:thumbup:I agree;)

Well, if it's on the East Coast, I'll definitely make it. I couldn't swing Kansas City, 33 hours round trip was just too much for me for a 3 day weekend. But...I still like the idea of alternating between a central location and one of the coasts.

If it's on the West Coast, I'll enjoy reading all your posts and checking out your pics, and wishing you all a great time. Then I'll look forward to the following year when it may be somewhere closer. :)

If it's in a Central location, I'll just have to do the math again. Oh, and I think the small donation to vote is a great idea. It should be non-refundable and used towards the costs of the next meet-up.

Ok back on the TEXAS location... there are 2 dog parks in San Antonio : One is on Pearsall Road and another one is in McAllister Park.It is located at 13102 Jones- Maltsberger by the airport and there is also another at 4700 Old Pearsall Rd. Also, you can take your dog to see the San Antonio Missions...if your into that.
There is also a Wildlife Ranch and dogs are allowed, and Enchanted Springs Ranch. OHHH and Feb- April is AWESOME weather in TEXAS!!! It's so fresh but sunny without humidity.... We also have a beach South Padre Island in South Padre Island Texas which is totally dog friendly.. people could park their RV's in the RV area..., go fishing , shopping... etc....

ohh another thing.. Texas is fairly inexpensive in comparision to other parts of the US... just another insight....

OHHH..... the whole campground thing would work in TEXAS too...(sorry Im reading pages then adding as i go... hee hee).... there is a place here in Texas called CANYON LAKE, TEXAS.. it is awesome.. they have campgrounds, kayaking,lots of stuff to do.. cabins local shops etc.. very very very dog friendly..Canyon Lake Texas Chamber of Commerce - Serving Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River
Visitor Info
Lodging/Campground/RV
Attractions

You are one Texas supporter :D

I have a Brother in Kent, WA.
I know Seattle is a pet friendly city and has beautiful dog parks and lots of dog stores, but unfortunately is another city that would be expensive to get to and stay. I love it though, it's beautiful!

Ditto :thumbup:

Okay...I know I've posted quite a bit, but tried to be fair and never recommended my city (Charleston)...even to the point of saying it wouldn't be good for it....

My opinion keeps changing, and that's why I keep posting :p

So here's my :twocents:...I agree that last year pre-planning we agreed central US 2008, then each of the coasts for the next two years, so I think we should stick with that as I think it's a great idea (my professional court reporters' organization does the SAME THING for their annual convention, every three years it moves so different people can attend.)

So with that said, I think we only have a few "good" options IMO..

WEST COAST :::
1) San Diego has been talked about a lot, and it sounds great. If it's here, I'm very likely to go.
2) San Francisco has not been talked about as much, but you guys, it is soooooo beautiful all year round...seasonable temperatures, and there is so much FUN touristy stuff to do. I hate "crappy" touristy stuff, but SF has so many great options. This right now would be my number 1 choice.
3) Seattle...not been talked about, but I would imagine it's beautiful in summer. And then Des could bring TONS of go.fetch stuff because she's so close :p

EAST COAST:::
4) Somewhere in NC, probably Charlotte ? It has a nice, big airport, city is bigger than you think and beautiful...
5) Florida--oddly enough, probably the closest to me, other than NC, and my very last choice. If the meet-up is here, I'm likely not to go...but I know I'm not that important :p LOL
6) NYC--IMO, would be fun but way toooooo expensive...
7) Boston...my number 2 choice (behind SF). I've never been and have always wanted to. It looks beautiful, big city, and yet still less expensive than NYC.


Any thoughts, y'all???

I also agree on those who went this year voting for next year. We have made a CLEAR dedication to these meet-ups, and so while other may have had something come up, etc, etc, etc...whatever the reason or excuse, we made it...so I think we vote, at least preliminarily to get it down to 2 or 3 options. Anyone else agree with that ??


I wanted to add one more thing, then I'll shut up (for now)....the only reason I don't like Florida idea AT ALL is because of temperatures. If I want HOT AND HUMID, I can just stay put for the summer, but I want a vacation, so I want cooler weather, and all other SIX options that I listed have MUCH, MUCH cooler temps than FL for the summer...just another thing to think about...

I've just plugged these cities into Travelocity for the same date in September (just to get an idea) from Charleston to each, and here's what I came up with:

San Diego: About $400
San Francisco: About $420
Seattle: About $420.
Florida: I would just drive.
Charlotte: I would just drive.
NYC: About $250.
Boston: About $275.

So none are insane and from where I am to these cities, prices seem about right...

I still say SF or Boston :D Plus, Nanci (YorkieChick1) is from there, and she has posted that a large group of yorkie owners locally might add to our numbers...just another thought...

This statement is completely accurate and that decision was made based on a thread very similar to this one last year. Since that decision was already made, I see know reason to start changing things - hence my previous post.

I am waiting to hear from Lisa (Sukoshi's Mom) about her willingness to remain on the committee. Unless anyone objects, we already have a committee who worked very hard, from three different areas of the country, two of which are already willing to continue.

I want each of you to know that I've heard loud and clear what you've said. There are many regional areas with regular meet-ups that have 30-40 attendees (most of whom are YTers, just not posting ones) - some of whom driving 2 hours each way to get there. So, there are many areas that could justify having a YT meet-up there. And, we can't discount those who haven't donated as everyone has their own reason.

As far as cost goes, I have hesitated to say anything about this previously, but my hubby has been laid off for 10 months now. I make next to no $ with my clothing business, and my private clients are very low right now. We have very little savings left, still have a house payment and some of the highest gasoline costs in the country, and unemployment ran out a long time ago. So I think I am very qualified as one to be concerned about costs and one who should not have attended this year!!!!!

As soon as I hear from Lisa, she, Michelle and I will take a look at all of this again and determine where we go. My guess is there will be a poll listing coastal cities (both West and East) and whichever coast is not selected for 2009 will be the 2010 location...........

I love the idea of the cities you have listed. I think besides the airfare costs, the lodging is going to be expensive in NY, San Fran & Boston, maybe San Diego too.
I think the climate really needs to be taken into consideration depending on when this is planned and any outdoor activities. My brother is in Orlando right now and he just emailed me to tell me that he thinks it's 7000 degrees fahrenheit at the moment! :p

I think one of the big questions to be answered, will most people be making a vacation out of this and be looking to see the city and do alot of other things or will you just be looking to make a weekend out of spending time with people from YT and the dogs and activities that will be planned?
I know I said it earlier, but depending on the answer to the above, in my mind plays a huge factor into where this is going to be.
If you are making this a vacation, then a bigger city with alot to see and do would be in order, but obviously it will be more expensive.
If it's a YT weekend mainly, then I think picking a secondary city with less expense makes more sense!

nevermind...

(silly me, just rambling)

Jodie, I know I wasnt there this year, but...

I think this years committee did a wonderful job. Everyone seems to have had a great time, you all worked hard, and donated your personal time. Bravo. I would be very happy to leave it all in your capable hands again. Whichever year the meetup lands on the East Coast, you can count on us to be there.:)

i agree it should stay the way it was said . east one year then west the next year . or west then east as for me i live in a small town so i would like a big town so i can go to other things i also love san diego my husband is navy and we lived there for 1 year but i also like to go to holly wood but if san diego gets picked i can alwasy just take a flight to la to look around for a day so no big deal