Posts in the category "Pets":

Here’s an issue just beginning to bare its teeth:

In this article in the New York Times, Roni Caryn Rabin points out that a group of Canadian doctors is raising concerns about pets in airline passenger cabins.

Allowing pets on planes, say the doctors, means more pet dander and more chance of setting off asthma attacks, and worse, for people who have pet allergies.

The preferences of pet owners should not supersede the well-being of their fellow passengers. Pets can be accommodated comfortably and safely in airplane cargo holds, which is where they belong. Airlines must choose to put the needs of their human passengers first, or be forced to do so.

The physicians’ concerns are outlined in an editorial in The Canadian Medical Association Journal.   The editorial points out that in January, 2010 the Canadian Transportation Agency ruled that people with allergies to nuts would be considered to have a disability and, under the Canadian Transportation Act, could request special accommodations.  Now the CTA is  also looking at whether or not those with allergies to pets should  be considered to have a disability as well.

What do you think? Should people with pet allergies be guaranteed the right to fly on an airplane with no pets – and no pet dander?

Categories: Pets
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As this New York Times article describes, the new era of security at airports is all about contradictions, confusion and delays.

Also this week, bad weather in the U.S. Midwest and Southeast, and in Europe, is forcing airlines to cancel flights and strand passengers at airports.

If that’s not bad enough, today a few “unruly” passengers forced a few airplanes to turn around.  The most serious incident took place on a Portland to Hawaii-bound flight when, according to the TSA spokesperson, “a suspicious passenger” made threatening remarks and refused to store his carry-on bag.  Two military fighter jets were called out to escort that plane back to the airport.

So while I really wanted to ignore the story about today’s “Chihuahua lift” I just can’t. We need a break.

Here, then, is a photo that shows a few of the fifteen Chihuahua pups Virgin America flew for free from California – where there seem to be just too many Chihuahuas – to New York City, where there are, evidently not enough.  The New York American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has promised to find the wee pups good homes.

(Photo courtesy Virgin America, Bob Riha, Jr.)

Categories: Air Travel, Pets, Security
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It may be stressful traveling this week through the nation’s airports, but there are some freebies and special events being rolled out that you may find useful and entertaining.

In addition to the events we listed yesterday at Boston’s Logan International Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Airport, you’ll find:

Two days of free valet parking at Kansas City International Airport (MCI). To get a coupon for the free parking, fill out this form.

Through Wednesday, November 25, 2009, you can stop by any Travelers Assistance Info Booth at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and pick up a free children’s book, courtesy of Cheerios and The Spoonful of Stories program. The books include: “Junkyard Fort”, by Jon Scieszka, “Tea for Ruby”, by The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, “Sleepyhead”, by Karma Wilson, “Ballyhoo Bay”, by Judy Sierra, and “What’s Under the Bed?”, by Joe Fenton.

And don’t forget that many airports around the country have opened on-site dog relief parks.  The latest to open is at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which now has a dog park with two sculptures by Doug Makemson of Commerce, GA, who says:

“The model for “Abby” was my beloved yellow lab, Abby, who was always willing to strike a pose. She had a full life and a mercifully rapid demise a few weeks after the sculpture was completed. She was the world’s best dog; I miss her. The sculpture is made mostly from parts of a backhoe and a bulldozer, and the stone is Gneiss, a type of granite, from an old quarry near Glade, Georgia. For me, “Abby” the sculpture will always make me remember Abby the dog, the most loyal friend I ever had.

You can see the sculptures – and a happy dog in the park – in this cute one minute video ATL airport posted to celebrate the opening of the dog park.

Happy Thanksgiving – more airport freebies tomorrow!

Categories: Air Travel, Entertainment, Events, Free Stuff, Fun Stuff, Kids, Parking, Pets
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Pet Relief Area at JFK

The Department of Transportation now requires airlines to make sure that the airports they serve have accessible pet relief areas. The law went into effect May 13, 2009, but some airlines and airports are just now finishing up the task.

Last week, American Airlines officially opened a pet relief area on the departure level of its terminal at JFK airport. The 30 X 50 foot enclosure has a patch of natural grass, a walkway, two benches, a red fire hydrant, and a “Mutt Mitt” dispenser.

What did you bring me?

Maryland-based children’s author Bobbie Hinman will be at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) this Friday (July 17, 2009) signing copies of her books The Knot Fairy and The Sock Fairy (what about the Airport Fairy?) at the Borders book store in the airport’s Terminal A/B from 3 pm – 6 p.m.

Categories: Pets
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Lambert-St.Louis International Airport has joined the growing list of airports that have opened “rest areas” for pets and service animals.

STL’s two gated pet parks are each 400 square feet, with park benches, trash cans, plastic clean-up mitts and fire hydrants.  The Main Terminal park has synthetic turf and is on the upper level, just outside exit MT-6. The East Terminal pet park has natural grass and some tree shade and is located outside baggage claim on the lower level

STL also has some new perks for people: two new pre-security dining venues.

Brioche Dorée Café serves salads, sandwiches, pastries, and other casual menu items. Missouri Vineyards, serves wines from local boutique vineyards (who knew?) and beyond.  In addition to a menu that includes fruit & cheese plates and other small bites, Missouri Vineyards will have regular Thursday wine tasting events.

Categories: Bars, Pets
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