Photograph by Whitney Curtis
The first guest was Pepper, a labradoodle. Then came a bulldog, a couple of cats, several Shih Tzus, a Great Dane, and Monster, a big fluffy black dog so affectionate, he was named in irony. Soon there were Yappy Hours, with Frosty Paws treats served in summer, and regular jaunts to the pet relief area, discreetly marked with a tiny red fire hydrant. The Cheshire Inn’s Noble Pet Program designates a handful of rooms for families traveling with the entire family. At check-in, four-legged guests choose a small, medium, or king-size bed and receive a voucher for Purina dog food; at bedtime there’s turndown service—with something sausagey, not chocolatey, left on the pillow. The Cheshire has dog dishes at the ready, cards with information about Forest Park, and leashes in case you forgot one (just like those spare ties the country clubs keep). Extra-heavy draperies muffle the occasional bark, and the Do Not Disturb sign has been reworded to forewarn the maid service: Pooch in the Room.
