DOGS ON HOLIDAYS (plus 12 cats and 4 caged birds so far)

Merindah Cottages have been specially designed for people holidaying with family pets. Having travelled up and down the East Coast and into the Outback with three dogs, I knew the cottage design had to include fully-fenced gardens and easy-to-maintain floor coverings. The low-pile commercial carpet and Swedish non-slip vinyl flooring let pets come inside and feel "at home." The fencing is actually labelled as "dog proof", and I say its even "chihuahua proof" to mean that little dogs cannot crawl out underneath. To reinforce this, there is chicken wire around the bottom metre of the fencing as well. You can get an idea of the fencing from the photos below, but don't hesitate to email or ring if you are still concerned.

The 10-acre (4 ha) property, with 2 cottages, is situated in the middle of neighbouring cattle and horse paddocks, with several fenced & mown paddocks at Merindah in which to run off lead. There are plenty of walks in the immediate area on tracks through the bush, along the rivers and lakes and beaches. There are lots of swimming spots and beaches where dogs are permitted. Each cottage has an Info Folder with a list of dog walks & swims, plus detailed laminated maps, together with a complete tourist kit. There are also several dozen waterfront cafes, wine bars, pubs and restaurants in all the coastal towns here where your dog is welcome to sit in the outdoor area with you.
(PS -  many guests bring two, three or more dogs - see the doggy photo gallery below.)

We'll make you and your best friend/s very welcome at Merindah! Laurie & Timmy, the Social Director

Who has been to the cottages?
Flo the Irish Wolfhound, gaggles of Golden Retrievers, jolly Jack Russells, frolicing Foxies and scads of Shi-tsu Maltese crosses. Two Newfoundlands together in one cottage at the same time as two Pomeranians in the other. Lots of breeds beginning with B: Border Collies, Beagles, Blue Heelers, Bassets and Bichons, Danielle-the-Basenji from Canberra and even a couple of Bernese Mountain dogs. We've had gorgeous German Shepherds (Nari has been nearly 50 times), Panda the Tibetan Spaniel, Jedda the Greyhound, a pair of Dalmations from Camberwell, more than a few King Charles Spaniels, Bronte the well-behaved Rottweiler, Hudson the Kelpie - and more of his kind, pure and crossed. Toy Poodles have also been popular, and Cockers too. As for exotics: we've had Reba the Weimaraner and Sharnie the Brittany Spaniel in one family, Brodie the Deerhound, then Hannah the Airedale and Thomas the Welsh Terrier came with their "parents". One Easter we had two dancing black labs in one cottage (Crystal & Bear) and two pugs (Grace & Ruby) in the other, followed by a family of three Keeshunds (Dutch barge dogs) and then three Golden Retrievers. But the most popular breeds, by far, are the Labrador (quite a number of black Labs too, including a "family" of three that were a bit too fond of a neighbour's dam) and the Golden Retriever (another family of three exhausted themselves at all the popular swimming spots - see below.)  Quite a few guest humans have adopted retired greyhounds, and they seem to make excellent pets- if you like lounge lizards. No probs - thre are washable throws on the lounges for them.

 Look left - matching colours: Suzanne with Wesley & Winnifred

Merindah has hosted many 4-legged families of three and four: Huskies, Pyrennean Mountain dogs, Pomeranians, Corgis, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Vizslas amongst many others. Some new and exotic breeds too: an enormous (but friendly) American bulldog, a Belgian Shepherd, two Bouvier de Flandres from different families, a Japanese Spitz, four Akitas. And - have you ever seen a Nova Scotia Ducktolling Retriever? What about a Chinese Crested?  Jason the (bare-skinned) Chinese Crested visited with his brother, Fenton the Golden Retriever, together with a weeks wardrobe of jackets to keep him warm. There's a photo of them in front of the sign at the cottage gates.

Have a look at our Testimonials page to see what a great time you can have at Merindah with your dog/s!

(Click on the pictures below to enlarge)

Jason (the Chinese Crested), Fenton & their parents	Take your dog to the Saturday Farmers Markets...and to all the Sunday markets as well. Great local produce incl many award-winning cheese, meat and wine stalls.	Rex checks out the chihuahua-proof cottage fencing. Dogs can't get over OR under!
"Tylah, Mia and Sam (and us too) had a wonderful time, but all too short. The dogs are still recovering from all that water.Will have to come again"	Daisy Dog & Jenny sitting on the steps of the restored Victorian Rotunda in Bairnsdale	Dave and his two Newfoundlands, Mac & Molly, spent a lot of time in the water during their visit.
Three Huskies on their way to live in Tasmania: Odin, Tara & Missy - with "brother" Bryce	Lake Tyers waterfront before eating outdoors at the pub overlooking the water.	Browse the Paynesville and Bairnsdale Sunday Markets.
Lots of jetties to visit in Paynesville...see the swans and dolphins, catch fish, admire all the boats.	Kristine and Gypsy out walking in the winter along the Mitchell River.	James & Lisa loved playing ball in the fenced Merindah paddocks. James has FOUR tennis balls in his mouth!
Cedar & Brandy inside the fully fenced Woongara Cottage yard.	Cedar & Brandy having a swim.	Coco & Buster

Visit the Testimonials page to see what a great time you can have at Merindah with your dog/s!