Pet Photos by Denise

Every year for my husband’s birthday, we try to take a trip out of town or book a night at a hotel just to get away from it all and get some rest and recreation as a family. For me in particular, just sleeping in an uncluttered hotel room (without the sight of laundry to sort, dishes to wash, garbage to clean up) is enough to de-stress me.  For my husband Cisco, it’s the same, plus the immediate access to a gym when he wakes up and the big breakfast buffets right after.  For my son Franco, as it is with most kids, it’s the elevator rides, the key cards, the bubble baths, the swimming pools, the view of the city from the room window, and, for his little G.I. Joe and superhero friends, a cool new landscape to explore.  For all three of us though, it’s the uninterrupted quality family time we appreciate the most.

Last weekend, we stayed at The Bellevue Manila.  There we met Doods, the hotel’s sniff dog, sitting beside his handler at the entrance of the hotel, welcoming (and sniffing?) guests as they arrived. He and Franco shook hands and became instant friends.

Doods is a two-year old cross between a Lab and a Golden Retriever. He is perhaps the sweetest, friendliest sniff dog ever! Aww, c’mon! Look at that adorable expression on his face!

If you’re ever at The Bellevue, don’t forget to say hi to the hairy brown “dude” at the door!

Doooooooooods!