Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with pet

Dog Barking & Separation Anxiety Issues

cuando — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:52:31 -0800

How do I get my newly adopted 2 year old dog to stop whining & barking when I'm gone at work? A month ago I adopted a 2 year old greyhound. He's a great dog & when we are together he is totally quiet & seemingly content. Oh but he is a clingy hound and does not like it when he is home alone while I am at work.

I've recorded (audio) him and he'll whimper & very occasionally bark for less than a minute every 30-40 minutes. I imagine this is pretty normal for a dog getting who has never been alone getting used to his new environment and that it'll just take time. The catch is that my condo association has sent me a warning & is threatening to take him away if it continues. We've tried a lot of different approaches to help with the transition:

- Crating/Kenneling him
- Leaving friendly warnings to my immediate neighbors with my #
- Leaving the TV/Radio on
- Kongs, Buster Cubes & other treats
- Toys
- Alone training ( increasing his alone time)
- Rescue Remedy
- Long walks & play sessions to tire him out.

Later this week we'll start obedience school which will hopefully help too. He is only alone from 9am to 1pm, then from 2pm to 6pm and while daily doggy day care would be great, it is not economically feasible and besides he should be able to go 4 hours on his own.

Any & all suggestions are very welcome on how to get our pup to be calm & quiet while he's alone. The quicker, the better! I hate being the annoying neighbor with the barking dog. Thanks!

Do tabby stripes grow or do tabbys grow more stripes?

ish__ — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:54:24 -0800

Do tabby cats grow more stripes as they get older, or do their stripes just get bigger? My wife and I have a pair of cats. One is solid black, the other a gray tabby. We've had both since they were very young. We've recently been wondering if the tabby cat has grown more stripes with age, or if the number of stripes are static, and they simply get bigger/expand?

Common sense tells me "both", but does anyone know for sure how it works?

Old pictures are no help - we don't have a good picture of him as a kitten. A couple minutes on google doesn't lead to an answer, but I might not be searching for the right thing.

Where can I find a pet boarding service/dogsitter on a short notice?

pakoothefakoo — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:28:30 -0800

I need to find a dogsitter / pet boarding on a relatively short notice in New York City. Due to my dragging of my feet, most places are already booked. I'm looking for somebody or a place to take care of my doberman/hound mix from December 24th to 26th in the NYC area.

I've been asking friends and co-workers to no avail, so any suggestions?

Do we pay our whole vet bill?

missanissa — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:50:02 -0800

Our dog died at the vets office after surgery, is it reasonable for us to ask for a refund? Nearly 10 year old dog, had foreign objects in his stomach, quit eating due to stomach discomfort. the vet surgically removed it but had to also go into his intestine to get the whole thing out. After surgery we got a call saying he was doing well. The next morning we got a call saying he had died. He developed a hole in his intestines near where they removed the stuff. The vet was sure this was not there when he closed him up.

I realize that this was an old dog and that every surgery has risks. I also realize that the vets time is valuable and he needs to make money to run his business. He also spent 3 days there getting tests and IV fluids and other care that we have already paid for.

My boyfriend paid upfront for this procedure. We will be going back to the vet later this week to pick up his ashes and collar. Are we unreasonable to ask to have some of the (>$1500) surgery bill refunded? Does anyone have any experience with something like this?

Can someone claim ownership of our dog?

dozo — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:04:16 -0800

Missing dog filter: How long does ownership last? My girlfriend's dog recently went missing (we believe stolen) from a dog sitting friend in Colorado Springs, about a week ago. The dog has a collar and microchip implant with current info but no one has contacted us yet. We have peppered the area with missing posters, sent posters to all area vets and reported him missing to the Humane Society, Pet Amber Alert, etc. It would be easy for us to prove ownership of him, that he was stolen/lost and is still being looked for, but time is passing and he is rare, cute and friendly - perfect for anyone to just keep if they were heartless. Is there a statute of limitations on ownership? Is it possible that he will ever legally become the property of someone who has possession of him now? My girlfriend is beside herself and the thought of someone having her awesome dog for good is breaking her heart.

My kitty is the center of the universe

reenum — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:50:20 -0800

My cat is used to getting a lot of attention, but is now left home alone for most of the day. How can I ensure she doesn't feel too lonely? My cat, Rani, is a tough old girl. She's 13 and for most of those years, my mom was home with her and lavished her with tons of attention.

Mom has now moved overseas and I have Rani. I work all day, so Rani's always home alone. When I get home, she's very clingy and wants lots of petting.

Is there something I can do so she stays occupied during the day and doesn't feel so alone? I've tried getting her cat toys, but she doesn't like any of them.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

Is there a good way to "shop around" animal shelters for pet adoption?

olinerd — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 08:59:24 -0800

I'm a potential dog adopter. Is there a responsible way to "shelter-shop", and if so how do I do it? I'm considering adopting a dog. I've done a ton of research on breeds, vets, food, the adoption process once I've found a dog I want, and I'm in discussions with my building management about it (they're okay with me getting a dog, but they are going to get back to me next week about restrictions on size/breed/etc). But I'm a little confused about how to actually go through this.

I had a rescue dog growing up, but he was given to us by a friend who was fostering him, so we never had the "go down to the shelter" experience. I'm looking at petfinder obsessively and I've found a few candidates I'm interested in but they're all in different shelters, and some of these "shelters" are just groups of foster volunteers and not actually a physical location. Pretty much all of them say I have to fill out an adoption application before I ask any questions about or try to see any of the dogs.

Is there still a way I can just go to a shelter and be introduced to some dogs, or are all shelters going to be like this? Will it look irresponsible/uncommitted if a shelter knows I have "applications" in to multiple others? It feels weird filling out an application for a dog I *think* looks like it could be a good match, but the Petfinder description doesn't explicitly discuss the dog's energy level, for example, and I don't want a shelter thinking I'm an idiot for applying for a dog that couldn't handle my apartment.

I may just be a little paranoid, since the adoption applications seem so invasive (home visits? Are you serious?), but I do want to do this right.

(FWIW I'm in Boston and I'm willing to drive a couple of hours to a good shelter, if anyone has recommendations.)

Unidentified Bun Alert

caveat — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:51:37 -0800

I need help identifying the breed of my rabbit! This is Kyo. One ear sticks up, the other lays against her head. She's a bit smaller than my 2 yr old American short hair cat. Only other striking feature is a roll of fat under her neck. I adopted her about 2 years ago from my brother. At the time, he said she was a 'Lion's Mane' rabbit, but I can't find that particular breed anywhere on the internet and she's definitely not a Lion's Head. He can't remember where he got her originally.

Those pictures were taken when he still had her, so she's about twice that size but otherwise the same. The fat roll is more defined now. Her body is long and muscular, but fairly slim. Other than being absurdly adorable, I know nothing about her breed. She's getting up in years and, while she's stayed healthy so far, I want to be aware of any troubles that may come later. So, any ideas?

Getting cat through the Channel

Zinda68 — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:32:11 -0800

What are the chances my cat will be intercepted in the car crossing the Channel? October 1st I will move to London for a year for studies. I would very much like to bring my cat. (He's very dependent on me since he was abandoned when he was only 2 weeks old.)
I've checked DEFRA's PETS regulations and my cat meats all the requirements except one: a blood test that was taken 6 months ago. He's always had all vaccinations, so I'm quiet sure he's not carrying rabiës. Is there a way to get around this? For instance, will the car and luggage be checked for the 35 min. under the Channel?

Please help us help a dog.

prefpara — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:14:41 -0800

A question about a dog. (posting for a friend) My sister is the proud owner of a purebred Newfoundland dog. The dog is now a year old, and has had all its vaccinations, shots, etc. He is walked, brushed, well-cared for, etc. My sister is beginning student teaching, and is recently unemployed.

It turns out that the dog, which she cares for deeply, has a serious hip problem. Dysplasia. His hip bone, basically, doesn't fit in the socket. He's gone lame and is in a lot of pain. The surgery and therapy are expected to cost roughly 10,000 dollars. She does not have this kind of money, and with her student loans, won't for a long time.

The less sensitive members of my family have proposed that this presents an opportunity to put the dog down, since though the dog is very well-behaved, most other members of the family have no love for this pony-sized fluffy monster. For obvious reasons, my sister and I would like to avoid this. Does anyone know of any solutions? A rescue service, a way to fundraise for pets, something?

Two loved kitties have a happy home - can we stay that way?

odi.et.amo — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:32:31 -0800

Feline leukemia: one cat has it, one cat doesn't. Tell me your stories... I've had Whisper for 4 years now. He's so cute and I love him much more than he loves me. About a month and a half ago, I immediately fell in love with and adopted a stray (Gizmo) that a friend found. She's the sweetest, cuddliest little thing, but she's also positive for feline leukemia (tested twice 3 weeks apart). Otherwise, she's perfectly healthy and growing and gaining weight. Whisper's in the process of getting boosters and they're being kept separate for another month and a half.

I've been told (and read stories) that it's rare for a vaccinated adult cat to get the virus. Have you ever had a positive cat live with a negative cat with no repercussions on the negative's health? On the other hand, have you kept a positive cat with a negative cat and found out that the negative cat acquired the virus at some point?

Looking for lots of anecdata here so I can try and figure out what to do. I need cuddly in my life, so I'm hesitant to give up the new sweet kitty to whom I'm already VERY attached if I don't have to.

Husky + natural gas = ?

kiki_s — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 04:12:02 -0800

The gas burner was left on overnight, on a low setting. Should we be concerned about the health of our dog? A family member left a small gas burner on for approximately 6 hours on a low setting. Upon going downstairs, my mother noted that first floor of the house smelled of gas, but not that strongly.

Our dog sleeps in the kitchen of our open concept house. She's a big, fully-grown Siberian husky. She sleeps in a wire cage that’s about 7 feet from the stovetop. The kitchen is open-concept, so the room is about 40ft by 15ft in total. Although I was not present when our pup woke up, family members described her mood as "playful," and happily played soccer outside and went for a walk.

Despite the comforting behaviour of the husky, my little sister is very concerned about the health of the dog. Thus, what are the possible consequences of this event? What symptoms should we look out for, other than diarrhoea and vomiting? When can we be assured that the dog is in good health?

(Going to a vet will be a problem—the people who are the most concerned about the dog have no say in whether the dog should go to a vet).

DC Filter: Obedience class recommendation to improve recall/ "come" command for my bird hunting-obsessed English Setter?

picapica — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:35:37 -0800

DC Filter: Obedience class recommendation to improve recall/ "come" command for my bird hunting-obsessed English Setter? I need a recommendation for a good dog obedience class, and other training classes, near the Capitol Hill area in Washington, DC. I am willing to go into other areas of DC, but I would prefer to avoid going to MD or VA if I can.

My main issue is a recall issue. I have an English Setter bred with very strong hunting instincts, and she will not come when I call her if we are outside. Inside the house, she is well-trained, comes, performs tricks, etc. Even on leash I can get her to behave most of the time, but she requires WAY too much exercise to leave her on-leash all the time. I take her to a fenced-in park, but it takes forever for me to get her back when I want to leave-- she runs so fast! Any help would be very appreciated. Please note: she does not care about treats, even if I were holding a 1/2 lb block of cheese or meat in my hand. Birds are more interesting than anything else in the world to her, so I think this will have to be an obedience thing. Thanks!!

Diabetic cat question

markcmyers — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:47:31 -0800

My diabetic cat has an off-again-on-again pancreas, so his insulin needs vary. I asked my vet about home monitoring using a glucometer. The vet said no one she knows who's tried it with a cat has succeeded. I tried it following this excellent video and found it was a piece of cake. Now we adjust his insulin based on twice-a-day readings, just as humans do (three times a day). I'm considering offering free home-monitoring training to owners of diabetic pets in my community who might benefit from home testing, as a public service. Do you think this would be useful?

Name my buns!

_Mona_ — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 07:49:47 -0800

I have two new dwarf rabbits in my family and I need some naming help from the hive mind. I've been noodling around names for two weeks now and I'm just drawing a blank. "Bunnnnneeeee!" and "bayyyybbbbeeeeeeee bunny!" just isn't cutting it anymore. Details and (killer-cute) pics inside. ~ Boy bun is 10 weeks old and girl bun is 6 weeks old, they're siblings.

~ I don't care for real cutesy names like Thumper or Sweetie, or super-obvious ones like Harvey.

~ I'm generally not a fan of human names for pets but can be swayed for the right one.

~ I tend to prefer two-syllable names but, again, I can be swayed. I doubt I'd go for something really long like Anastasia, however, because that's a real mouthful. Anyway, the buns are never going to get very big so diminutive names are probably best.

~ I've already eliminated things like Waldorf & Statler, Wallace & Grommit, Lilo & Stitch, etc. I'm not against paired names, but it's not necessary. (Anya and Giles are on my list. :-)

~ Younger bun has the most hysterical markings around her mouth. She kinda has a clown / overdone lipstick / Clutch Cargo thing going on and I'd love a name that takes note of that but all I've come up with so far (and discarded) are Mimi (Drew Carey) and Tammy Faye.

Here's a video of Bun Junior and a pic of Bun Senior. Ready? Go!

How prevalent are puppy mills?

isopropyl — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:01:11 -0800

Have any major pets stores (petland, petco, ....) been linked directly to puppy mills? I worked at pet and as a vet tech and the animals came to us so sick and for lack of a better word awkward. Most had yeast infections (presumably from overuse of antibiotics) and/or upper respiratory infections. The pets came in a semi-truck and were unloaded through a tiny door in the back. I confronted the owner and he acted highly offended and told me to worry about the pets current health and not where they came from. If the animals health didn't get any better after a few days they were sent back just as if they were broken commodities. I'm working on a speech to give to a large group at my university so any statistical information or links would be great also.

What's up with our cat?

Anonymous — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:40:19 -0800

Cat gone crazy? If so, what to do? Anon because it's personal

Background: We have two cats, a male short hair named A, and a female long hair, called B. A is older. A&B have grown up together and have never been separated. We've had them for almost a year. We got them from a military guy who had to give them up due to shipping out. He was their only owner before us. They were skittish at first when we brought them home, often hiding and refusing contact. Over time they become affectionate, seeking us, sleeping in the same room, etc, etc. A, the male cat, has adopted our 18 year daughter. B, the female cat has adopted my wife. I drift between the two. Both cats were fixed long before we got them.

We are three humans, a married couple with an 18 year old daughter who's room is on the second story. A, the male cat, spends much of his time up there with her, though he'll come down to eat, go the bathroom and hang out with B, the female cat and us for a while before going back upstairs. B, the female cat, never goes upstairs. She stays downstairs, choosing to hang out in certain spots for a couple of weeks (our bedroom, a chair in the living room, the dining room table) before moving to a new spot.

About a week ago, our daughter left for the summer to visit other relatives. A, the male cat who had adopted her and spent most of his time upstairs, has come downstairs and though obviously sad, has stayed downstairs for the company. B, the female cat, has kept up her usual personality, hanging out with "her brother" and just generally being herself.

Until four days ago. When we came home, she was nowhere to be found, when usually she's somewhere visible and greets us when we get home, with either meows and/or following us around. She didn't seek us out all and never showed up anywhere. By the second day, after looking around I realized she was upstairs, hanging out in the bathroom. She NEVER goes upstairs, it's unheard of. Now she's refusing to come downstairs at all, seemingly even to eat or go to the bathroom. I left a small dish of food for her in the bathroom and she's barely touched it. She's alert and appears interested when I wave string in front of her (a favorite game). She's ok with being petted, but if you try to pick her up or some such, she'll move away. This morning she's started peeing on the bathroom floor, without a litter box. The upstairs does not have have AC, so it's stifling hot up there, especially for a long hair cat.

We had another female cat (different breed), who seemed to do something similar. That previous cat, C (also fixed), was content to stay indoors until at some point she eventually decided going outdoors was the thing to do and from then on she stayed outdoors. One day we found her dead by the side of the house, for no apparent reason. She was from the pound and had a common disease from cats get in the pound (which I can't recall at the moment), which we think killed her.

To sum things up:

1. Everything was fine up till four days ago.

2. Now normally affectionate and healthy eating cat is shunning contact and not eating much.

3. She is fixed.

4. She stays in the un-air conditioned upstairs, in a bathroom, drinking from the toilet, eating little and has taken to peeing in the bathroom where she's staying, though she isn't sitting in the urine and is in fact as far from it as possible.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions for what's going with this cat?

Who's dog is it?

Anonymous — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:09:33 -0800

Does anyone know Canadian laws on dog ownership post-relationship breakup? My girlfriend and I recently broke up after a few years. We did not live together and our dog has always lived with me. I (and I alone) have always taken the dog to work each day, bought her food, taken her to the vet, etc. The ex's spite is overtaking her judgement of what is best for the dog. We have shared 'custody' whereby I have the dog all week and I drop her off on weekends to live with the ex.

I don't particularly enjoy the set up as it means the ex and I still have to interact, but I feel her relationship with the dog is important for the dog.

Having said all that, when we initially got her, the ex was put down as the 'owner' and the dog is registered to her. She has recently made some veiled threats and I am concerned she is considering not returning the dog to me one of these weekends. This kills me not only because of what I'd be losing, but the fact that she'd be crated all day while the ex is at work.

Does anyone know what recourse I have should this occur?

Can we smuggle this little guy on the plane

metahawk — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:11:39 -0800

My niece is coming to stay with us for several months and wants to bring her pet rat (think small, cute mouse (picture here) but friendlier). None of the airlines seem to allow rodents in the cabin. What's the best way to get her pet cross country (NC to CA)? Can she smuggle it on board in her carryon? As far we can tell none of the airlines will allow her to bring a rodent in the cabin (even in a crate with an escape-proof cover.) As far as i know, Continental is the only one who would allow her pet in checked luggage but that doesn't seem too safe for travelling in August.

It is tempting to just smuggle the rat on board since she fits nicely in a carryon. I'm thinking maybe she could put the rat in her plastic mouseball for going through security (so they can see there is nothing hidden) and then after security, tuck the rat back into her cage and the cage in its cover. Anyone ever try this? Probability of success? Consequences? Better suggestions?

Please don't cook your dog.

arcticseal — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:40:13 -0800

What's the recommended action to take and agencies to contact when faced with an animal stuck in a locked car in 100 deg heat? I've just had a confrontation in my supermarket car park with an irresponsible dog owner who had locked his dog in his car whilst he went shopping for groceries.
Luckily he turned up while I was talking to the security guard about the best action to take. His immediate concern was if he was going to get a ticket, not the health of his pet or the questionable decision of leaving a dog in a car in Texas in the summer. Unfortunately he drove off before I thought to get his licence plate and report him. Needless to say I'm disturbed that there are owners like that out there.

What does MeFi recommend as the best course of action to take should I witness this again? I've previously called the fire department for a neighbour's child in a locked car when he hit the locks while the mother was outside (under cover and in the Spring) and they were marvelous, but what's the protocol for animals?

Help me keep my cat

Niomi — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:29:02 -0800

My husband has given me a deadline of two weeks to keep our cat from waking us up at night. If I can't change her or find a home for her he will insist on giving her to a shelter. (alternatively, if you live near Ft. Wayne In and would like to adopt the cat) Our animal control shelter kills animals and no-kill shelters in the area are not taking more animals.

She cries at night and wakes us up. I sleep through it easily and have not considered it to be a big deal but last night my husband got frustrated and decided that she must leave. On the revelation that no one we know wants her and all the no kill shelters are full, he has given me two weeks to stop the behavior or she'll go to animal control.

We've had her for a year, she's now three years old. We have tried ignoring her: I think in part she meows just to entertain herself. We've tried punishing her by spraying her with water (she doesn't mind a little water) and completely dousing her in the shower (she may or may not settle down for one night, but starts the next night, and getting up multiple times a night to douse her is more disturbing than her behavior). Plus punishment is a possible issue if she's happier to get negative attention than to be ignored.

I am considering getting her a shock collar for small dogs. I want to know if this will harm her physically in any way, she is a smallish cat and weighs 8 pounds. I would normally not consider this a humane treatment at all. I feel like this is a last resort to save her life.

I love this cat, please help me help her.

I want to play with your octopus (literally)

Cambrian_Sea — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:25:17 -0800

I am a biology student at the University of Utah specializing in animal behavior, and I have a particular interest in cephalopods (squid, octopi, cuttlefish.) Everything I know about them is from reading, and I would love to have the opportunity to observe one in real life, and perhaps even interact with it if that would be possible. Does anyone in the Salt Lake area have a pet octopus or know of one that I might be able to meet?

Should I get a dog?

Elfasi — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:24:39 -0800

Help me find consensus from the hive mind. I have been wanting and preparing and planning to get my very own dog, my first dog, for years. However the question that keeps raising its head, is should I, given my personal circumstances? This question has been asked in several guises on askmefi and while I've welcomed the advice, none of the scenarios people have laid out have corresponded that closely to my own circumstances. So here are the facts of my situation:

I live in the UK in a 2 bedroom mid-terraced house with a garden and (not very high) fence overlooked on all sides by other gardens and houses.
I am out of the house from approximately 9am to 1pm, 2pm to 5:45pm, Monday to Friday, and my single housemate is out all day (ie I'm 4 hrs maximum out of the house)
I work 2 miles from home and can get back there in approximately 10 minutes.
While this would be my first dog, I'm of course seeking any and all advice to help me perform this undertaking to the best of my abilities.
I have a general size in mind, labrador, but other than that am willing to consider whichever breed or individual is best suited to my personal circumstances.
I intend to take on either an adult rescue dog or seek a private ad for an adult dog requiring re-homing.
I intend taking dog to any and all training to help me and the dog learn how to behave.
I'm prepared to go the crate training route if that helps.
The dog will be walked before work, lunchtime, after work and on weekends, I'm thinking 1-2 hrs per day.

Some caveats. I rent and my current landlord doesn't allow pets, which means either in the future I manage to convince her otherwise, or I move to somewhere that does (I realise this is not easy). The point being, if I have to move to get a dog, I will move, and will pick a place as well suited to dogs as I can, and also a similar distance from work. I consider the coming home to lunch, non-negotiable and will definitely be living in a location where that is possible, will arrange for a paid dog walker if at any time I can't get away. I'll do whatever it takes to get good at looking after a dog, this is not a hasty ill thought out decision, I moved jobs so I could be close enough to home to make the lunchtime dog deal possible. I'm aware of the great costs and responsibilities the decision to get a dog involves, having experienced some of it vicariously through various dog owning friends.

Without fail though, whenever I explain my circumstances and my plans to people, they'll give me a huge range of answers, ranging from 'Wow, most people in your position just get a dog without even thinking about it, just do it.', to 'I can't believe how cruel you are for even thinking about getting any dog. It's always wrong to have a dog unless you're home all day.' So what is the consensus? Given dog will not be left alone more than 4 hours, I'm open to the best breed for me (given my size range), and will quite likely be changing my home to one as most dog suitable as I can, is it right and fair and responsible for me to get a dog?

What would your dog recommend?

miss lynnster — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 15:28:52 -0800

Never bought a dog carrier but I need one now. Recommendations? My pup is beginning a new career as an office dog. I want to take the Metro to work sometimes and apparently I can bring her on the train if she's in a carrier. I know she'll probably hate it, but she'll hate sitting home by herself more. I hear the Sherpa bags are good, but I haven't tried shoving her into any yet. Here's what I'm looking for:

* Should be airline approved, just in case I ever want to fly with her.
* Should be lightweight when she's not in it, because I'll be carrying it with me when I'm walking to work.
* My dog is only 15 pounds or so but 'cuz of her wiener dog blood she's just a bit under 2' long from head to butt. She's also got longer legs than a pure dachshund. She's weirdly proportioned so I'm not sure what sizes/carriers to focus on.
*Hopefully well made, not ugly, and comfortable for both of us (her to be in and me to carry) but not necessarily cost an arm and a leg.

dog accomodations

Palmerpoodles — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:16:21 -0800

I will be driving from Rochester NY to Steamboat Colorado with my two dogs. I'll be looking for dog friendly accomodations. Any unique or special locations I should shoot for? Thanks I know lots of the chain motels now allow dogs but I'm wondring if anyone knows of a ranch, or farm or unusual spot that would make the drive more fun.