About 120 miles north of San Francisco on Highway 1, the Whale Watch Inn in southern Mendocino County is a close-to-nature haven with ocean views from all 18 rooms. You'll feel pampered from the time you enjoy a complimentary glass of wine at check-in to the time you light your wood-burning fireplace, cozy up under a down comforter and dig into the gourmet breakfast delivered to your room the next morning. Rover will feel pampered, too, with his inn-issued beach towel, bowls, blanket and bed.

During the daytime, get out and explore Redwood Coast destinations, including Gualala Point Regional Park, five miles south of the inn, and nearby Point Arena Lighthouse . Oh-and don't forget to look for the gray whales and humpbacks swimming close to shore in winter on their migration routes to and from Mexico. They're visible from many points along the coast-maybe even from your balcony. Rates at the Whale Watch Inn start at around $200 per night; pet fee is $40-$50 additional.

Sea Ranch was "eco-friendly" before Earth Day was even invented, and today as in its 1960s infancy, the low-key, architecturally distinct community attracts a clientele with "back to the land" inclinations. Many pet-friendly vacation home rentals are available, along with rooms at the Sea Ranch Lodge, where winter rates for ocean-view quarters start at $149 midweek and $199 on weekends, breakfast included. (Stay two nights midweek in February and enjoy a complimentary dinner for two with bottle of wine.) Pet fee is $50 per stay. The Sea Ranch staff is hip to canine visitors and ready to fill you in on coastal access, hiking trails and activities you can enjoy with your furry friend. Sea Ranch stretches for 10 miles along the scenic Sonoma coast.

Salt air, savory seafood, historic character and classic coastal views combine to make Nick's Cove & Cottages a romantic jumping-off point for exploring Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. The formerly funky, 1930s-era roadhouse and dilapidated fishermen's cottages were transformed a few years ago into a "rustic chic" hotspot with a celebrity chef in the kitchen and luxury appointments in the cottages, some of which are on the water, some across the road.

Winter rates from $202 offer savings of 30 percent and more off summer tariffs and relief from heavy tourist traffic, as well. Dogs are welcome in eight of the 12 cabins—though not, unfortunately, in the acclaimed restaurant. Pet fee is $50 per stay, which is a dog-friendly gesture to be sure. Nick's is just an hour's drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge—so close, as they say, and yet, in setting and in feel, delightfully far away.

What is the most popular dog breed in America? The mutt, of course! Yet even mixed-breed dogs reflect 2011 statistics gathered by the American Kennel Club.

For the 20th year in a row, the Labrador retriever holds the No. 1 spot as the most popular breed in America, according to the AKC. But the No. 4 spot, previously owned by the golden retriever, now belongs to the beagle.

The top 10 nationwide: 1. Labrador retriever 2. German shepherd 3. Yorkshire terrier 4. Beagle 5. Golden retriever 6. Bulldog 7. Boxer 8. Dachshund 9. Poodle 10. Shih Tzu.

San Francisco's rankings skew somewhat differently. The top five: Labrador retriever, golden retriever, Yorkshire terrier, French bulldog and poodle.

American Brittany Rescue is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization formed in 1991 and now placing more than 1,000 Brittanys every year in the United States and Canada. Its mission is to take in stray, abandoned, surrendered and shelter Britts, provide them with foster care, health and temperament screening, and place them in loving homes.

The Brittany is an active, playful and intelligent sporting breed, energetic when hunting upland game as well as a devoted family pet good with children and other animals. ABR often gets Brittanys into rescue from owners whose home situations change, are unprepared to handle their dogs’ energy level and smarts, or have discarded their hunting companions. Many are like Sophie, an orange-and-white Brittany who was surrendered to a shelter at six months of age because she was “too active” for her original owners. With a family to love her and provide exercise and affection, Sophie is thriving in her new home.

If you’d like to meet about 100 Britts and their owners in person, check the Northern California Brittany Club calendar to get details on a late July  "Fun Days" event, assisted by ABR, geared to introduce newcomers to the breed.

Photo Credits:

"Valentines Baby" - Dave Kendrick
"Mendo Whale" - Swift Benjamin
"Happy Harbor Dog at Point Arena" - Ingrid Taylar
"The Road to Sea Ranch" - S-Ron McKellar
"Yogi @ Sea Ranch Beach" - Dave Kendrick
"Nick's Cove" - Dave Kendrick
"Bug and Izzy at the Beach" - Bradley Olin
"Dog and Menu" - Forge in the Forest, Carmel
"Black Lab Puppy" - James Lumb
"Sophie" - American Brittany Rescue