Trooper, our black Lab Retriever mix, warily eyed our luggage by the front door. Not one or two bags, but several – a sure sign that we were headed on vacation and he was on his way to a kennel or my parents’ house.



It wasn’t until after we passed the kennel, and then Burbank (where my parents live), that he settled comfortably on the seat in the second row of our SUV. He didn’t know where we were going but he was happy to be with us.



My husband, two daughters and I had no idea what to expect from six-year-old Trooper when we recently brought him with us to pet-friendly Big Bear Lake on his first family vacation. Who knew that our water-squeamish Lab would love the snow better than his peanut butter flavored treats?



Prior to our trip, I called the Big Bear Lake Resort Association (www.bigbear.com) to inquire about pet amenities around town. We didn’t want to leave Trooper alone all day in a cabin (that would defeat the purpose of bringing him along!).



We were pleased to learn that dogs are allowed on hiking trails and in many restaurants with outdoor patios, as well as other public places.



“This town bends over backwards for pets because we are a genuine pet-loving community. Some places tend to spoil the little rascals with water dishes, treats and even doggie menus,” says Dan McKernan, manager of marketing & public relations for the Big Bear Lake Resort Association. “We offer a variety of accommodations that welcome man’s best friend, whether it’s a lakeside vacation rental or a cozy resort cabin situated in the woods.”



In addition, dogs can ride along on rented pontoon or fishing boats, the Big Bear Pirate Ship (if dogs are well behaved) and the Scenic Sky Chair at Snow Summit. They’re also greeted warmly at the Big Bear Discovery Center (www.bigbeardiscovery center.com).



Satisfied that Trooper would be welcomed, we packed up his gear (blanket, food, treats) along with our skis and snowboards on a rainy, late Friday afternoon. He was patient in the car, even when traffic, rain and fog slowed us down, stretching the drive to about three

hours to reach the resort, situated at 7,000 feet elevation in the San Bernardino National Forest.



We easily found the rental agency, Mountain West Vacation Rentals (www.4bigbear.com) near the village, and picked up the key to Christy’s Cottage (each house has a name). Rental manager Mark Bellows informed us that he had turned the lights and heat on in the cabin, which we greatly appreciated!



Just a few minutes later, we were at the cozy, two-story cabin, which had a large yard ideal for kids and dogs. Nestled among pine trees near the lake, the two-bedroom cabin was compact but well appointed with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, fireplace and flat-screen TV. While we unpacked and prepared dinner, Trooper excitedly explored what he seemed to think was his new home. He jumped off the back deck into the snow, sniffing his new surroundings.



The plan for this trip was to get in some skiing and snowboarding at Snow Summit (www.bigbearmountainresorts.com), but also to enjoy the mountains with Trooper. Since he was having fun in the snow, we took him snowshoeing with us in the forest. We rented snowshoes ($15/pair) from pet-friendly Goldsmith’s Board House (www.goldsmithsboardandski.com), owned by Fred and Linda Goldsmith, who provide maps and suggestions for various snow sports.



Their list of ideal snowshoeing areas include Hatchery Road off Highway 38, Aspen Glen picnic area and Town Trail between town and Snow Summit. A $5 adventure pass is required to park on forestry property.



A friend had suggested we snowshoe in Bow Canyon, a fairly flat area with tall pines and plenty of open space at the end of a residential street. At first we were concerned about Trooper feeling frosty as he sunk in up to his shoulders in the deep snow. But he was wearing a shirt and didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he ran up to a few other dogs and their owners who were out for a stroll. Our snowshoes kept us on top of the snow as we walked deeper through the quiet forest with Trooper prancing around us.



The next day we brought Trooper with us to the pet-friendly Big Bear Discovery Center, which keeps a filled water bowl for dogs and provides doggie cookies. We kept him on a leash as he sniffed the exhibits containing information about the forest and wildlife. The visitor center offers a variety of programs and guided tours, including snowshoe tours.



Too soon it was time to head down the mountain and go home. But we plan to bring Trooper back in summer when he can scamper along hiking trails and experience lake activities. Maybe, he’ll even learn to like splashing in the lake!



For more information about Big Bear, visit www.bigbear.com.

Pet-Friendly Vacations on the Rise

With pet travel on the rise in the U.S., an increasing number of hotels are welcoming dogs and cats.



Some charge a fee for your pet while others don’t. Pet amenities vary greatly so be sure to ask questions in advance.



“La Quinta nationwide allows pets because so many people do have pets. Pets are like family and people don’t want to leave a family member behind,” says Sue Nevius, general manager of La Quinta Inn & Suites in Stevenson Ranch. The hotel does not charge a fee for pets.*



In addition to La Quinta, Stevenson Ranch has a handful of hotels that welcome pets: Comfort Suites Stevenson Ranch, Fairfield Inn by Marriott and Residence Inn by Marriott.



For more information about pet-friendly destinations, please visit www.petvacations.com; www.bringfido.com.

*La Quinta Inn & Suites in Stevenson Ranch welcomes dogs up to 100 pounds. No fees or deposits.