Thirty-Six Pet-Friendly Hours in Atlanta

With its large corporations, southern belles, hip artists and Tyler’s Perry creation-beloved Atlantan Madea, Atlanta is also a city for dog lovers.  When I do come to Atlanta for business, I try to visit as many pet-friendly locations and participate in events like the upcoming Bark at the Park at Turner Field on May 1, 2011 which I will miss. But, here’s how I spent my last 36 hours in the ATL. 

12:30 AM - Arrival at Hotel Indigo on Thursday, April 21st

Managed by Gabriele Webster, this Peachtree Street gem is the first hotel in the Indigo Brandof IHG hotels.    Of all the dog-friendly hotels that I have ever stayed at, the hotel staff here truly understands the concept of pet-friendly.  These delightful folks go out of their way to make sure you and your dog are comfortable and well taken care of. Since I like to take a bath and occasionally, have a need to give Rhone a wash, they always make sure I have a room with a bathtub. Since I called to tell them that I was going to be late due to airport delays, the staff had stress-reducing bath salts and a gourmet chicken dinner waiting for us.

7:45AM – Fox 5 Good Day Atlanta

My publicist and Pet Socialite Eventsbusiness partner, Amanda Leesburg of Leesburg PR, picked me up for my Good Day Atlantaappearance. Since April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, I discussed how to keep cats and dogs healthy and safe with host Karen Grant. In this segment, I featured Puppy Bumpers(to keep pets from slipping thru fences), Premier Easy Walk Harness(to prevent dogs  pulling and choking when walking ), Mutt Managers Breeze Guards(to protect  pets from the elements and others while in the care) , Trimline Veterinary Recovery Collars(to allow pets to still be comfortable while wearing a barrier to a treated surgical or trauma area ) and PawFlex Bandages(to protect a specific wounded area with specially designed bandages). 

10:00AM - Breakfast at American Roadhouse

When in the south, I always look forward to a big breakfast of eggs, bacon and a banana pancake. Since Rhone doesn’t always eat on the road it is best to make sure she has her sustenance with healthy human food such as scrambled eggs and oatmeal, both of which she loves to eat. 

While at American Roadhouse, Amanda and I discussed our next Pet Socialite event, “Christmas in July.”  Since magazine gifts guides are due in the beginning of August, our event allows pet product manufacturers to interact with media on a one-on-one basis.   Our clients have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Reader’s Digest, Everyday with Rachael Ray, Real Simple, Family Circle, Daily Candy, Prevention and on “Animal Planet,” “Better TV,”  “The Weather Channel,” “Fox & Friends,”  “The Nate Berkus Show” and various regional media outlets. We also invite VIP guests including celebrities like Soul Surfer’s Anna Sophia Robb, Professional Poker Player Beth Shatt, Real New York Housewife Sonja Morganand Westminster Kennel Club’s David Frei to learn about great new pet products. Our events are invitation only. 

Although we very rarely have uninvited guests, we have had an occasionally person who sneaks thru for the doggie swag.  Rumor has it has that one Dog Momwho wasn’t invited to our last event is planning on crashing our next event.  Alas, that is what security is for

12:00PM – Hanging out in aigHAHPiedmont Park

Although not as large as New York’s Central Park, I love Piedmont Park.  While a City of Atlanta ordinance requires all dogs in public areas to be leashed, Piedmont Dog Park is one of the few locations in metro Atlanta where dogs may run free. Since it’s opening in 2002, the off-leashed area is one of the most popular features of park. While there, I enjoy a fitness walk with Rhone to walk off our big breakfast before heading to the doggie play area to catch up on all my Atlanta K-9 gossip.  

1:30PM - The reading of Jezebelle

I can’t come to Atlanta without checking out the in-the-know Jezebelle magazine.I especially love the Haute Dog which features Editor and Chief Beth Weitzman’s King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, Jez and Bella.  In the April, the Cavaliers celebrate Earth Day with eco-friendly picks of leashes, collars and toys.  Also, in this issue is the Best of Atlanta.

My longtime, gal pal Shanon Centola of Buckhead Pet Palswas awarded the Best Pet Sitting Service in the ATL. City Dog Market,owned by friends Rene Palmer and Patsy McGirl, was chosen as Best Pet Supply Store.When In Atlanta, uses these pet professionals to help you care for your pet.  Just make sure you tell them Charlotte sent you.

4:30 PM -Trying to interview Charlie Sheen at the Fox Theater

Since Charlie Sheen was scheduled to perform “My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat Is Not an Option”on Thursday night at the Fox Theater, Rhone and I stopped by the press office at the Fox to see if we could meet and interview Charlie Sheen. This reporter was looking for a “truthful” comment about the recent TMZ storyentitled PUG YOU!  The story reported that Sheen turned to Twitter to suggest that ex-wife Denise Richards is a dog thief.  Allegedly when the couple split, Charlie took custody of the two Pugs, rescued by Richards prior to their marriage.  Recently, under Charlie’s care, the dogs were deemed in poor in health.  After receiving a few phone calls about the status of their care and condition, Richards went to Sheen’s home and took the Pugs.  Soon after, one died. It seems that that controversy started because Charlie wanted the remaining Pug to be his tour mascot. As expected, Richards said,” NO!”

6:00PM- Hosted Canine Cocktails

I hosted Hotel Indigo’s Canine Cocktails Happy Hour on the building’s beautiful patio. While furkids can enjoy the complimentary treat bar or an ordered gourmet meal from the Indigo’s doggie menu, dog owners and other humans can down signature cocktails and nosh on bistro fare.  $1 of every Raspberry Cooler I drank benefited the Atlanta Humane Societyso I thought, “Why stop at one!”  Additionally, the Humane Society brings adoptable pups. I do hope the lovely Lab-mix brother and sister and a cute Rottie pup found a home.  Sidebar: The organization new facility opened in Alpharetta on the same night so we had lower than expected attendance.

8:30PM – Walk to Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles

For a late dinner, Rhone and I headed down to Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Wafflesfor The Midnight Train (one buckwheat waffle and chicken wings.) Rhone had a few pieces of the plain buckwheat waffle covered with skinless chicken meat. Not recommended for all dogs, especially those on a diet,  like Rhone.

4:15AM-CBS Better Mornings

Poor Amanda had to get up so early to pick me up for my Fitness Friday segmenton CBS Better Mornings. For these early morning calls, I am appreciative that the canine potty area with bags is directly to the left of the hotel’s back door.  After a quick elimination, Rhone and I get in the car and headed to the station. Since Rhone and I practice Doga, Coordinating Producer and dog owner, Amanda Hartley, thought it entertaining and educational if I discussed “Getting Fit with Fido” with Italian Greyhound owner and meteorologist, Jennifer Valdez. I discussed physical activities that you can do with your dog like fit walking, hiking, surfing and Pawlites. Rhone and I talked about how to use Premier Easy Walk Harness, RuffWear Approach Pack, Dockdogs Insulate Wetsuitsand Ball Dynamics FitPaws Donut, Walk 4 Life Pet Pedometerand  PetSmart/GNC Pet Supplements. 

7:00AM-Breakfast at West Egg and Meetings

Starting at 7:00AM, the time West Egg Caféopens, I had meetings with clients until I left for the airport. I always travel with a SherpaBag and a Sturdi Shelterto make Rhone as comfortable as possible. 

11:30AM-Rhone and I leave Atlanta on Friday, April 22nd

A trip to Atlanta would not be complete with a congratulatory toast of Coke for me and Dasani water, a Coca-Cola product,for Rhone to celebrate our successfully mini-media tour.  I was extremely happy that we left the Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport, via American Airlines with no hassles, delays or  problems. The airport even has a dog park. Check it out here.