Our summer vacation

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Ever since Monty came to our family, our vacation planning evolves around the dog. Now with Auggie in the mix, it's double important. I truly have not taken a time off from my dogs ever. I'm just not comfortable boarding the two....it's just too hot outside in summer and I know they both prefer staying inside most of the day in the heat. And then there is this little thing of me missing and worrying about them all the time.

So this summer we've decided to attend the annual Colorado Doodlepalooza in Vail. I knew about the happening for a couple of years, but it wasn't until this summer that we were able to go. And to make the trip worthwhile, we decided to stay for almost a week in the mountains.

The first hurdle was finding a hotel that takes two big dogs. Fortunately, Vail is very dog friendly and we were able to do that. This was Auggie's first trip and I was not sure what to expect. We found a decent dog friendly hotel right in the heard of Vail and both dogs immediately claimed their own bed....the room had two queen size beds... We did not sleep much the first night, since Auggie would listen to and growl at every single door slam in the hotel (while his brother slept through most of the commotion). But once the weekend crowd was gone, it felt like we were the only ones on our floor.

We visited downtown Vail several times so Auggie got a chance to walk through crowds of people. We went to a local dog park that looked more like a dog paradise to me: green grass to run on and a clean pond to swim in. The Doodlepalooza turned out great, there was over 50 doodles there.

The boys had a blast and crashed on the beds immediately after entering the hotel room. Nothing better than lots of exercise in fresh and clean mountain air.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jarka, This looks like a lot of fun. I love watching your boys in action!!

[Jennifer and Jack]

That looks amazing!!!!!!!!! I love the boys! Their personalities really shinned! Miss you!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

That would be fun! We stayed at the Evergreen lodge, but there are many dog friendly hotels in the area. You can look on bringfido.com  We were a bit limited by the fact that we have two big dogs. Some hotels have have a limit of one and/or weight restrictions. We actually left a day earlier (my DH got sunburned), so the hotel will "save" that one night for us for next year.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

I would love to plan a road trip and come next year...  50+ doodles in one place...and the mountains = Heaven!

Where did you stay?  Would love to look into it!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Lynn, did you make it for the romp? I did not see you there.

LOL, Nancy, yes. Their recall is 100% only when treats are involved. Monty is mama's boy so he usually stays near when we are somewhere. Auggie, on the other hand, is the explorer. And he LOVES water.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Jarka, I loved watching the slide show and video. The music you used was perfect. Wow, Vail is beautiful, especially that gorgeous park. I loved watching your guys play.  Auggie really enjoys the water doesn't he? My favorite part is when your dh called both boys and Monty came, but Auggie continued enjoying his wade downstream for a while longer. So typical with multiple dogs - one obeys the command and the other behaves in a more independent fashion (nicer than saying they didn't mind). 

[Lynn D.]

I believe it is held the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of July. This year it was 3rd, but I could have sworn that it was earlier.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Oh Jarka this is awesome and my "dream" vacation!   The slideshow is fantastic and the Doodles are so cute in the water, playing with each other and it is also very beautiful up there!  Thanks so much for sharing and glad you had a great time!  Monty and Auggie looked so happy!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Barbara, yes, it's held every year. I'll keep you posted about the next one.

[DJ & Chance]

Love the slideshow!