest Kitchen. This is great stuff. Not only easy to store, but with hot water and ten minute wait period, voila! Healthy good food.
An easy drive from Idaho to Park City, Utah.
Spending the night with friends, we enjoyed a one-nighter in Park City, Utah. We took in a 1/2 day excursion on snowshoes and the girls were off-leash. What fun! First time for them wearing their K-9 topcoats. What a lifesaver these garments are. Meant for the cold and snow, these custom fit body gloves kept the dirt off their coats and made us feel better about them frolicking in frigid temperatures. And they looked so darn cute in their red “pajamas.” Brought lots of oohs and ahhs from fellow snowshoers. All right, some chuckles too.
Next day we rolled into Telluride, Colorado. This has to be one of the most, if not the most, Fido-friendly towns in the world. I do believe dogs outnumber people in this small ski-town. Telluride is so dog-friendly, dogs and cats are allowed on pet designated gondolas. Have you heard of ‘puppy-parking?’ That is where you can hitch your pal to a post when you go inside a restaurant or other places Fido is not allowed.
We stopped in to see long time friend and owner of Schaussi’s Alpen Schatz, Mary Dawn Debraie. Mary Dawn wrote an article about Telluride for Fido Friendly magazine a few years ago and loved it so much, she moved to Telluride and opened her boutique. Dogs, of course, are allowed inside. Schaussi’s Alpen Schatz, translated Schaussi’s Alpine Treasure, and brings you the magical traditions of the Alps direct to your home. They offer exclusive alpine handicrafts imported from the original craftsmen hidden away in the heart of the Swiss, Italian, and Austrian Alps. Some of these crafts, such as their original Swiss Dog collars, have been passed down through generations, from father to son, for hundreds of years and represent a storybook culture not to be forgotten.
Mountain Lodge at Telluride
Located in Telluride’s contemporary Mountain Village resort community in southwestern Colorado, the Mountain Lodge at Telluride is ideally located midway up Telluride Mountain. Surrounded by panoramic views of the majestic San Juan Mountains, the Mountain Lodge at Telluride features three log-and-stone buildings and a main lodge, whose tremendous lobby is warmed by an immense river-rock fireplace. Gleaming with rich leather and rustic Western elegance, the lobby also features the Tavern Bar perfect for quiet afternoon and evening gatherings.
We stayed in one of the luxurious cabins. And wow, what a cabin it was! The rustic yet sophisticated interior was warm and welcoming. The fireplace was situated between the bedroom and living area so you could enjoy a fire in both rooms. The cabins’ interiors feature flagstone entries, pine cabinetry, granite and marble finishes, Subzero refrigerators, jetted tubs, and handpicked furnishings down to the dishware package. And best of all, all of this luxury is surrounded by the highest and most rugged peaks of North America. We did not want to leave, but leave we did and tested out the gondola which connects Mountain Village with the town of Telluride below.
