Remember the Alamo... doesn't allow dogs.

[BettyAnn, Holmes & Lucy]

I've had family in town this week so I've had to tone my doodle obsession waaaaaay down because they are not dog people. Don't get me wrong, they like Holmes alright, but they're just not into him like I am, of course! So I'm not constantly talking about my doodle even though he is constantly on my mind and I'm not here on DK because I'm busy playing hostess and we're out sight seeing.

Today we took a day trip to San Antonio. It was the first time for any of us to go there and we planned on hitting the Alamo, the Riverwalk, and grabbing an early dinner. This is the first time the dog was a 'problem.' I didn't know what to do with Holmes because we were planning on being gone for over 5 hours and wanted the freedom to to be flexible. He's usually kenneled only 3 hours a day when I need to run out so I wasn't comfortable leaving him locked up for so long. I'm new to my town (and state) so the few friends I've made were all busy today or out of town, therefore no dog-sitters. And that's how Holmes got to see San Antonio too.

Holmes is 13 weeks old and his last set of vaccinations isn't until next month. His world has been limited to our house, yard, bus stop & elementary school. Boy did he get a bunch of new experiences today! City traffic, people, birds & ducks, mariachis... so many new sights & smells! And I have to say I am so proud of how he did :) yeah, I'm bragging! LOL  He didn't bark at any of the other dogs or any of the people- yay. And for the most part he stuck with me. He did have 1 accident in the parking lot, but that was quickly cleaned up.

Took us almost 2 hours to get there. No problem with the car ride since he's used to those. Finally get out of the car and Holmes, and the kids, are super excited to get OUT of the car. Holmes was like a furry ball of excited energy! I had to constantly stop and have him sit to try and stop pulling on the leash OR hurry him up so he didn't sniff all the outdoor eaters! It was a beautiful day, slightly cloudy and 80 degrees- SO really crowded! Have you ever been to the San Antonio Riverwalk? Really nice, but not lots of space when it's so crowded. Eventually made it through the Riverwalk alright, shopping along the way, well not me, I stayed outside with the dog- but that's ok. We had fun people watching, or in Holmes' case: people-sniffing, actually everything-sniffing!  ;)

Made our way over to the Alamo and I was informed by the guard there that dogs are not allowed inside. Luckily there was a pleasant shady area right there to sit and wait. The line was long anyway and I was a bit lazy to wait in it, plus it wasn't shaded. My husband and I waited while my family got in line. By then my allergies were out of control and I had no meds on me, of course, so I took a short walk to the pharmacy nearby leaving Holmes with my husband. The whole time I was worried because my husband spends vey little time with Holmes and I just wanted to hurry up and get back. But I shouldn't have worried, Holmes was so over stimulated by then that he was happy to get some time just to lay down and relax!

There is an absolutely beautiful and perfect patch of green, green grass that's roped off right in front of the Alamo. I think that was the only grass we saw all day. Holmes REALLY wanted to go on that grass :) And I really kept him away from it! LOL Tons of tourists taking pics in front and lots of cops walking around. I could easily imagine Holmes doing what comes natural in that grass-- either tearing it up and eating it or pooping on it! LOL That would not be good so we steered clear of that beautiful golf-course looking grass.

When I got back my husband told me a couple approached him with their 10 yr. old doodle because they said Holmes looked exactly like their doodle when he was a puppy. They jokingly asked my husband if he wanted to keep Homes (at least I took it as joking) because if not they'd be interested in him :)

And that was our trip to San Antonio today. I will remember that the Alamo doesn't allow dogs and that if I really want to shop I should leave Holmes at home. But what a good day for new experiences and now a good night because I have a very tired puppy.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Wow, what a great day and how nice that Holmes handled the day sooooo nicely!   

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

What a wonderful & lovely day!  I would pick to take my pups than to shop as well :)

[GBK]

Sounds like a great outing, and great socialization for Holmes!   Everything is more enjoyable with our doods :)

 

[BettyAnn, Holmes & Lucy]

Thanks Sandy- It's so nice to hear when people welcome us to TX :) We didn't do the boat ride this time around. We were such a big group- 13 of us, that it was hard to get around. If we were smarter we would've split up for the day and just met up again for dinner. Hindsight! But I do look forward to visiting again- minus Holmes- and check out some shops.

[BettyAnn, Holmes & Lucy]

LOL- I think you're right, Marnie. I think my husband likes him more than he'll admit right now :) He hasn't been complaining about the cost of all the new dog stuff: toys, vet, food, etc.... But he did make a comment about me and my time on DK!!! So I'll have to back off here on the weekends :)

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

What a great day!  So did the husband and Holmes bond a bit while you ran to the pharmacy?  It doesn't usually take long for the doodle obsession to kick in.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

It sounds like your day was fun and more so with Holmes along.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Sounds like you all had a wonderful day and Holmes enjoyed taking it all in! I bet he slept all the way home!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

I visited San Antonio MANY years ago (as a child).  I'd love to go again, so thanks for the "warning".  If we ever head that way in our RV, Sedona will have to stay back in the coach while we tour the Alamo.  She's three and can stay by herself for quite awhile.  :)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Sounds like you had a wonderful day and nothing is better than coming home with a tired puppy!