“Bagel,” a beagle mix, gets some love from owner Andrea Bond during a press conference on Thursday announcing the publication of the “West FURginia Guide,” a listing of pet-friendly attractions and accommodations across the state.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With more Americans than ever now including pets in their entourage as they hit the road for family vacations or business trips, the folks at Wild, Wonderful West Virginia have sunk their teeth into the concept of marketing the state’s pet-friendly attractions, accommodations and eateries.
“We love our pets as much as we do our children,” said state Tourism Commissioner Amy Shuler Goodwin, who announced the release of the “West FURginia Guide” during a press conference Thursday in Charleston’s East End Dog Park.
The free, 20-page booklet lists places to see and things to do while accompanied by dogs, cats and other leash-controlled pets.
“When people are away from home, they worry about their pets,” Goodwin said, as she watched Gus, her shelter-rescued Golden Retriever-Saint Bernard cross-breed, romp through the dog park with some newly made friends. “And it can be quite expensive to board your pets while you are away from home. People who are in businesses that cater to visitors have recognized that becoming pet-friendly gives them a great opportunity to grow without having to spend a lot of money…