Deb D’Andrea, Nederland.  It’s that time of year when festival season kicks off and we travel around the country enjoying many a venue. Several of us travel with our four footed furry friends by our side as they too enjoy joining us in our adventures. One of my favorite events used to be the weekend Boulder and Longmont Farmer’s Market, as my Girls loved the social experience; but then dogs were banned from attending in 2012, so instead I head directly to my favorite farm stands; or visit the two Farmer’s Markets here in Nederland, one held at Guercio Field, the other at Salto/Tin Shed. Dogs are welcome at those events.

It seems as Colorado’s population increases, with it increases a trend to ban dogs from festivals, events and even patios where dogs were once celebrated. In 2016 Lafayette placed a ban on animals at public events; Grand Junction Farmer’s Market doesn’t allow animals; and Denver cracked down on breweries where dogs enjoyed hanging out while their person sipped a tasty beverage on the patio.

The Denver Environmental Health agency claims beer is food; this change comes several years after breweries welcomed dogs, affecting places where dogs had a place to hang. Denver has no official city property policy regarding dogs at events, placing the responsibility upon event organizers and planners. In the Town of Nederland, I believe the same is true, that it is up to the festival organizer to dictate if dogs are or are not allowed.

Granted, when the weather is too hot or too cold, it’s not necessarily a bad thing to leave your beloved pup at home or with a friend to hang out at camp; but if you’re traveling and want them to join you, it’s becoming more difficult in Colorado to find those places where they are allowed.

Even if they are allowed, it can be challenging to find shade, or a cool place to relax away from the noise and chaos. While I take my Girls with me practically everywhere, I try to think like a dog before heading out as to whether they’ll really enjoy themselves where I’m going, and if the weather is good for them to hang. If needed, I’m happy to purchase a snack and sit creek side nearby an event, like the Farmer’s Market I’d like to attend but my dogs aren’t welcome. My Girls love the social aspects of meeting so many kids, adults and other dogs.

It’s good practice before heading out to an event to double check if dogs are allowed; if nothing is listed, give a call. I ended up losing money when I purchased tickets to a three day festival where dogs were allowed in the campgrounds normally, but the event made the decision to not allow dogs into their festival without posting this information anywhere.

Till next time. Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz & the Caribou Dog Ranch, recognized by the State of Colorado as a Certified Canine Massage Therapist, will visit your home or Vet’s office to work with your dog. Canine Agility may be offered at the Caribou Dog Ranch in 2018 if there is interest. Deb currently has limited availability for new Pet Nanny Clients; and bakes up fresh dog treats & doggy birthday cakes per order. For information contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or email: info@4theluvofdogz.com.