... and oh, this has been delightful, but to end my part on a more serious note: permit me to address my remarks to the three parenting gurus who've suddenly emerged, like those recent cicadas I'm so happily crunching underfoot: nytraveler, caribtraveler and happi189(46724 whatever) - I'm please I didn't follow advice like yours, or my kids would probably view me like a pet allergen. Now, don't get your dander up!

Ok, I don't have kids or pets, so that makes me an expert -- right?

If the hotels want to accept pets, it's their choice unless local ordinances prohibit it. I would prefer to stay in a room with out pet dander. And yes, I read the news article and I feel the need to install a central vac system now.

For you large dog owners out there. Originally dogs were bred to be guard/protectors of the master. In a new or small area (like a hotel elevator) the dog is doing its natural instinct by growling or jumping (or worse) at a stranger. As humans, we know it is a shared space; the animal doesn't. Please keep your pet on a leash in a new setting because you never know what will happen.

Also, if the rules say no pets, don't sneak your pet into the hotel or condo. To do so is rude to others.

Well, MikeT, I guess I am fixated on my parrot. But, what's it to you? If you don't like it, stay someplace that is not pet friendly or doesn't allow young children? There are plenty of them. And, oh yes, my 'baby' is close to perfect. She doesn't blast the TV, whine or complain, or wake up in the middle of the night to be fed. She doesn't pee in the pool or ride her bike into my shins either. And, she has references. Call the Dutch Motel in East Hampton & ask the front desk if they had any issues with the small bald bird that visited 2 weeks ago. She was a delight to everyone who met her--including Kelly Ripa & her family who can't wait to see her at the beach again!

meow to blacktie.
want a saucer of milk with that one?!

My example of the "reward system" was just an example. I prefer the attention reward system. When my dog obeys me I give her praise and a hug.

Gotcha, Happi!

For you, Blacktie.... ... since we have discussed that most unpleasant subject again!

Ok now that I have blahed, blahed, blahed, my way through this forum, I will answer the question in the heading of this forum. The answer is Yes.

For those who think having a child is only about the nightime feedings and the occassional loud television, my heartfelt sympathies. Any parent who cares can name about 100 things in the first 3 years that makes it an incredible experience.

I've crewed on a Tall Ship across the Atlantic, safaried in Africa, scuba dived on the Geat Barrier Reef and had dinner at one of Paris' top restaurants - NONE of those experiences comes remotely close to "love you my dad."

I'm fine with dogs and kids in hotels and always prefer the well behaved ones over the unruly ones.

However, I would report to the hotel management any person who travelled in the public area of a hotel with a dog off the lead. No one can predict with 100 percent certainty how their animal will behave in those circumstances. Even service dogs are on leads.

Sorry - i don;t agree with the spanking part - all that does is prove to the kids that you're bigger and stronger than they are and can hit them if you want to.

My brother and I were raised with the hands off approcah and were both civilized children - if parents are clear, firm and determined in what they say and do children can be contrtolled with talk. and non-physical punishments.

(I have enforced much better behavior with friends' monster children than they do - just by insisting on obedience - they just say to the kids "Stop" or "Don;t do that" and then let them do it anyway. If you stop them - and enforce the time out - with no TV or Gameboy - they respond pretty quickly.)

Another problem is presents - giving a child a gift every time they do well in a game - so things are never their own reward - instead of taking the time to go the game and congratulate/celebrate with them on the spot - sets up a really warped set of values. But again, these parents just don;t have the time - I have nightmares that one will end up being the nice, quiet boy down the block who ends up a serial killer.

Ryan, Absolutely right.

In the shops in the Century City Mall, Los Angeles, California all dogs are allowed. Bloomingdale's moved in a few years ago and allowed dogs - then all the other stores allowed them.

If you have a problem with dogs I'd suggest you also call stores (to check their policy) ahead of time.

The more I read, the more I see how protective we all our over our loves ones, both pets and kids.

I think rewards are ok. In other words, you work hard and get straight A's, I will pay for half of the Nike shoes you want.

It's ok to reward someone for a good job, it's what makes the world go round. Don't get me wrong, integrity, self-worth, being ethical should always come first.

Now these recent topics don't belong in the forum. Maybe one should create a new topic.

... all As, and one shoe! gt;

...hopity, hop, hopity, hop. Sorry, I'm trying to be nice.

If hotels are going to allow pets, they should make it clear to any potential guests wanting to stay there. That way people can make up their own minds.

What I hate more is this mindset with some travelers on "sneaking". Sneaking pets into hotels or condos that have no pet rules. Sneaking extra guests into hotel rooms even though the hotel states extra guests pay X amount of dollars. Sneaking children into adult areas of pools (as I saw on the Disney Magic). Sneaking into hotel pools period, because you so luuuuuuv the pool area at Hotel Resort but are staying at Hotel Budget with the little pool. Or the case of Maui, where apparently authors of a book tell people it's "okay" to sneak onto other people's property. However, when the hotel tacks on that extra charge, or owners of condos demand payment for cleanup after an animal has been on the propery or people are asked to leave the pool grounds, the people doing the sneaking usually get upset as if "their" rights have been violated.

This soooo drives me crazy. And to hear people agree "yes, that's okay" makes me go into a further tizzy. So while I personally would opt to stay at a hotel where large dogs aren't allowed, the people who do bring their dogs to such establishments are following hotel policies. It's the people who believe hotel policies apply to anyone but THEM that I can't stand.

Now back to my Countdown to Oahu.

Make a special bed in your RV for Fido's trip to the Grand Canyon, and ship Fang on the airplane when you move.

I don't want to be near your animal.

Ryan, you have missed the point. The point is that while you can excuse (or ignore) the disruptions caused to others by your children because you love them, would die for them, and worship them, it is not the same for the rest of the world. Remember the saying "it is different when they are your own". As much as you love your kids, I want to change their diaper about as much as you want to clean up my bird's crap. And dog drool on hotel furniture would bother me the same as a baby's drool. Yuck to both!Children are very rewarding, but so are pets. So how 'bout you open up and tell the pet owner when their pet is annoying you, and they do the same when it comes to your kids? I think that is fair.

Hmmm sweetnothings, My dog was just saying how he doesn't wanna be near you!

Atilla the Hun, then pack your RV and see the world.

End of topic for me. The rest of you have fun.