Staycations For Dogs

August 27, 2020

If you’re a dog lover, then duh, you know every single day is National Dog Day. But, since today is officially the declared holiday, we’re highlighting some fun ways to celebrate our best friends. From the looks of social media, many of you now have a pandemic puppy to shower with love — and let’s be honest — we owe our dogs BIG for being our emotional support during the lockdown. For those who want to social distance, but still mingle from afar with other dog lovers (wearing masks, of course), celebrate National Dog Day at The Lincoln Eatery in South Beach with an outdoor yappy hour today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Humans can sip specially priced cocktails by La Esquina de Tony, while dogs nosh on chicken jerky from farm-to-table sandwich shop Necessary Purveyor. XO Espresso Bar is also serving complimentary puppuccinos to dogs whose owners order a coffee. Pick up cute dog swag from pop-up shops like Boho Pups. If you’re running out of places to walk your dog (yes, your neighbors are tired of seeing you walk by every hour), enjoy an al fresco dog date on Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 at Fairchair Tropical Botanic Gardens.Through September, you can stroll the stunning gardens — think 83-acres of social distancing — with your (leashed) pup and then enjoy yappy hour at the Glasshouse Cafe. Pups get complimentary water and treats, and humans can opt for cafe snacks and specially priced adult beverages. Watching the sun set together in those lush gardens – you’ll forget that he chewed up your favorites shoes! Admission is $12 for adults.

Not into happy hours with others? Pop some bubbly and toast to your best bud while sheltering in place at the W Fort Lauderdale. The oceanfront hotel has rolled out the “Dogs Are a Girl’s Best Friend” staycation package which includes a bottle of Pet Winery’s Dog Pawrignon Champagne or Rose (yes, that’s a real and fabulous thing) and Barking Bacon doggie ice cream for the pups, along with a bottle of Prosecco and sweat treats for humans. The package starts at $249 a night and is available through December 31, 2020. Use the code HOTPAWS.

Head to Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s relaxing Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa in Vero Beach where the hotel is offering a “Humans Stay Free” package. Get it? Dogs are welcomed with toys and food and water bowls; the no-kibble fans can indulge in a pet menu; and at night, they’ll snuggle up in a plush doggie bed that comes with a nightly turndown amenity (a bone-shaped treat). The most glamourous part: dogs receive a beachside massage. Rates start at $184 per night – no charge for humans. And, if you want some inspiration on what this dog vacation looks like, check out this cute video the resort made. The Confidante Miami Beach has a strong new pet program, and furry guests are greeted with a Confidante dog tag and take-home gift of a pop-up water bowl and baggie dispenser. Paw-some amenities include the use of a faux fur, memory-foam pet bed by Paw.com during their stay. When it gets too hot, head to The Backyard, the hotel’s pool and outdoor lounge area, for all-natural “pup-sicles” made with peanut butter and watermelon flavors from Cielito Artisan Pops. When locals book any of the hotel’s drive-in packages, pet fees are waived. If you’re one of those people pulling out your designer clothes to prance around alone in the living room or to cheers with friends on a Zoom happy hour, we see you. Your dog is probably just as stylish. Enter Brodys Bandanas, a bandana company for well-dressed pups started by South Florida resident Poppy Mongkolsin, when she couldn’t find a bandana for her dog Brody to wear on St. Patty’s Day. “The material we use is like no other,” says Mongkolsin. “I personally love how stretchy and soft our material is. It’s very lightweight, and it won’t bother your dog’s neck or make them hot.” The Fort Lauderdale designer creates her own prints — you’ll find every trendy theme and holiday print imaginable — and collaborates with artists to make new designs. Pet owners can also twin with their dogs with matching masks. Find the adorable bandanas on Etsy, follow them on Instagram,  and they also offer local pick up in Fort Lauderdale.

Say the word “treat” in my house, and my stubborn beagle who pretends that he never hears me is miraculously freed of his burden. Since it’s a dog holiday, your pet needs ALL the treats. Try Pup and Pantry, a new handcrafted treat line by Miami social media maven Aubrey Swanson, who first created the soft and chewy goodies for her beloved rescue dog Rebel. The treats are crafted in Miami Shores with all-natural ingredients using house-milled flour inspired by Steve Santana, Rebel’s dog dad and Taquiza chef whose famous tortillas are made of stone-ground corn. The treats are free of known pet allergies like corn, wheat, and soy, and currently there are six different flavors including one spiked with CBD for those nervous or aging pups with joint problems. Prices start at $12.

Remember, loving and caring for a dog is cool all year round. See you on the leash!

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