Touting Time: WagWorld

A few years ago, I worked at an outdoor restaurant that welcomed customers to bring their dogs along, which it had done for years. I never thought much of it one way or another until the city slapped an ordinance on the restaurant, saying that allowing pups violated city health codes. The restaurant complied with the officials, and dogs were phased out within days.

And then came the eruption.

Hundreds of patrons were outraged, having peacefully courted their pets long before the order. They protested, they petitioned, they lobbied, and before long they managed to convince the city brass that our restaurant should remain dog-friendly. I was stunned.

I'd seen it myself: Get between any reasonable person and their dog, and chances are they will go on the warpath; call them crazy, but you can't question their dedication. Put all this together, and that's why I'm certain that WagWorld, a site that gathers and profiles all dog-friendly locales throughout the United States, is a brilliant idea.

In its search interface, WagWorld simply asks for your zip code and gives you the answers. It's bound to be eye-opening to many, whether you're a tuned-in dog owner, a tuned-out one or just someone who really likes to watch people with their dogs. Users can submit entries like parks and restaurants to the dog-friendly database or write reviews and post pictures of the pre-existing spots. The navigation is unobtrusive and clean, and it seems like it can only get better as more people get wind of the site's noble goals.

And speaking of eye-opening: I don't think I had any idea just how many hotels allowed pets. It's good information for families uncertain about leaving Fido with Aunt Bea, or for those souls desperately needing a road trip getaway for some alone time with Spike (if that's, you know, your thing).

WagWorld is an example of a site that focuses on a good idea and never strays too far from the task at hand (good dog), and for this alone they're probably destined for success. And they're catering to a group that adores their enablers and gnashes their teeth at their detractors, which will come in handy should civil war ever return. So if you're looking for a pleasant day out with the pup, Where I've Been highly recommends you check out WagWorld to find a peaceful, welcoming spot for recreation.


Eddie
Where I've Been