Pet Talk goes to TEXAS!

[4 feline house]

My son and I were discussing the very same issue that ktreva just brought up. People are bringing their dogs. People want to go to the Big Cat Sanctuary. Guess what, folks, the two are incompatible! So are all the other activities I've seen mentioned so far - Grapeving Mills, Fort Worth Zoo, lunch - I think it's time to decide just what kind of get together this is going to be, because ktreva is right - even if everyone can find a room that allows their dogs, the dogs will not be allowed in the room alone. At best, you will be required to keep it crated. So our activities are going to have to be pet-friendly (which leaves out everything, I guess, except a picnic), or everyone will have to reluctantly be resigned to the fact that this get together is for the Pet Talkers, not the Pets. Sorry to be a wet blanket! Me, personally, well, I already have seen lots and lots of pics of everyones' pets, and heard lots and lots of stories, but the Pet Talkers are all still total mysteries to me! Anyway, just my two cents, by maybe something to think about. I say all this with trepidation because I know some people have already mentioned they won't come without their dogs, and I certainly don't want to exclude them.

[Angels3]

I'm an ocean away Down Under in Australia. But I'll be able to go to Texas in late March...I can drive there by car & stay in a hotel room for $20 per night.

Unfortunately, it's not YOUR Texas but OUR Texas. Texas is the name of a town in my state of Queensland. It's actually in the middle of a wonderful area to visit...& one of the activities is going on a camel safari.
Texas is in the middle of farming & grazing land where everybody travels with an Australian Cattle Dog or a Border Collie or a Kelpie in the back of their ute (pick-up). So I think the hotel-motel would have accommodation for dogs.
Go to: http://seq.worldtourism.com.au/RoyalHotelTexas/
And if I drive 1 hr north along the coast before turning south-west to Texas, I can visit the real home of the Crocodile Man that you see on TV. Don't think I'll take the dogs in there!
But, seriously, I hope you all figure out plans for a wonderful visit to YOUR Texas.
Marie

[aly]

I actually can't think of anyone who is bringing their dog(s) except me. Did I forget someone? (sorry have a bad headache). Anyway, I'd have no problems staying behind during the day activities to babysit my dogs and anyone else's who come. I would be reluctant to leave them alone in a hotel anyway. I would hate for a maid to let them out or something. I shudder just thinking of it. Ugh ugh ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh and as far as the car thing, I will have mine there (its a Camry) which can seat 3-4 other people. Probably 2-3 if the dogs are in there too.

[zippy-kat]

*If* I am able to go, I will more than likely be driving. I have a Sentra & it will seat the same as aly's (approx. 4 passengers). Pet hair is OK if anyone else is traveling with their animals.

(I am a non-smoker for those who have sensitive noses.)

re: the pets--I would love to see everyone's pets but I also realize that it would be nearly impossible to take them to the zoo, etc. Sooo, for those who aren't traveling with pets...

BRING LOTS AND LOTS OF PICS! It's no secret PetTalkers love pics! We could devote an entire afternoon/evening to just sittin' around gettin' to know each other and sharing pics.

IF PICS AREN'T ENOUGH, BRING A VIDEO! Someone could bring a vcr (or we could rent one). Show us the land, your home, your pets, your kids, your neighbor, your neighbor's pets....whatever! Have fun with it!

Spencer I have a video-cam too...anyone else? Hmm...video 'conferencing' anyone?!

[ December 02, 2001: Message edited by: zippy-kat ]

[aly]

I don't want to stop people from doing what they want if I have my dogs with me. I had just thought people would like to see them. Why don't we put it this way: if you bring your pet(s), its understood that you may not be able to do the non-pet friendly events with the group.

If most people don't want me to bring my dogs, then I won't. It will just be awfully hard to spend nights away from them.

[aly]

I'll just go with the flow on what to do

[AvaJoy]

Uh-oh . . . the magic words "vegetarian restaurant" are a temptation, so maybe I can seriously consider making the journey to meet everyone . . . !!

[zippy-kat]

Aly, I would love to meet Reece man and Lolly girl. I know how attached you are to them and I would love for you to bring them. However, I would feel reeeeaaaalllly guilty leaving you behind if we went somewhere. If you brought them and went with to the Cat Sanctuary, would Lolly handle the separation ok? I just want you to know that I support any decision you make--I know you will choose what is right for you and your babies!

[Karen]

Originally posted by aly:
<STRONG>I'll just go with the flow on what to do </STRONG>

We'd love to meet your dogs, but don't let that limit you. How far from where will will be are you? Know anyone who could dog-sit during the afternoon Saturday so you could come to the Big Cat Sanctuary with us?

[aly]

Well I have an ex-boyfriend in that area, but I don't think I want him with my dogs! I live about 3 hours away from Ft. Worth so don't really know too many people there. I could look into some doggy day care businesses. I do know some rescue groups in the area, so maybe they could give me some info on someplace that could dogsit.

I don't want to disrupt any plans and I really wouldn't mind staying behind with them. BUT I would also like to spend time with you guys!

Decisions, decisions.

[sammi]

First off we will be flying (my husband is going with me) so we will rent a car so would have room for 2-3people if they need a ride. I guess I had in my mind that we would spend most of the weekend visiting together and any extra sightseeing would be a bonus. I would like to see some of the main attractions.
If we could get a rough idea who really plans on going - to get a head count. I would think one of the motels would be somewhat more lax re: pets. That would be a really good idea to have a ? comfort room so we would have a place to gather. (like what Spencer suggested). Most places have different rooms you can rent for hospitality & if we had enough people and we each pitched in a few bucks that would cover it. I also read on motel 6 web site that they are somwhat lenient about dogs regarding the weight factor. I am sure we all wouldn't want to see the same things so a few could doggie sit.
and maybe for one meal we could have it delivered or catered. This is just some things I thought about. It is going to be alot of work thats for sure but it will work out!!!!

[ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: sammi ]

[sammi]

Aly, is this about who is intrested at this time to go? This just a rough idea of who MAY go.

Spencer
Sammi +1
Aly
?Logan ?Helen (won't take ya off the list yet)
Zippykat
Karen & Paul
?AvaJoy
Thelmalu
Ibaker
K9Karen
Leah
doggiemom(Angel)
auggie
? jackie
[ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: sammi ]

[ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: sammi ]

[ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: sammi ]

[ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: sammi ]

[auggie]

Gee, I missed so much. Computer down constantly.
Aly, no Problem, I would love to Dogsit. So bring them please. Since I do like to meet everyone, my son and daughter-in-law can keep them during that time. They have four friendly Dogs and a big Yard. I can always go to the cat sanctuary. The Dogs and I could have fun going to the Park.

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Aly, I am LOL, can see the future for you just like me, "I DON'T GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT MY DAISY AND PERRY" HA HA. Our family looks at me like I'm crazy.
I would love to meet all of you and I could get Don to stay with our pups and go with my daughter-in-law but don't know if I could walk into an airplane, and the drive would be too much for me and I would be happy to stay with Aly, no long walking for me, bad hips. Just make your plans, if it sounds feasible I might go. It's a long way off for me so will see what happens.
Jackie

[Logan]

Helen and I put our heads together last night, and looked at the calandar. In January, we are taking a trip with Helen's Challenge Group from school for 4 days to Florida to go to Space Camp. As a chaperone, I have to not only pay for Helen's trip, but mine as well. There's at least$1,000 down the drain, plus time off from work. Then in February, Helen will be a member of the All State Elementary Chorus (a real honor for her), and again a 4 day trip will be required. That's lodging, uniform, food, etc in Charleston, SC, plus two more days off of work.

The more I consider the expenses, and my "dream trip" to Texas, as fun as it would be, I don't see a way for either of us to make this trip in April. I still intend to bring her to Texas, but I need to do it when I can plan out a whole week long trip.

I felt I needed to say something quickly, since I actually saw my name on a list a few posts back, and all along, I have been unsure whether I could make this work.

We will so miss meeting all of you on this trip, but still hope to meet you all at some point or another in the future. I know you will have a wonderful time, as we have had meeting our "cyber" friends on several occasions.

Thanks in advance for understanding my dilemma.
Logan