Let every dog have its (holi)day
Rounded up four local is lekker pet- and child-friendly vacation spots
WHEN going on holiday, be it a weekend break or the annual getaway, unless you are of the rich and famous type or in desperate need of a marriage fix, you wouldn’t dream of leaving the kids at home – and often, depending on their age, they can stay for free.
But when you want to take both the dogs and the kids, or just the dogs if you are one of an increasing number of people who do not believe in over-populating the world, finding suitable accommodation can be very problematic.
One establishment we approached recently asking if four kilogram “ratweiler” Hobbs could accompany us grudgingly said, yes, as long as our “baby” was kept in a cage. For the whole stay, in case she caused problems for other guests.
Imagine the outrage if, when making a booking, it was suggested that an into everything, troublesome two-year-old be confined to a cage for a four-day stay. Dogs are very much babies to some people – and usually a lot better behaved and far more predictable than the former when it comes to things like projectile vomiting, pooey, smelly nappies and random screams for bottle or breast.
Confronted with the pesky pet problem some establishments resort to the argument that people aren’t allergic to children but lots of humans are allergic to animal hair. The former argument does not always ring true. I, for one, am allergic to children in most of their forms, especially the spoilt ones for whom discipline is a not even half-hearted “don’t do that sweetie, tannie may not like it.” Believe me, tannie doesn’t.
So then there’s costs. “Under two’s stay free” is a frequent draw for families with children. But in our recent search for accommodation yet another establishment demanded an extra R120 a night to accommodate our tiny ratweiler – which they wouldn’t be feeding or cleaning up after. Where’s the justice – or the balance?
Actually it can be found right here in PE. And while many windy city residents would not consider a getaway close to the city, this turns out to be a rather narrow-minded viewpoint.
Taking the local is lekker option, you save on petrol – and PE lives up to its friendly by name and nature reputation as there are quite a few places where both the “skinkids” and the “furkids” are more than welcome.
Featured here are four petand child-friendly venues close to the city.