Pampered pets even go on vacation

There aren't too many places these days where pets aren't allowed. While pets are considered part of the family these days at motels, RV Parks and other vacation accommodations, service dogs are pretty much welcome anywhere as they accompany their disabled owners; even into restaurants.

But it goes even farther as pets make their way into our mobile society. The automobile industry has made transportation more and more comfortable for Fido and Fluffy.

In fact, this year Toyota introduced the canine-friendly Venza, a five-passenger crossover that was designed and engineered in the U. S. for the North American market.

Available with about a dozen pet features, including a rear hatch pet ramp for easier loading and unloading, a leased tether for securing pets in the vehicle, a pet booster seat, complete with harness, a cargo area pet barrier, pet seat-belt buckles, and waterproof , removable hammock-style seat covers, make this transporter the ideal "Pet Mobile."

No whining about it, pet safety and comfort are high priorities in this type of vehicle designed with animal welfare in mind.

Promotional aspects claim this vehicle is designed to meet the needs of people with a fun and on-the-go lifestyle, especially "active boomers."

When the kids are grown and leave home, buyers of this vehicle are looking to their pet to full the gap. The designers of the Venza wanted to make sure the vehicle could accommodate this important family member and traveling companion. The additional features in this vehicle seem to simply add to the mix.

While I'm not a spokesperson for the car, I'm sure my pets would enjoy having a ride like this.

And if for some reason pets can't go on the road with you, pet sitting has become another huge business that caters to our pets' every need and whim.

So where else are Fido and Fluffy accepted as part of the family days?

At one Massachusetts church, a sign outside says it all - Dogs Welcome!

Some of the Pilgrim Congregational Church pews are filled with some unlikely worshippers. Canines of all breeds and sizes sit by their owners during the weekly Woof n' Worship services held on Sunday evenings.

According to a pet magazine, some 35 people and their canines attend the half-hour services held inside the church's sanctuary. The story goes that even the preacher's two Cocker Spaniel-Poodle mixes also sit in.

The woman preacher said through her ministry counseling people battling illness or coping with death, she has witnessed just how much canines impact and touch people's lives.

No matter what the struggle, their dog is there and loves them.

And, ever notice how many places you see pets at work as owners can't bear to leave them at home alone.

Automotive shops, small gift shops, places that rely on the public for support often have people-friendly pets curled up beneath an office desk.

I look for these pets each time I head into businesses that I've visited time after time.

One place in particular has a cat that I just adore. She is a big, fat, lazy, tiger-striped feline that knows I like cats and always gets up from her curled-up position to say hello and allow me to stroke her neck and back.

I've already checked out an RV Park in the mountains about 45 minutes from home to make sure my little dog is welcome.

Guess what? She is.

More and more pet-friendly motels, hotels and bed and breakfast establishments are opening their doors to our furry friends. After all, catering to companion pets is big business these days. Whether it's a dog or a cat, people and pets share a common need to be with each other when at all possible. Even on vacation.