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Sometimes something happens that is so good, you just can’t stop wagging your tail. Our human pets can plan relaxing getaways with great food and scenery. And what happens to us? We either get to stay home or go to one of those "camps" that are supposed to be fun, but really that food is nothing to bark home about. But now, Salish Lodge & Spa has opened their doors to dog guests. Recently a couple of pals of mine, Bentley and Axel, took a tour of the place to see what we can expect.

First off, there’s a one-time $50 fee no matter what the length of stay. This goes for a deep cleaning of the room. They’re concerned about allergies for other guests. I can appreciate that; sometimes I have sneezing fits around unfamiliar humans. I don’t know if it’s perfume or soap or what, but I appreciate the extra care Salish takes to make sure my stay is comfortable.

Check in. It’s a breeze. Everyone’s friendly from the valet to the person at the desk. They make sure we have first floor rooms so we have access to outside patios. Discreetly, they offer plastic bags for our use. They also provide a list of dog-friendly activities in the area, including hiking trails.

Photo: Axel checking out the checking in process
 

Access. Most of the Lodge is available for our use. There are two main exceptions: the spa and any food service area. Now the spa is no big deal. Humans seem to enjoy it, but it’s a little too close to bathing and that’s something to be avoided in my opinion. Axel and Bentley seemed to enjoy the library. Bentley enjoyed having a story read to him and Axel was pretty excited about chess until he was told the pieces had to stay on the board. Then he got bored.

Photo: Bentley enjoying the library

Rooms. The views are great and that seems to keep the humans occupied, leaving us more time to explore the room. Axel and Bentley were pretty excited to find a nice place setting waiting for them in their room—very outdoorsy with that stick frame. It’s a little tempting to try and grab the stick and run, but the sticks hold bowls. One holds bottled water which I guess is a nice touch. If I could reach it, I’d be cool with toilet water, but this is nice, too. The other bowl holds a menu (another great chance to have a really good story read to you, all about food) and fresh-baked signature Salish biscuits. You can’t help but like this place.

According to Bentley, you don’t get charged for the dish set, but you have to leave it there when you go home. The water and biscuits come with the room, too. I never think about that stuff, but he’s a worrier. Another good thing is that Salish won’t send someone in to straighten up the room if a dog guest is in the room alone. Personally, I like that. You never know what people will do. They can be a little unpredictable sometimes.

Photo: Axel and Bentley waiting for breakfast to arrive

The furniture is quite comfortable and there was even a dog statue that Axel thought was pretty nice.

Food. Everything’s been good so far, but this is where I get pretty excited. Executive Chef Justin Sledge has dogs of his own. He figured out from their food what a healthy meal would include and then made up special meals for us made from superior local, fresh ingredients. Plus, and this gets my tail wagging again, all the dishes are made to order. No sitting under a heat lamp or in a bag. Fresh food! Axel overheard someone say that when Dave the purchasing guy asked Chef what he’d need to order for the dog menu, Chef said "Nothing, I have it all here already." Now we’re getting the respect we deserve.

Photo: Axel can't help smiling when with Chef Justin Sledge

Bentley had an opportunity to try The Canine Country Breakfast. You won’t believe this, but it’s served with a bowl of warm milk. Yes, warm! They bring it in a pitcher so it won’t spill, then pour it into the bowl. Axel says that Bentley had milk covering his whole face. Bentley has requested that no pictures be shown.

Here’s the menu:

The Canine Country Breakfast
three eggs with chicken, rice, and vegetables
warm milk and a fresh biscuit
11

Photo right: Country breakfast
 

Mid Day Snack
a peanut butter-packed cookie treat
7

Hiking. As I said earlier, Salish offers a list of dog-friendly activities when you check in and a map of trails. There are lots of places to really get out in the woods. You can chase birds and squirrels and just run. It’s one way to wear off those extra calories from the great food. I know this dog Sheila who has her own pack to carry essentials like a bowl and water. She even has one of those ROK leashes. God she’s cool.

Bottom line. I can hardly wait for my turn to stay at Salish. I’ll be drooling in my dreams until the day it happens.

Salish Lodge & Spa 6501 Railroad Avenue Snoqualmie, WA 98065 800-272-5474 425-888-2420 in Washington www.salishlodge.com   Photo: breakfast delivery

Story by Pete Petrie (shown at right), a local who has always wanted to stay at Salish Lodge.

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