Pet Friendly Hotels in West Texas

Pet Friendly Road Trip from New Mexico to Texas

The first stop on our recent trip from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico to our final destination of Austin, Texas was an overnight stay at pet friendly Candlewood Suites in Fort Stockton, Texas.

General Manager, Paul Amayo (Dad to albino German Shepard, Chloe), is passionate about his pet friendly property and "aims to exceed expectations."

A dish of dog biscuits is the way to say welcome to canine guests

Sons of Anarchy Fan

Yes, I am truly a huge fan of the FX show, Sons of Anarchy.  Now in its 5th season, Mom and I have marathon Anarchy viewing binges on Netflix.

I've been very fortunate to have New Mexico multi-media artist, Scott Lloyd design this denim jacket for my next celebrity motorcycle charity ride.

Love the butterfly skull patch!!

Homemade Healthy Dog Biscuits

Homemade Dog Treats

Mom found a great recipe for healthy homemade dog biscuits.

Nothing says love more than dog treats right out of the oven.  Of course, a pup has to be a little patient and wait for them to cool down— and that's not easy.

Mom substituted honey for molasses and added brewers yeast and ground flaxseed (a tablespoon of each).

Check out the recipe:  Maggie's Pumpkin Dog Cookie Recipe

2013 Oscar Nominee for Best Animated Short Film

The Golden Collar Award-2012

Last year's Oscar nominated films featured canine actors, Uggie (The Artist) and Blackie (Hugo).  I was thrilled to have attended the first annual Golden Collar Awards and hung out backstage with the illustrious canine actors and even got a few acting tips!

This year's Oscar nominated movies are sadly missing furry thespians, however there is a lot of media buzz about Adam and Dog.  Nominated for best animated short film, it is the biblical story of Paradise retold through the eyes of man’s best friend.  Adam meets dog and all is well until Adam meets Eve, at which point, Adam and Dog’s relationship becomes complicated.

Can't wait to see this one and I'll be crossing my paws that Director, Minku Lee goes home with the golden Oscar statute, although the Golden Collar award really looks a lot better-don't you agree?

Check out Adam and Dog:

Free Valentine's Day Pet Photo Frames

I have a "not so secret admirer"—a hunky English Bulldog named Blue.  His human Dad, Patrick Hendricks is the Food and Beverage Director for the awesome pet friendly Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces, in New Mexico.

Check out the before and scroll down for the after photo.  Mom found a great website where you can create a special Valentine's Day photo frame—to download or create a jpeg (as we did) and post on Facebook!

HP free photo frame downloads

Here is regular photo-of course cute, but needs a little spiffing up.

Blue Hendricks wants the world to know how he feels.

Celebrate Valentine's Day With Your Pet

Phoebe Rose, large and lovely celebrity pug always gets pretty darn excited around Valentines Day.

This year Ms. Rose would like to make a few suggestions to show your furry family member that you really do care!

How about an overnight stay at a luxury pet friendly hotel?  We just stayed at Hotel Encanto in Las Cruces, New Mexico.  Hotel Encanto is a full access pet friendly destination—great traditional New Mexico food, attractively decorated in the Spanish Colonial style, great service and a nice gift bag for your pooch (doggie treats are so appreciated-but there never seem to be enough).

Staying home?  Okay, how about cuddling on the couch and renting a couple of dog centric movies.  My favs are Hotel for Dogs (even Mom thought this was funny) and Hachi: A Dog's Tale.  

Of course, Valentine's Day dog treats are a great way of saying "I love you." Store bought are okay, but fresh out of the oven will really impress your four legged valentine: Recipes for homemade dog treats

A new collar and leash or Valentine's Day outfit is sure to be appreciated.  Fashion forward males might like a doggie tie.  Check out Etsy for some great canine accessories!

Santa Fe Independent Film Festival

Phoebe Rose attended the 13th Annual Santa Fe Independent Film Festival "Dream Awake", held on December 6-9, 2012.  Great documentaries, independent films and panel discussions— actors, directors, film buffs were in attendance, networking, schmoozing, and attending opening and closing parties.

Internationally acclaimed  films were shown at different venues in town.  Our favorites were the documentaries, Hitler's Children and A.K.A. Doc Pomus and the FDR film, Hyde Park on Hudson with Bill Murray and Laura Linney.  On the Road, the long awaited Kerouac novel finally brought to the screen, was a disappointment.

The festival was hosted by Hotel Santa Fe-pet friendly and highly recommended.  We dined in the
lobby bar area of the hotel restaurant Amayo (pets welcome!) enjoying the great Santa Fe Native American warmth and ambience (the only hotel that is Native American owned) and delicious prix fixe menu. Complimentary parking, WIFI, airport shuttle and dog walking!

 Phoebe Rose enjoying the lobby of Hotel Santa Fe

Cloris Leachman meets Phoebe Rose, Celebrity Pug

Soaring temperatures couldn't keep canine correspondent, Phoebe Rose from missing the press junket for the new kid's movie, The Oogieloves, starring veteran actress and animal rights advocate and Peta poster girl, Cloris Leachman.  

Ms. Leachman (86 years young!) travels with her Shitzu, Peony and most recently advocated for citizens' rights to document animal cruelty.

Phoebe Rose sat in on the "round table" discussion with Ms. Leachman, Oogieloves producer Kenn Viselman and members of the press - making kissy face with the star of Fox's comedy "Raising
Hope" and enjoying the luxe pet friendly vibe of the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.

A very classy event-custom catered-the mini gourmet hamburgers were a mega hit with this rover reporter.

                                            Oogieloves Producer, Kenn Viselman and Mom, Barbara

HSUS No-Fur Campaign

Phoebe Rose is thrilled to have been selected to participate in the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) No-Fur Pin Campaign.

Miss Rose is a strong supporter of the No-Fur Campaign and cautions all fashionistas, designers and divas to beware: "Fur makes you look fat!"

The Hollywood HSUS is sponsoring a glittering fashion fundraiser (to be held at a private mansion in Los Angeles) featuring exciting cutting edge men's and women's fashions for Fall 2012.

This "born not bought" furry fashionista will be covering the Red Carpet VIP evening - so check back for all the details.




                                        HSUS-Hollywood

SAVE THE DATE!

H-Couture 2012  the future of fashion

Saturday, September 22nd  Los Angeles

                                        http://www.humanesociety.org/h-couture

Homeless Pets are Victims of Foreclosures

Phoebe Rose, celebrity pug has been barking out about the rise in foreclosures causing animal shelters to be overcrowded and unnecessary euthanizing of abandoned pets.

The Huffington Post and MSNBS news spotlighted this important issue today.
The banks continue to disregard government guidelines after receiving billions in (taxpayer) bailouts.
Check out the links to the article and video:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com
.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news5

Austin Pets Alive! Shelter Opens Maternity Ward

New Mom, Philly and pups in Maternity Ward at Austin Pets Alive!

Celebrity Pug, Phoebe Rose took the opportunity while still visiting Austin, Texas, to peek in at the newborn Collie-mix pups and their Mom, Philly, at Austin Pets Alive! (APA) Maternity Ward.

APA’s website explains that “The idea for a maternity ward came from the need to be able to immediately save a pregnant mom or mommy dog and her babies at a moment’s notice.”

Operations Manager, Faith Wright, a former paralegal and APA volunteer, gave us a warm welcome and tour of The Maternity Ward, sponsored by a private donation of $1500 that led to the conversion of one of the former administrative offices into two condo-style runs prioritizing safety and privacy.

The softly lit space is kept calm and den-like with background music to drown out some of the unavoidable shelter sounds and get the animals used to noises, explained Faith.

The air-conditioned space also has its own stash of supplies to keep these families comfortable while they wait for foster.

Phoebe Rose peeks in on new Mom, Philly in Maternity Ward

Ms. Wright explained that solely volunteers run the Foster Program, as no funding is available.  “There can be up to 300 dogs in foster homes on a given day,” she said. 

At least 60 dogs were "saved" in the last 7 days by APA, according to Ms. Wright, a canine Mom to 6 pups, who regularly takes home bottle babies for their 2 hour round the clock feedings.

The Staff check on Mom and babies 4X daily, provide dry and wet food at all times and ensure that the ward is scrupulously cleaned.

Philly (still very shy and withdrawn) had given birth in an Austin shelter prior to being rescued by APA - 48 hours from being euthanized.  The pups were quietly nursing as Philly rested in a plastic swimming pool that accommodates her babies-6 girls and 1 boy, while waiting for a foster home.   

We joined  Ms. Wright in her office - to watch the bottle feeding (and burping) of 2-week-old puppies. Their Mom had died the day before and they were abandoned at a shelter in Bastrop.

For more information:

www.austinpetsalive.org

Fourth of July in Austin, Texas

Wow!  Celebrating the Fourth of July in Austin, Texas is fantastic!  Talk about a down home feeling and hospitality-I was even invited to join a local neighborhood parade in Barton Springs.

Lots of good ol' Texas barbecue on my agenda for today.  I'll let the other pups play with the frisbees....I'm saving my energy for some Olympic sized chowing down.

Have a safe and happy Fourth!!!!
Love & Licks,
Phoebe R.

Canine Caution for Fourth of July

Phoebe Rose advises canine caution for Fourth of July

The Fourth of July means food, fun and fireworks.  Phoebe Rose is down with the food (Texas barbecue-yeah!) and fun but not a big fan of fireworks. 

As she is a little hearing impaired (unless she is being called for dinner)-fireworks don't normally traumatize the plucky pug but most canines need to be supervised and in a controlled environment.

Here are a few tips to make the celebration fun for all:

Make sure your pets are in a secure area with water (the fenced backyard is probably not as secure as you think, especially with a scared dog).   Animal shelters report a record number of animals turned into shelters.

Find a relatively quiet  "safe zone" (a closet or back bedroom) and make comfy with bedding.

Turn on the TV or music (classical is soothing) to try to mask sounds from outdoors. 

Give your dog a Kong or food puzzle to focus on.

Turn on some lights (it’s scarier in the dark).

Set up a crate or pillows within the secured room.

Happy Fourth and save some barbecue for your furry pal.

Celebrity Pug Meets Tory Spelling at LA Times Festival of Books

The 17th Annual Festival of Books,held at the USC campus, attracted over 140,000 book loving Angelenos (and canines) including Phoebe Rose, a pooch with a penchant for good literature. 

                                                       

The Festival of Books , "A celebration of the written word" is a free public event including author events, storytelling, cooking demonstrations and poetry readings with nearly 300 exhibitor booths representing booksellers, publishers, literacy and cultural organizations. 

Canine expert, Warren Eckstein host of the nationally syndicated "The Pet Show",was "spotted" broadcasting live - but took a moment to pose with pal, Phoebe, who first met Warren at the Blessing of the Animals last summer.

                                       

Devoted animal lover and Pug fan, Tory Spelling (pregnant and glowing) appeared on the LA Times stage to answer questions about her new book "CelebraTori: Unleashing Your Inner Party Planner to Entertain Friends and Family" and gave Phoebe a few tips on showing her best side to the camera

Actress/author, Tory Spelling and Phoebe Rose

Actor, John Cusack drew large crowds to his Q & A for upcoming film, The Raven.

Television personality, Riki Lake, Mom to 2 furry babies (both of whom are scheduled to appear on her new talk show) signed autographs and touted "Never say never:finding a life that fits." Vegan, Marilu Henner, "Total Memory Makeover", Sugar Ray Leonard, author of “The Big Fight: My Life In and Out of the Ring, and Jeff Kinney popular author of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" (the plight of a middle school "underdog") were on hand. Kinney recalled his first book signing in LA 5 years ago-where one young fan showed up. He was "very happy" to address the huge crowd of devoted "Wimpy Kid" followers.

 A host of other literary celebs included: Actress Molly Shannon who gave a wildly exhuberant reading of her first book "Tilly the Trickster", Florence Henderson, promoted her "Life is not a Stage" tell all and iconic juvenile author Judy Blume, celebrity chef,Michael Voltaggio, author of “VOLT ink,” and  Dancing with the Stars pro, Cheryl Burke, “Dancing Lessons: How I Found Passion and Potential on the Dance Floor and in Life."

                                                       

Resting her paws in a Trojan Chariot pedicab.

Kimpton Hotels sponsoring pet photo contest!

I love the pet friendly Kimpton Hotels-as a matter of fact, we just stayed at the Kimpton, Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco and it was "pawfect."

Check out my recent review on Dogtipper: Sir Francis Drake Hotel

Now, I usually don't enter contests (unless the prize is food)-but since the prize is accommodations at a Kimpton hotel-well, I had to make an exception.

Here is my photo...do you think the hawaiian bathing suit makes me look fat?

Even if I do look a little fluffy-please vote for me anyway!  I know it takes time to look through all the other cute pet photos till you find mine and there might be temptation to vote for another pooch-but I'm counting on your support!
Here is the link:http://www.kimptonhotelpetphotocontest

Bunny enjoys Easter brunch

Phoebe Rose invited her friend- dwarf bunny, Gwendolyn, to share some healthy veggies and relax in her princess tent.

Hopping around and delivering all those baskets of chocolate eggs can be quite exhausting.

Its nice to relax in a special Princess Castle tent

A good hostess lets her guest have the first nibble.

A polite guest invites her host to join in.

Food tastes better when shared with a friend

True friendship needs no words.



Happy Easter from Phoebe Rose & Gwendolyn!

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Host Benefit

 Dana Wilkey, entrepreneur and "self made" success story (also the event planner who threw the $60,000 fourth birthday party bash for Taylor Armstrong's daughter) and her BFF, Taylor Armstrong of BRAVO'S The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills hosted a spectacular benefit in support of 1736 Family Crisis Center. this life-saving organization.

Dana Wilkey hosts Benefit

Since 1972, 1736 Family Crisis Center has been accessible and ready to help kids and families permanently escape the worst possible conditions of poverty and violence 24/ 7. 

The lights were shining on this recent Saturday evening high above the Hollywood Hills at Dana Wilkey's 16,000 square foot mansion. Guests were shuttled by Lexanimotorcars www.lexanimotorcars.com, to the “Real Housewife’s dramatic home, transformed for the evening with home designer Cindy Rocker of Diva Rocker Glam www.divarockerglam.com.

Philipe Chow Chinese cuisine www.philippechow.com/ was served to guests along with CIROC Vodka designer cocktails.

Guests were gifted with an exquisite candle by Milena's Boutique http://milenasboutique.com and saving the BEST for last Sweet E's www.sweetesbakeshop.com for desert!  

Musical performances by X Factor Drew Ryniewicz and American Idol finalists and stars of the musical HAIR Diana Degarmo & Ace Young topped off the evening and proceeds of a stellar silent auction (including a $10,000 diamond facial) would go to the 1736 Family Crisis Center.

Real Housewife,Adrienne Maloof greets Phoebe Rose

Yes, a "Diva" pillow says it all.

Taylor Armstrong looking demurely sexy at event

Phoebe Rose "air kissing" guest

$10,000 ruby and diamond facial at silent auction

Silent auction item-Miley Cyrus signed guitar

Taylor Armstrong of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills has created a bracelet with ZenJewelz by ZenJen to help empower women to speak out against domestic violence.  A portion of the proceeds of this bracelet will go towards funding 1736 Family Crisis Center.  This bracelet can be purchased at zenjewelz.com  

In Taylor Armstrong’s New York Times best selling book” Hiding from Reality"  (a saga of personal and family abuse), the author said - "I wrote the book to show victims a way forward and the courage to take the first steps out of their own nightmares. For forty years this organization has been providing cutting-edge shelter and community service center-based programs to help traumatized individuals and families turn their lives around. "Hiding from Reality" is doing its job: to take domestic abuse out of the shadows and shine the light of awareness on this national tragedy.”

Twilight star Michael Welch partners with The Thirst Project

“Twilight Saga” movie series’ star Michael Welch has partnered with The Thirst Project-a grass roots organization to help provide people in developing countries with clean water. 

Michael Welch

The Thirst Project is a growing movement aimed at building fresh water wells in communities suffering from the global water crisis.  Started by college students the Thirst Project now reaches out to colleges and high schools to educate their students on the nearly 1 billion people who still do not have access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation. 

Phoebe Rose joined Michael Welch and guests at “Cocktails For A Cause” held at the retro glamour inspired Rubix Hollywood apartments.

Located in the heart of the recently gentrified old school Hollywood-steps from Hollywood Boulevard- this luxury apartment community combines Hollywood Regency glamour with a colorful, modern edge, green design, a full complement of amenities (pet friendly of course) and community living.

Phoebe Rose in lobby of Rubix Hollywood Apartments

Display for The Thirst Project

Seth Maxwell - Founder of The Thirst Project

Michael -"Dad" to two rescue pups, joined the Thirst Project over a year ago and will be volunteering his time to accompany outreach staff on their classrooms visits. 

Seth Maxwell, founded the project at the age of 19-enlisting the help of 6 friends and with a budget of $70.  In less than 3 years, Thirst Project members have reached over 500,000 students and in turn raised $1.3 mil.  

This money has provided 50,000 people with drinkable water.  In these communities, disease, child mortality, AIDS, etc. drop dramatically thanks to the clean water wells.

www.thirstproject.org