Keys That Please

We arrived at cousin W's house in southern Florida on Saturday after a frustrating few internet-starved days. W's pooch Penny, a beagle, accepted Moxie graciously in spite of her energetic puppy ways. We've enjoyed lots walks through beautiful neighborhoods ripe with new treats like coconut shells to chew on and lizards to chase.

The four of us piled into the Subaru and drove down to Key West today. I like to think Moxie found it fun to have a canine friend with her in the backseat. By the end of the ride Penny had joined Moxie in her bed and the two were sound asleep against each other.

W & I had trouble finding accommodations here and discussed giving up and driving back north tonight. Resort towns like this one are generally packed right now due to spring break and dog-friendly lodgings here are sparse. After driving around and asking lots of people for advice, though, we finally found our perfect spot: a guest house in the heart of town that openly accepts well-loved dogs (as opposed to those who are neglected for days on end while their owners play without them). Our room is perfect: two twin beds, dark hardwood floors and walls, simply lovely white trim and furniture. (It's at the charming Casa 325 guest house, in case anyone out there is planning a visit.) We're considering staying on an additional night.

W's waiting for me... We're going out on the town with our pooches tonight! We're told that despite the lodging difficulty, this town is really quite "doggie," as my grandmother would have said, welcoming canines at most outdoor restaurants and bars.