Every journey has a beginning.

I’m Melissa, the creator of Pawtastic Stays.

I believe the places we remember most aren’t always the most luxurious, they’re the ones where we slow down, feel welcomed, and create meaningful memories with the ones we love.

For me, those memories have always included a Golden Retriever.

Long before Pawtastic Stays existed, I worked as a registered oncology nurse. During that time, I watched therapy dogs bring comfort, hope, and moments of joy to patients facing incredibly difficult days.

Seeing the difference a dog could make left a lasting impression on me and inspired a dream that would eventually change my life.

That dream became Scout.

Scout wasn’t just my dog, he became a certified therapy dog whose gentle spirit touched thousands of lives. Whether visiting hospitals, offering his famous Free Hugs, or simply sitting beside someone who needed comfort, he had an extraordinary way of making people feel seen.

As we traveled together, I realized something else.

The places that stayed with us weren’t simply pet-friendly. They were places where both of us genuinely felt welcome.

That realization planted the seed for what would one day become Pawtastic Stays.

Then, in 2021, everything changed.

Just days after returning from a family trip along the Oregon Coast, Scout was diagnosed with cardiac hemangiosarcoma. Three days later, we said goodbye.

Losing him was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but his legacy of kindness continues to guide everything I do.

A few months later, Archie came into our lives through Golden Bond Rescue.

Today, Archie is much more than my travel companion.

He is my psychiatric service dog, helping me navigate PTSD and chronic migraines while reminding me every day that healing doesn’t mean forgetting-it means learning to keep moving forward.

Travel looks different for us now.

Because I live with an invisible disability, I understand how important it is to find destinations that feel welcoming, accessible, and genuinely accommodating. That perspective shapes every recommendation you’ll find here.

Why Pawtastic Stays?

Every hotel, cabin, inn, and destination featured on this website has been personally experienced and thoughtfully chosen.

I’m not trying to list every dog-friendly hotel.

I’m sharing the places that made us feel something.

Places with warm hospitality.

Beautiful surroundings.

Thoughtful details.

And the kind of memories that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

My hope is that this website inspires you to pack the leash, take the trip you’ve been putting off, and discover somewhere you’ll both remember.

Whether you’re traveling with your dog, looking for thoughtful travel inspiration, or navigating life with an invisible disability, I’m so glad you’re here.

Welcome to Pawtastic Stays!

Melissa & Archie