Scottsdale Arabian Horse show.... Not just for horses

Over this past week I have been working at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse show at West World. It has been 10 days of talking with horse people about nutrition and feed BUT also surprisingly with a lot of dog people.





This show was a great destination for an outing with your mutt. You can take him anywhere. He can accompany you while you shop in the two vendor tents filled with clothing, tack, art, jewelry, books, etc... and there even are a few "pet boutique" vendors so even your pup can pick up something nice.


After you have shopped your little heart out you can sit and rest your feet & paws in the stands of the Equidome and watch the beautiful Arabian horses "do their thang" in the many classes including Mounted Native Costume, Saddle Seat English Pleasure, Carriage Driving, and Liberty.





You smell the wonderful array of food carried by the wind and so you and your mutt decide it is time for lunch. There is so much to choose from (think fair food)... Mexican, Chinese, Italian, burgers, smoked salmon, ice cream, Greek, turkey legs, corn on the cob, funnel cake, etc!!! Take your pick, and then maybe take come more :-)


After full bellies, you can go for a stroll through the wonderfully decorated barns and see the Arabians resting in the barns. You might even be so lucky to stumble upon a stallion or sale offering presentation where they take out the horses to show them off to the crowd.




You can find dogs of every size and breed here at the show (from mastiffs to mini pins and everything in between). I bet one in five attendees bring their dog with them whether they are "horse people" or not. You do not have to know about horses to attend, it is just an all around fun event.

The show happens every year in February, so if you haven't already, check it out next year and BRING YOUR MUTT!!

mmmmm... PIZZA

Have you ever been to Grimaldi's in downtown Scottsdale? If you haven't you should go because it is great! Last weekend we were looking for a yummy place for lunch in downtown Scottsdale and of course we had Whiskey with us. We stumbled upon Grimaldi's and notice they had a patio. Rene went inside to ask if our mutt was allowed and they gladly said yes. We were actually allowed on the patio in the back which was a very nice courtyard tucked away. The patio is brick and has nice trees and white lights... very nice ambiance!


AND best of all the pizza was out of this world!! We decided to build our own and we had one with marscapone cheese, tomatoes and sausage.... YUMMMO (okay, did I just quote Rachel Ray?)

Anyhow, the pizza had thin crust and cooked to perfection, I even think Whiskey got a try (shhh, don't tell). The waitress was very nice and was joking around with us which always makes it fun. There were no other dogs around but because we were so tucked away I can see how you would not think this place was so dog friendly. Whiskey was surprisingly relaxed and laied down most of the time (besides a little begging here and there). I think the difference was we where not out on a sidewalk (like most other dog friendly places) so it was a lot more quiet and had less commotion.

Funny story about the fountain..... well we had previously been walking around downtown and when we ate we forgot to offer our mutt some water (what bad owners we are)! So as we walked away from Grimaldi's Whiskey pulled us over to the fountain and we had no idea what he wanted (even though he is a water dog). He actually jumped his front paws up to the ledge and tried to drink out of the fountain! Unfortunately for him the water was a little too shallow even for his long tongue but it sure was a funny sight (sorry we didn't get a picture).

We have noticed a lot of people walking their dogs around downtown Scottsdale so I am sure there are more restaurants around there that allow us to tow our mutts with us. I will keep on the search. BUT if you are looking for GREAT pizza with your furry friend definitely try Grimaldi's!

no sauce, but much better!

The other night Rene and I had a craving some good Italian pizza and salad. First place that came to mind was Sauce. Of course we wanted to bring Whiskey along but I had a feeling I should call ahead... GOOD THING! I asked if dogs were allowed on their patio and the man on the phone said "Ah, no they are not... because of that law..." and then he hung up. LAW? What law? If there is such a law I would definitely like to know about it! Anyone? I understand about animals not being inside for health and safety reasons, but always figured it was the choice of the owner if our fellow canines were allowed on the patio.

So, I move on to our next choice: 3 Tomatoes & A Mozzarella (Miller/Pinnacle Peak Rd), and it was such the better choice! Since the previous experience I decided to also call ahead to check on their pet policy. The wonderful owner answered the phone and when I asked if well behaved dogs were allowed on the patio she happily said "of course! We always welcome dogs!" So nice, a breath of fresh air to feel so welcomed.

When we showed up 10 minutes later the host told us we could go around to the patio where we happened to be the only ones out there (very nice and quiet). After we sat down the owner came out and welcomed us with a big smile and pet Whiskey on the head. Two minutes later she brought him a nice bowl of cold water (what service!). We enjoyed our night with great food, a glass of wine, a quiet view and sunset to die for... all while our mutt was by our side.

I am sure this place will become one of our favorites!