By Lynn Pribus
April 6, 2010

Although President Lincoln didn’t take Fido – his dog’s real name – when he made his famed Address in November of 1863, just 4 ½ months after that terrible battle, Gettysburg is definitely Fido-friendly today.

The 12th annual Greyhounds in Gettysburg, held April 23-25, is one of many events taking place in this interesting small city. Some of the activities for attendees and their greyhounds include a parade, the Blessing of the Hounds, an Ice Cream Social, scavenger hunts, games, costume contests, a candlelight ghost walk and greyhound speed races.

Overall, the National Military Park is the big draw. Gettysburg was the largest battle ever fought on this continent. Of the 165,000 soldiers on both sides, more than 50,000 were killed, injured, or disappeared.

Visitors can follow battlefield routes in their vehicles and well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome except in the cemetery. Visit www.civilwartraveler.com to download free battle podcasts. Even better: engage a Licensed Battlefield Guide who will drive you in your car. They are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable you may suspect they were here in 1863. (Mention your dog to ensure a dog-loving historian.)

The town has many antique and gift shops and your pooch will want to head to Island
Dog for doggie duds such as a custom jacket or bandana. Eateries abound from snack spots to period dining. After sharing a Happy Hour at your lodgings, Fido will probably forgive you if you go alone to the renowned Dobbin House Tavern which dates back to 1776 and consistently scores top marks for mood and menu.

There are hotels, motels, RV parks and some three dozen B&Bs. Many welcome pets. The Eisenhower Hotel is particularly known as dog friendly. A fee is charged and pets may be left alone – crated if you want housekeeping. For historical ambiance, an 1809 fieldstone farmhouse, now the Battlefield Bed and Breakfast, welcomes dogs with no fee or size limit. Quiet pets may be left alone in your room, several of which sleep up to six. Each morning, after breakfast, a local historian brings some aspect of the Civil War to life.