Better Pet-Friendliness

Today's trip was a run up to and along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The National Park Service is infinitely more pet-friendly than the Hoover Dam folks. We were flat-out told that our furry friends were welcome with a couple of restrictions: they had to stay on a leash at all times, were not allowed inside the park buildings and were not allowed below the rim of the canyon.

Fortunately the weather was very nice, but I can see where leaving the dog in the car during gift shop excursions and such might be a problem during hot weather unless you're willing to divide shopping and dog-sitting duties. If you're traveling alone, this could present a major obstacle, so plan accordingly.

Leaving all of that aside, the Park Service has done an admirable job and a good time was had by all, including the "funny-looking kid with the big nose". Saw a few elk on the way out of the park and lots of ravens inside, but not much else in the way of wildlife.

Our (not) Pet-Friendly Goverment

Playing tour-guide in the Mojave. We decided to detour up to Hoover Dam (formerly known as Boulder Dam, but only to folks older than my parents). We get to Hoover Dam, only to be told that (a) no pets are allowed on top of the dam and (b) be prepared for a stiff fine if you leave your pet inside your car while you're taking a walking tour (the fact that it was cloudy and about 60 degrees seems to have no impact on the situation) (c) someone must be with said pet at all times and (d) there is no place nearby where you can leave said pet. Advance warning of this situation? Zero. One sign on the pedestrian walkway that said "no pets on top of dam", but I'd count that as a day late and a dollar short.

If anyone is looking for a business opportunity, talk to the Dept of the Interior about building a kennel of some sort on the way in to the dam. You'll have a captive clientele.