Dog & Cat: Puerto Vallarta’s Animal Hangout
It is trying to rain. A few spits yesterday and today, but nothing is actually wet. Our first named storm is passing by, creating overcast skies and teasing us with blistering hot afternoons but no rain. Not so much fun for our tourists who want to go to the beach.
A couple of days ago, I met over a mango smoothie with Sunny Rossi, a lovely friend and President of the Vallarta Garden Club. We talked about the annual Gala, which isn’t until January, but she is amassing decorations that will turn Oscar’s Restaurant into a fantasy by Lewis Carroll. I can hear White Rabbit by the Jefferson Airplane on a constant loop!
Another dear friend, Vallarta Mirror columnist Sandra Bradley, and I had dinner at Veggitalia for hours over wine, an exquisite mushroom dish, and spaghetti Putanesca that we shared. We had never had the mushrooms before but will again, and we ALWAYS have Putanesca because it’s exactly what we need to stop the craving for pasta. It is one of our favorite places to eat, full of calm energy and delicious carbs! Thanks to owner Marco, who took splendid care of us.
Still with food here! I finally got to eat at Restaurante Fredy’s Tucan in Fluvial.The restaurant is enormous and so beautiful! I had no idea what a great place to take a large party.
The reason I was in Fluvial and did not include a Costo/La Comer run, was to see the facilities of the only Cat Hotel in Puerto Vallarta! It is darling! I got to meet Quesadilla, one of two cats boarding there while their mom, Francesca Bavaro, aka Effie Passero, is in Europe touring with Postmodern Jukebox.
Volunteer David Smith was my amazing tour guide of Dog & Cat, which was founded six years ago by Michelle Olivera. In memory of her dog, Michelle offers kind, personalized service and peace of mind to all her clients – both two- and four-legged ones.
Dog and cat owners can board their animals for the day at Doggie Daycare, or the animals can sleep over for a night, a week, or any length of time that is necessary. The dogs are supervised at all times; the cats are visited often, as needed; anyone who is owned by a cat will understand the difference.
There are lots of cat trees to climb, spaces to run and jump, and places to hide completely (and safely) out of sight. Each cat has their own compartment with their toys, blankies, and place to sleep. And I loved the cat-sized beach chairs!
Studs bar owner Mike Owens has been taking his dog to Michelle at Fluvial for grooming for years and saw a need for a similar facility in the Zona Romantica and, with Mike’s encouragement, a second Dog&Cat opened right where the bus stop is for Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlan on Manuel M. Dieguez.
Lovingly owned and operated by Santiago Flores there is a veterinarian on staff, and food and accessories can be purchased. There is a daycare facility, grooming salon, and the coolest thing of all – an outdoor, weather-protected, artificially-turfed adoption center, “Santi’s Place” right there on the street.
You are encouraged to go in, sit, and pat a dog or two if you need a pet fix on your vacation. You may also get permission to walk one of the dogs; a great way to familarize yourself with Vallarta’s streets, and ask where to take the dog while you lunch and receive a discount while you are at it!
Dog & Cat brings a few of the City pound, Bienestar’s, homeless animals to the forefront of a busy tourist area of Vallarta. They are picked up in the morning, and those not adopted go back to the shelter overnight. It is a very hands-on, innovative way to deal with our overpopulation of street animals.
Stop by Dog & Cat in the Zona Romantica and look at the array of dogs outside for adoption. Sit with them. Take one for a walk. Maybe find that priceless furry companion you didn’t know you were looking for.