We're looking for something or someplace we can go with our french bulldog pup Noodle. (http://www.vimeo.com/1146849)

Ideally it would be within a drive from NYC. We use to drive to DC for the fireworks, but with a dog our touristy options are quite limited. Please send over some ideas.

Tummy...

If you like going to DC you may want to check the Starwood hotels in the area. I know some do accept pets. So your Noodle can enjoy a nice cool room while you enjoy the big show.

THis may be off topic but if you are confortable leaving your Dog at home you may want to research a pet sitter... someone who can come in, walk the door and spend some playtime with him.

Just some ideas off the topic of my head.

Thanks.

We just spent 10 days in Kauai without her at the end of May. Noodle stayed at a boarding / pet hotel and we missed her the entire time. When we were in Hawaii, I kept thinking that I would rather be at home with her. :( If we go anywhere, we're going with her, or we'll be staying home this time.

First of all, congrats on Noodle, she's a cutie.

How is she with loud bangs? I would probably hesitate going anywhere over the 4th if I didn't know how my dog would react. Some dogs are so traumatized by the noise that they completely freak out and would rather spend the evening hiding under the bed than sitting in a strange hotel room or in a hot car while you go out to dinner.

Ernest was about 25lbs and four months old on his first 4th of July. My TH had to leave for London unexpectedly,he and I went to the local secret parking garage and watched the fireworks together. The booms were pretty spectacular all day and definitely at the festivities. He's pretty phlegmatic, so the loud noises didn't bother him. I took him to a local parade with lots of commotion, a big fire truck and many small children and he was fine in that crowd. Some dogs get totally overwhelmed.

I now know that I can take him somewhere strange and with lots of people and noise and he'll be fine with it, but I would have hesitated traveling out of our comfort zone without first realizing his limits.

Thanks.

We just spent 10 days in Kauai without her at the end of May. Noodle stayed at a boarding / pet hotel and we missed her the entire time. When we were in Hawaii, I kept thinking that I would rather be at home with her. :( If we go anywhere, we're going with her, or we'll be staying home this time.

I used to think that, but I know that the time Ernest is in lockdown he's getting some dog time and usually he could give a whack we're back.

Well, until he gets back on the couch and curls up.

My dog hates fireworks, so we look for nice, quiet hotels and spend the night away from home, because our neighbors are fireworks fanatics. It's that or close all the windows/doors and turn up the TV. However, you might want to try Kimptons in the DC area ... they have doggy packages. The one in Old Town Alexandria even has a Doggy "Yappy Hour". Have fun!

Thanks for the suggestions about the fireworks. Noodle is only 5 months old (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tum/sets/72057594120443006/), so I don't know how she'll respond to the fireworks. I hope we can get her socialized enough to not be afraid of parades and loud noises, at least when we're with her.

I contacted the Hyatt in Philadelphia and they allow dogs up to 15lbs. I tentatively have reservations there, but we haven't decided what we're going to do yet. We hate "wasting" three day weekends at home.

I found this link on the gophila.com visitors site (http://www.gophila.com/Go/PressRoom/pressreleases/outdoors/Philadelphia_Invites_Animal_Lovers.aspx) about traveling with dogs. And this link about the 4th of July activities (http://www.gophila.com/C/Summer_in_Philadelphia_and_The_Countryside/596/U/Fourth_of_July_Festival_Concert_and_Fireworks_on_t he_Parkway/1974.html).

Last 4th we rented a Cruise America RV and took our three dogs to Destin, FL. They and we had a fantastic time. Highly recommend this, but you would need to research RV parks that allow pets. Try www.petfriendly.com for RV parks, hotels and other travel-related subjects that are pet friendly (duh!)