Dog lovers in the Vail Valley, or those planning a trip to the area this spring, should mark their calendars for Friday, April 12th, 4-6 p.m., for The Inn at Riverwalk’s Spring Dog Adoption Event. The Inn loves dogs as much as you do (check out their pet-friendly rooms), so they have partnered with the Eagle County Animal Shelter for their eighth bi-annual event showcasing the shelter’s adoptable dogs to match them with their forever homes.
Pictures of the available, adoptable dogs will be released prior to the event, so check out The Inn’s Instagram for a sneak peek of who’s attending as the guests of honor. Show up early if you want to bring a new family member home - this event is a popular one, and a local favorite!
Preparing to Adopt a Dog
It’s hard to resist scooping up a cute puppy. But remember, adopting a dog is a long-term commitment, so take your time to make an informed decision. Before heading to the adoption event held in The Inn’s lobby area, consider a few things before bringing a new friend home.
Research dog breeds: It’s essential to understand each breed's personalities, characteristics, and requirements for care to find one that matches your lifestyle. Dog breeds have vastly different energy levels, temperaments, and care needs. Having a dog to hike with is nice, but some dogs require much more daily exercise than others. Besides activity level, other factors to consider are the size of your indoor and outdoor space, allergies, and weight. By understanding their needs and your own, you ensure the dog has a happy life and fits nicely into your household dynamics.
Consider your schedule: Dogs need attention and exercise to thrive, so it’s crucial to consider how much time you have to devote to one. Is someone around during the workday to let them outside? Do you travel often? These are all essential things to think of before bringing a pup home. Puppies especially need more time put in for training and bathroom breaks.
Pet-proof your home: Make sure your home is safe and comfortable before bringing a new furry friend home. Dogs like to have a safe space of their own. Set up a corner for a bed or crate and a place for their food and water to make them feel at home.
Budget appropriately: Dog adoption events are more affordable than buying from a breeder, and dogs usually come spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, saving you money on initial vet bills. Other expenses, such as food, grooming, and vet expenses, can also add up.
Why You Should Adopt, Not Shop
Save a Life: There are so many dogs who are looking for forever homes. You can’t save the world, but you can save a life. By adopting a dog, you’re providing him or her a second chance at one with a loving home.
Unconditional Love: In return for being brought to a happy home, dogs provide unconditional love and loyalty to their humans with a special bond. The love they give whenever you walk through the front door coming home to them is always heartwarming and gratifying.
Health Benefits: A dog is basically a free therapist. Studies show that owning a dog can lower stress and improve mental health. Petting a dog (which they crave) provides an immediate calming effect by elevating serotonin and dopamine levels. Over time, people with pets also tend to have lower blood pressure. Plus, they’re always there to listen without judgment.
Improve Physical Activity: Dogs need fresh air as much as you do, and daily exercise is healthy for both humans and their pets. Having a furry companion who wants to get outside is the perfect accountability buddy to log your steps for the day. Many pet owners' physical activity levels increase because they are motivated to take their dog for a walk as part of their care. Just remember that dogs need to go out regardless of the weather.
Companionship: Dogs provide constant companionship and comfort, which can ease feelings of loneliness and add years to your life. Pets fulfill the basic human need for touch. Even when they don’t talk back, their company is soothing and you never feel alone.
Essential New Dog Items
Dogs don’t need much to feel at home, but there are a few things you should have on hand.
A collar and leash are the first two things to purchase. Walmart in Avon has a machine to engrave dog tags with their name and contact information. Head to a local pet store to pick up a food and water bowl, dog food, treats, and toys. Puppies with a lot of energy and sharp little teeth like having something to gnaw on, such as a bone or a toy, rather than your shoes or the couch. Training treats are a great way to reward them for good behavior, starting with house training.
If you aren’t a dog whisperer, consider enrolling in a puppy training class or working one-on-one with a trainer. It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks, so start when they’re young. Setting a solid early foundation will help your new best buddy be well-behaved.
The Best Place to Stay with Dogs
One of the more challenging parts about having a new dog is adjusting to traveling with one. Luckily, at The Inn at Riverwalk, your new best friend is welcome everywhere you go. The Inn welcomes dogs in their pet-friendly rooms. There are no dog size or breed restrictions, but dogs are expected to be well-behaved guests. For their human companions, relaxation is vital. Every room is prioritized for comfort with plush, feather-bed topped mattresses, luxury bath products, and fresh mountain air. Take a gorgeous stroll along the bike path that follows the Eagle River behind The Inn. Continue on the bike path for less than a mile to the Freedom Dog Park, an off-leash dog park with a beach, a lake for swimming, and plenty of grass for romping and rolling.
Pull up a seat for happy hour or dinner at Mountain Fish House & Oyster Bar, where dogs are welcome on the patio. With fresh fish sourced from both the East and West Coasts, their dishes are delicious and some of the highest quality available away from the coast. Try a daily selection of oysters on the half shell, overstuffed lobster rolls on a traditional bun served three ways, fresh crab cakes with homemade cilantro lime aioli, or a hearty fisherman’s stews. Just try to avoid puppy eyes as they stare at your seafood.