A Dog Days Get Away

When Raeann and Phil asked us to look after Stella and Izzy while they vacation in Florida, I couldn’t say no.

Stella and Izzy

Was I compelled by a vague sense that their place (which I had only visited once) was way nicer than mine? Of course I was. Did I see an opportunity to relax in the hot tub Rae subtly mentioned when issuing the request? You bet. 

These two clearly needed the vacation. 

Actually, I do have some experience looking after other people’s dogs. My first job in 8th grade entailed feeding, watering, and walking Gussie’s dog, Maddie, every day after school. Obviously I got into that job for access to a better house, too. She had CABLE for crying out-loud (a technological phenomenon that, at 24, I’ve still never enjoyed in a home of my own), and she had a well-stocked pantry. 

Luckily, I made all my mistakes with that first gig (just ask Gussie), so this time things went pretty smoothly. Plus, I had a serious Dog-lover with me to do all the dirty work, like playing fetch with slimy golf balls, and dispensing meat sticks whenever a reward seemed due. 

Truth be told, it actually felt more like a vacation than a job, and one that I can highly recommend to anyone considering a Dog Days Get-Away when R&P go on another trip in July. 

Here it is: 

 A Guest Review of L’Eschmann Inn 

Key Words: suburban, shabby-chic, complementary wine, complementary coffee, doggie-oasis, hot tub

L’Eschmann Inn is a suburban dreamland. Located in the upwardly mobile, liberal leaning ex-hippy Mecca that is Webster Groves, 412 South Gore exudes a laid-back shabby-chic vibe. From the speckled white brick exterior to the casually ajar wooden shutters, every detail at the L’Eschmann Inn appears inadvertent, and yet, absolutely perfect.  

Upon arrival at the Inn, we helped ourselves to not one but two bottles of complimentary wine, as well as a fresh meal from Staub’s Market-- a neighborhood staple for well-to-do foodies that’s just minutes down the road. Any edibles from this Cadillac of Grocery Stores would have been a real treat; yet, let me say that what we enjoyed was particularly delicious: herb roasted turkey breast, crisp cucumber salad, and creamy new-potatoes-- all at no cost to us. Thanks, Management!

After watching Stella and Izzy inhale their own unpalatable food in less than 30 seconds, we took our wine outside where we relaxed on matching lounge chairs and spent the evening as anyone would: playing fetch with the most cooperative dogs Mike has ever met. Not only do they enthusiastically chase what you throw, they also bring it back AND drop it in your lap. For Mike, it just doesn’t get any better than this. 

Following a truly blissful night sleep on R&P’s king size bed, which I’m betting contains some sort of tempur-pedic element, we awoke early to the sound of birds singing and dogs barking. Fresh complimentary coffee was provided, while for breakfast we had our pick of nearly expired eggs, toast, or Hot Pockets. I went for the eggs, whereas Mike selected a Hot Pocket which he purported as absolutely delicious and convenient.

 We were all a little sleepy after the 6AM wake-up game of fetch. 

Endless amusements presented themselves after breakfast; each day provided something new and entertaining. The most fun was had, however, when Lucy (Mike’s parents’ dog), stopped by for a play date. All three canines romped around L’Eschmann’s sprawling backyard, as all three humans watched and laughed. Lucy was convinced she had finally discovered the true doggie-oasis she’d been dreaming of from her backyard tie-up in Bell Nor, and she thought it mighty fine to run freely.  

Stella and Lucy; They might be long-lost sisters. 

The maid service at L’Eschmann Inn is impeccable, as those dogs’ tongues leave no dirty surface unpolished, and for added benefit, the front desk provides clean towels AND a mini-chocolate bar on each fresh pillow in the master bedroom. 

Television access requires at least a cursory knowledge of remote controls; navigate at your own risk. The flat screen in the living room is slightly more forgiving than the one in the bedroom, so my advice is to stick with that one. Yes, TV trays are provided for your convenience. 

Stepping stools are not provided, so the vertically-challenged should bring their own if they want to put detergent in the washing machine, access the available cooking spices, or use one of the baking pans. 

Hot tub usage is strictly self-service. But, if you don’t mind conducting a chemistry experiment every time you want to take a salubrious dip, you can spend hours in their 93-degree tub of quietly bubbling water. The placidity will only be disturbed if Stella and Izzy start wrestling.

All in all, a vacation at the L’Echmann Inn is well worth it for the playful company, clean sheets, and full cash-refund provided by Hotel Management. 

We sincerely enjoyed our stay!