Friday, December 2, 2011

Things to do in Chicago with Dogs: Downtown Tourist Dog

Whenever I travel, I can always imagine myself living in that new city and taking advantage of all those fun, touristy things on a daily basis. But in real life, I don't. I often have to remind myself that people spend a lot of money to travel to Chicago, and I should really take advantage of what the city has to offer.
So, I decided to load up my pitbull in a cab, and head downtown. Growing up, our Mom always taught us to dress up when we went downtown, so Miss M got fancy with her Silly Buddy bow:
We've written before about how to catch a cab with a pitbull, and the cab drivers are usually really nice. Pretty Little Pitty also wrote about how she catches cabs in NYC and I like her tip about teaching the pooches to lay nicely on the floor.
So what is there for a pitbull to explore in downtown Chicago?
We checked out the museum campus and outdoor sculpture exhibits:
Found a 'pocket park' tucked among all the huge buildings:
 We spent time checking out the famous Chicago architecture and skyline. The tourists taking the downtown segway tour were surprised to see a big dog like Miss M downtown. Miss M was surprised to see people scooting around on segways:
You usually didn't see big dogs, and especially pitbulls, downtown because most of the highrises have weight restrictions. People were really curious about Miss M. I think she won them over with her dainty pink bow, coupled with her pathetic scowl.
Has anyone else been doing fun staycation things with your own pooches lately?

21 comments:

Poodles to Pit Bulls Clicker Training said...

I get so lazy sometimes, it's sad. I'm right over a free bridge and have my own car and still barely take the dogs into the city. Granted Emma can get overwhelmed with a lot of people and we usually prefer to go hiking or camping, but still, I feel like I should take them into the city every once in a while (especially after reading your post!).

I also wanted to mention that you guys might want to check out Wiggles, Wags, and Whiskers Freedom harnesses for the pups. Ms. M's harness sags quite a bit and the Easy Walks crosses the shoulder joint, which can impede movement, and might even cause orthopedic problems. If you do get the Freedom harness, make sure you get it in the smallest size that they'll fit into girth-wise for the best fit around the shoulder (and they come in a variety of great colors, too!). They have a front and a back clip (and velvet tummy straps and are my favorite harness, EVER).

Rachel said...

Hahaha her "pathetic scowl" that's too funny A! Miss M is adorable. That's awesome that you were able to hitch a cab and explore. I agree... Sometimes I look around and think if I were on vacation somewhere else I would say wow it's so beautiful! But because I live here and see it all the time, well, I guess I just don't always appreciate that like I should. It is great to get out and as the weather gets cooler fewer and fewer people seem to be out in town and on the trails... Which leaves more room for me and my crazy pups haha.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Tucker The Crestie said...

I am the same way when I travel ... I always try to picture myself having coffee at this or that cafe, or walking the dogs in a certain park or green space. Yet, if I really lived there, I'd probably fall into a routine just like I do at home and not really take advantage of all there was to see and do.

The Daily Pip said...

Miss M looks very pretty in her bow. I see lots more dogs, big and small, downtown these days. I guess more people (and dogs) live in the loop. I work in the south loop and it is so fun to go out at lunch and see people walking their dogs.

Two French Bulldogs said...

Good reminder Ms M to appreciate what is around us. A lot of money is spent around too. Maybe it is a good day to stop and smell the roses. We love the idea that you get to go in the cab, how cool is that!
Benny & Lily

HoundDogMom said...

Nope, we are lucky if we get a walk at night. You guys are so lucky to get to see so many great adventures. Mom has a question for you. How do decide who you take out for an outing with just you. Do you feel quilty with leaving the other one home alone? I like to take Amiee to nursing home visits but since Cleo went to the Bridge Mom has a hard time taking me and leaving Winston home alone. He is not good for nursing homes so he can't go but she feels so bad for him. Do you have a suggestion on how she can get over this feeling bad because Winston has to stay home alone. Sniffs, The HoundDogs

Kim @ Yellow Brick Home said...

This is too cute, and it comes at the perfect time - Scott and I are way overdue for our own Chicago staycation! It's really about time we take advantage of how awesome our cit is, although, I don't know if Jack would be as well behaved as the gorgeous Miss M...

Kate said...

I'm so impressed with how you turn Chicago into such a dog-friendly town for yourselves. It's great to see Ms. M touring around with her little bow :)

Unknown said...

I'd forgotten about "dressing up" to go into the city. Went to St. Louis yesterday evening (no dogs) for iPhone repair; I was totally underdressed! Oy, vey!
There are some super touristy spots near Cape Girardeau, MO where I can go with Justus or Margie; just need to get there! Change of scenery.
Love the bow - of course, she won them over - she's Miss Marvelous!

Road Dog Tales said...

We're starting to think Chicago is one of the most dog friendly towns in the U.S.!

PeeS- We have a sneak peek of the Pit Bull Frogs Calendar up today. Can you spot Wilbur?

The Road Dogs

Two Grad Students and a Pittie said...

I cant wait until December break so we can do a lot of Tourist in NYC posts!

And i never knew about pretty little pitty! thanks for sharing!

goosie mama said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
goosie mama said...

Hey A - thanks for the mention! I completely agree that there are some very easy tricks to getting a cabbie to stop for you (even with larger dogs). It's actually quite easy to navigate the city without owning (and maintaining - yikes!) a car!

Alanna said...

I'd love to spend time in Chicago. I dream of going to grad school there :)

Anonymous said...

Wow...you all sure did gets to see a lotta nifty stuff. Those segways are ker-azy! We have a park here called Garden of the Gods and there's a place that'll take you on a tour of it on a segway!

I really gotta get my mom to buy me one of those bow collars for Christmas.

Wiggles & Wags,
mayzie

houndstooth said...

Yeah, we've been doing some walking and enjoying the Christmas lights this weekend, which has proven to be a lot of fun!

Miss M looks quite metropolitan in her bow!

steve said...

Loooooove your blog!!! I found it via Mr Pip & we now have the biggest crush on your gorgeous pups!
Best wags,
Steve the yorkie

Amy said...

The architectural boat tour in downtown Chicago is pet friendly - it would be a blast to check that out with Ms. M sometime!

Two Pitties in the City said...

Yes...we love the boat tour! We didn't get around to doing it this year, but here is our write up from before: http://pittiesincity.blogspot.com/2009/08/chicagoing-mercury-canine-cruise.html

Two Pitties in the City said...

HoundDogMom--Very interesting question. I guess because we have "his and her" dogs, it kind of works out that Miss M and I do things together. Or maybe based on their interests: I like to take Miss M to do things where she will meet people and Mr. B and I don't do that much together, but he loves to go on walks, and I take him when I need an escort (usually to an outdoor eatery) and I'll be coming home late at night. This might actually be an interesting blog post...

Kelly_g said...

I love the Freedom no-pull harness too! I've had mine for over a year and it is still in great shape!

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