Branson Goes to Boqueron

Well, really I have been to Boqueron three times now and I love it....or should I say Boqueron loves me! I don't know what it is about this place, but it just seems that everyone here loves big dogs. It is one of the friendliest places I have been to so far in my young life. Every time I am there I always draw in the crowds...

Me and my daddy in Boqueron, PR

Boqueron is a quaint little village in the southwest section of Puerto Rico. Mommy says it reminds her of Key West, Florida and that it has the most beautiful sunsets around (to read more about it check out Sun Kissed Bliss). There is also a large public beach here where some cool dogs like to hang out...

Cool dogs wear bathing suits!

There are many little bars, restaurants, and shops that line one small street. One of the bars there offered me a drink of cold water. They were surprised when they realized my head could actually rest on top of their bar. Mom put my bowl on the bench to make it easier for me to drink and so I didn't scare away the customers. This still got a ton of stares!

Step right up...I think I will!

Whenever I go I get to hang out at La Marea Eat and Drink, a place where the people food smells delicious (of course I don't get any, but the staff is nice to me). They have a cool outside area for hanging out and people watching. Here are some of my recent admirers...

Photo credit: Ripp Motion

These people were so nice...here are some more...

Photo Credit: Ripp Motion

And here is a cool group of new people that I hung out with one Sunday, along with some of my family...

Fun times! If you see me in Boqueron be sure to say hi!

My Weekend in a Pet Hotel

As you guys know I have stayed in a human hotel, but never in a pet hotel. Human hotels are nice, but they are awfully boring and sometimes people who don't appreciate my awesomeness give me funny looks. When it came time for me to stay on my own Mom spent a great deal of time finding the best place. Here in Puerto Rico there aren't a lot of good options and the best babysitters (my grandparents) live too far away. So she was happy when the PetSmart PetsHotel opened. Because I had never been there before they needed a bunch of information. They had to verify that my shots were up-to-date and mom had to fill out some paperwork. They asked all kinds of questions about me and my personality, which was cool as they wanted to get to know me and make sure that I was safe! Mom had been to the hotel to check it out without me a few weeks prior and had showed the nice women there pictures of me, so they were looking forward to meeting me in person. Mom was impressed by how clean it was and how they documented all of my needs. When I arrived everyone was very excited and so was I. The craziest thing happened right before I checked in to the hotel. This little dog came up to greet me, but I guess he got scared and he growled....

at me!!! Can you believe the nerve? If I wasn't such a nice guy I would have chomped on him, but to tell ya the truth that little guy kinda freaked me out! So dad ushered me to the nice people that work there and they took me to my suite. Yes, suite, complete with my own t.v. Mom and dad then went off on there journey to El Yunque, which is a Rain Forest here in Puerto Rico. I wasn't allowed to stay at their hotel (can you believe it?) and they thought some of the trails might be too steep and hard for me since I am still growing. Anyway, here is what they got to see...

Pretty cool! They wished I could have been there and they said they missed me for the few days that we were apart. They also wished that the pet hotel had cameras so they could watch me while they were away and see what I was up to (eh, eh...I am glad to get a little freedom).  However when they came to pick me up they were so happy that everyone there loved me so much. My new friends didn't want me to leave! They also made a page all about me for their scrapbook and my parents received a progress report letting them know how well I did.

That is cool!!! Now when I go into the store many people recognize me and give me hugs. I like that store not only because the people are nice, but they also have toys and treeeeaaaatttttsss!!
Until we bark again,
Branson

Look...It's a Whole Pig!

A fews weeks ago we journeyed over to Rincon, PR so that my humans could try out some lechon at Shipwreck Bar and Grill. I had never heard of lechon but I soon found out it is roasted pig! Wooo-hooo does it smell delicious. I have been to Shipwreck before and usually they recognize me and give me a good table, but this day they were particularly busy. We had to sit in the back, but it was okay as it gave me a good view and some shade. 

I chilled out for awhile and people watched. Some tourists came over and visited with me for awhile and of course took my picture. I was good and posed for the camera. I am telling you I should get paid for that, or at least they could give me a taste of that pig! After awhile our area started getting invaded by these furry creatures...

I wanted to investigate but mom was trying to keep me away from them. She said they may be poisonous. There were a ton of them around on all the plumeria trees so we had to move. The goods news is I got to sit closer to that good smelling PIG! 

I look a little sad here because I am starting to realize that I am not going to get any lechon! Mom and dad brought my mat for me to lay on, but as you can see I love laying in the rocks. They don't bother me as I am tuff, but my humans are always worried about my elbows. Anyway, in case you are wondering I didn't get to try the pig, but I heard it was delicious. If you live in PR head over HERE and read more about the pig roast at Shipwreck. If someone out there is listening, please talk to my humans about letting me taste more human food!  

Branson the Great Dane Goes Shopping

I know to some of you other cat and dogs (wait...do I have any cat fans out there?) it may not be a big deal to go to the pet store, but for me it is a major event. Most people have never seen a dog my size and many of them want to pet me or take my picture, so it can create quite a scene. The store was crowded yesterday and I had to do lots of posing for the cameras, but I don't mind at all. WOOF! Mom and dad think it is good for me to get the socialization, whatever that means, but I just think it is fun to get all the attention....

It almost looks like I am in a zoo with all the humans behind the glass, what do you think? Although I love people I also LOVE other dogs, especially the small kind. I got to hang out with this one for awhile. Too bad we didn't have a chance to play...I bet we could have ran really fast through that store. I am sure the humans wouldn't never let that happen! Come on, we wouldn't knock anything over...

After the pet store we headed down to Condado to go to Mercado Urbano. You can read all about the market on my mommy's blog Sun Kissed Bliss. She said it was a great place to get all kinds of fresh products made here on the island, but the only bad things is they wouldn't let dogs in the park area where the market was. Can you believe it, no dogs on the grass?? Grass was made for dogs, right? The cops said I had to stay on the sidewalk, but I got as close as I could to the line....

After my parents took turns going into the market we rode over to Old San Juan. I got to see all of these humans flying kites at the park and then we walked around the town. I meet lots of very nice people, both tourists and residents, and even some children that gave me hugs! I am very gentle with kids, so they love me!

I had a fun day with the family and I am sure I will be in San Juan again soon. Hopefully we will go to the pet store again and I can see some of my new friends!

Until we bark again,
Branson the Great Dane 

My First Hotel Visit

View from my suite

This past weekend my dad completed the half Ironman in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Since my parents were busy and didn't plan ahead, my usual petsitter was booked up. Silly humans! Now my parents are a bit overprotective and are afraid to leave me alone with just anyone, so they decided to try to take me with them. They knew I would want to spend the days at doggie daycare, but they wanted me to stay with them in a real human hotel at night! FUN! So my mom spent hours online and on the phone trying to find a place that would take a big boy like me! Many of the smaller hotels and inns were booked up, so she finally decided to call one of the bigger chains. One of them that has an 80 lb. doggie limit agreed to allow me to stay anyway. Mommy was sure to explain to them that I was an exceptional-sized dog, but they said it was ok. I guess they heard that I was somebody and am actually getting to be quite famous on the island! She was a bit worried that I was going to freak out the hotel guests, but of course they loved me, and I got my picture made a bunch!! Look at what the hotel people left for me to use....

I love the pet bowls and drool mat, I don't slobber that much (no really, I promise), but it sure does look cute.  Look at the adorable little pillow they left for my head! I really only like my own bed and blanket, but mommy put it next to my bed in case I changed my mind. She snuggled on it next to me for awhile and said it was comfy. Of course I am too big for some silly little pillow, but it was a nice thought. 

I loved spending the night away from home with my parents. It was quite the adventure. I even got to watch my daddy swim in the Ironman competition before I went to daycare. Of course I wanted to jump in and go swim to him, but mom said it was too far! I do get to swim at daycare, can you believe they have a pool for dogs? I will have to show you some other time...

I have to say it was all an adventure!! I love San Juan and all the people there. Be sure to visit if you have a chance. Puerto Rico is a cool place. Bark at you soon. 

B