By Julie Knapp
April 9, 2010

While there are many dog-friendly hotels around these days, specially designed vacations that cater to canines and their owners are few and far between – especially if you turn your nose up at anything less than top-notch accommodations and pampering.  But if you go west to Greenough, Montana for the second annual Wine & Bitch Weekend, you won’t be disappointed.

From April 23 to 25, the luxury ranch resort is hosting a unique weekend of events. You’ll kick it all off with dinner featuring wine pairings from dog-friendly California vineyard Mutt Lynch Winery with vintages such as Unleashed Chardonnay and Merlot Over and Play Dead. Dog-themed gourmet cuisine including onion soup served in steel bowls and filo-dough raw hides will be on the menu. The best part? You won’t hear any begging from your pooch.

While you enjoy your foodie feast, your dog gets to run around with the other four-legged guests (supervised, of course). Last year’s mix of 21 dogs ranged from a Miniature Pinscher to a Saint Bernard.

The five-star treatment continues throughout the weekend with more amazing wine and food along with massages for both you and your dog. You can even take the opportunity to stop any bad dog behavior with a one-on-one training session with “The Dog Prodigy” Kevin Salem. A fido fashion show, an agility competition and a Western-themed doggie photo booth filled with ropes, bandanas and hay bails will send you home with priceless memories. A highlight from 2009’s event that will be offered again is a high-tech GPS treasure hunt for doggie toys and treats.

All the action is nearly overshadowed by the breathtaking setting. Paws Up, which was named after a duo of dogs and always welcomes canine companions, features 28  vacation homes set on 37,000 sprawling acres with the Mission Mountains as a backdrop. Guests can participate in many outdoor activities including horseback riding, fly-fishing, golf, mountain biking and guided wilderness adventures. Be prepared that if your furry princess gets too spoiled during the Wine & Bitch  Weekend, you just might hear some “whining” when you get back home.

If you go:
Missoula International Airport (MSO) is about 35 minutes from the resort.