It starts with a car trip. I know we're going someplace special, 'cause Dad packed my dish and food. We never take food to the vet's office - although we've taken other items in baggies. After a long drive (2 naps and one stop for "walkies"), we arrive at Lorelei Resort. Mom says is in Treasure Island, just North of St. Petersburg Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast.

As soon as we get out of the car, I can tell Lorelei is a great place. My extra sensitive beagle nose for news alerts me to the fact that happy pets are here. Upon check-in, we meet Valentine, who's part Rhodesian ridgeback, part lab, and Skippy, the three- legged dog. Lorelei's resident manager gives me a doggie bag full of nummy cookies. We get to stay in a neat room with tile floors so no leftover doggie odors or fleas linger from previous guests. It's weird; Mom seems happy to see things she already has back home - microwave, stove, dishes and stuff. Dad is thrilled with a boring coffeemaker. I, myself, am pleased there is a fridge for my favorite Vienna sausage treats.

It's late, so we hit the sack. I could request a dog bed, but I prefer sleeping in between Mom and Dad, then with Courtney that girl that puts my ears in a ponytail.

Next day I wake up Daddy at the usual time. I really don't see the need to sleep in on vacation. I go out for my walkie, and have a sniff-fest. I investigate dog markings from all over the country...Texas, Chicago, even some faint Canadian odors. Daddy picks up after me with a pooper-scooper from Lorelei's guest closet.

Valentine and Skippy come out to play. They bring Happy a puppy from the local SPCA who Lorelei is helping to find a new family. We romp and play in the shuffleboard court and in a nice mulch garden area. It's fenced on all sides so we won't wonder out into the busy road. There's a little growl to determine the pack order. Valentine seems to have won. That settled, we retired to Lorelei's enclosed waterfront deck area. I keep my distance from the Jacuzzi due to an incident in puppyhood, but I understand some guest dogs actually enjoy getting into the bubbling water! Some two-legged guests, fishing off the resort dock, caught a fish. I'm proud to say I caught a big salty whiff. The manager said many dogs like to jump off the dock and swim back to the steps built just for them. Ooh, it makes me shudder.

Later, my family decides to take me to the beach, A co-resident manager, gives us directions to a nearby beach that allows dogs. We meet up with Paisley, my cousin my adoption, and his owner; Mom's sister Stacy. We stop on the way at Sneaky Pete's in St. Petersburg to feed the humans. We're all allowed to sit at waterfront picnic table. The nice waiter even brings paisley and me a nice cool drink of water.

Once we get to the beach, Paisly runs right into the water. I, on the other hand, need a great amount of coaxing to enter the salty stuff. I admit to leaving behind evidence of more than a few dragging toenails.

I was relieved to get back to Lorelei. I shared my narrowing experiences with my new two dog buddies, and then we romp and wrestle some more. A new guest Susie caught my eye. She, however, doesn't seem interested in my romantic overtures.

I came nose-to-nose with Lorelei resident cat. She surprised me by her brash disregard for my canine status, not acting the least bit afraid. I also met a green parrot during my stay. I understand a dachshund got to her tail feathers before I could. The manager showed Mom photos of a pot-bellied pig who had stayed at Lorelei, and told her stories of rabbits, hamsters, and gerbils, and even an orangutan, who had been guests.

My family and I also enjoyed an outing together to the recreation trail at Seminole Lake Park, about 15 minutes from Lorelei. I had to be on a leash, but that's small price to pay for being in the presence of more squirrels that I dreamed existed. There was convenient drinking water (it's quite thirsty work chasing squirrels up trees). Mom and dad thought it was a great place for a picnic.

One night my owners went out to dinner. I sat on the extra-wide windowsill to watch for their return. (The sills are supposedly for cats, but I think that's discriminatory.) The manager came while they were out, took me for a walk, and let me play with her gang for a while. "After all," she says, "dogs get lonely too." The managers can pet-sit at no additional charge, if a family want to go shopping, golfing, or even to Disney World for the day. Mom and dad think that's real nice. Lorelei also has a groom-mobile and a photographer stop by upon request. I was having such a non-stop fun. I didn't want to leave Lorelei. I promised Valentine and Skippy I'd come back to see them.

Lorelei resorts is a paradise for pets. We're not only welcomed, but pampered. Lorelei is a place where a dog can have more fun on vacation than his or her owner. At least this roving reporter did.

Lorelei Resort is located at 10273 Gulf Boulevard in Treasure Island, FL 33706. You may call Norm and Lise Doyon, managing-owners at: (813) 360-4351 or 1-800-354-6364 for information and reservation. Rates range from $50 to $95 from May 1st to Nov 30th, to $75-$95 Dec 1st - April 30th, depending on accommodations, (efficiency, mini apartment or apartment). Long-term housing accommodation is also available, call for rates.

Reprinted with permission from DogGone. The Newsletter About Fun Things To Do and Cool Stuff To Do With Your Dog. For more information contact DogGone, Publisher Wendy Ballard, P.O. Box 651155, Dept PT, Vero Beach, FL 32965-1155 - Phone: 407 569 8434.