Relaxing with Bowser

Written by staff writer

Thursday, 08 March 2007

Relaxing with Bowser at the Lazy Dog Inn In today’s dog eat dog world, folks need a place where they can relax and create memories with their four-legged friends.  That’s the philosophy at The Lazy Dog Inn in Chorocua, NH where innkeepers Steve and Lauren Sousa provide traditional New England hospitality in a beautifully restored, historically rich 160 year-old farmhouse.      According to the Travel Industry Association of America, 14 percent of all U.S. adults (29.1 million) say they have traveled with a pet on a trip of 50 miles or more in the past three years.  In spite of these statistics, however, travelers find that truly pet-friendly accommodations are often scarce or less than accommodating.  Vacationing with their own dogs, the Sousas’ lodging experiences ranged from adequate to grim.  Steve states, “We knew we could do it way better, so we began to dream of purchasing a B&B.”  The two wrote their business plan and began to search for the perfect location.  When the companies where he and Lauren worked started to “right size,” a euphemism for laying people off, they chose to “get out of the rat race alive” and purchased the inn in May 2004.     Originally from Rhode Island, the Sousas found everything they were looking for in the Mt. Washington Valley: beautiful terrain, an area rich in history and plenty of activities and events to offer guests.       The inn is nestled on 4 wooded acres on Route 16 in Chocorua.  Mom, Dad and pets of any breed and size stay together in 7 individually decorated guest rooms with clever monikers such as the “Sit and Stay Awhile Suite” and “Rollover Rose,” and dogs are allowed in all common rooms, except the dining room during breakfast, as long as they are with their owners.  The innkeepers have thought of every detail, down to the cleaning supplies in the bathrooms should accidents occur.       Guests can sign their pets up for complimentary doggie daycare at the climate-controlled “Doggie Lodge,” a fenced play area with agility equipment and plenty of room to exercise.  Either Steve or Lauren is always onsite to ensure the safety and security of the animals.  Of course a few restrictions must apply.  Puppies beyond 12 weeks are welcome, but vet papers showing up-to-date vaccinations are required.  To ensure that every dog’s whim is considered, a doggie profile sheet is filled out by the masters.     Not to be left out, the inn’s two-legged visitors are spoiled by the full country breakfast and ample area for relaxation:  the sun porch, in the pergola or around the firepit in the backyard.   Swimming in nearby lakes and rivers or hiking the numerous public trails in Tamworth make for great family activities throughout the year, while many winter guests enjoy the area’s numerous cross-country ski trails.  Future plans even include Pet First Aid and CPR classes at the Inn.     “We want to create a totally hospitable place for those who enjoy traveling with their dogs,” says Steve.  Kristi and her 3 dogs from Connecticut have returned to the inn four times since it opened.  “I am completely pampered. That’s why I keep coming back,” she affirms.     Nightly rates range from $120 to $190, with no additional fee for dogs.  Rates include a full breakfast for Mom and Dad and unlimited doggie treats for Bowser.   Articles by this Author: Learning About Weather Pets Do the Shopping Meeting Needs Through NEADS Inn Decadence Holloway Motor Cars View all articles by this author

Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 March 2007 )

 

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