www.TheNewBarker.com
18 THE NEW BARKER
realitysoundbites.
Tripadvisor is the world’s largest travel guide platform that helps people 
research, plan, and book trips. Their Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the 
Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It is awarded to 
those businesses that have received a high volume of above-and-beyond 
reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month 
period. Out of their 8 million listings, fewer than one percent achieve this 
milestone. OCC Roadhouse & Museum received the Best of the Best award 
for being in the top three dog-friendly restaurants in the United States. 
      Part museum, part concert venue, the laid back vibe of this full service 
restaurant and bar has a 25,000 square foot covered and partially enclosed 
pavilion that is fully permitted for dining with dogs. All temperature con-
trolled with your pups in mind: cool flooring, seven Big Ass ceiling fans, water 
bowls filled with ice, a lush grass area right out back for potty breaks. 
      Check out their unique collection of bikes that were showcased on the 
American Chopper television show. The retail store also features a cool pet 
merchandise section. Their quarterly Pet Adoption days have become very 
popular, featuring local rescue groups, pet-themed vendors, and the famous 
Wiener Dog Derby. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook 
@OCCRoadhouse for events and special promotions.
KuDOGS to OCC Roadhouse
West Virginia is the last state that has two active Greyhound racetracks: Mardi Gras 
Casino & Resort in Cross Lanes, and Wheeling Island Casino & Racetrack. Races are 
conducted year-round at both facilities. A population of nearly 600 dogs race at 
Mardi Gras and 1,000 at Wheeling. Since 2015, more than 5,000 have been injured 
while racing in the state. In 2022 alone, 666 Greyhounds were injured, the highest on 
record since 2014. According to state records, innocent hounds suffered torn and 
twisted muscles, dislocations, seizures, heat stroke, broken tails and puncture wounds 
And just since 2021, at least 42 dogs have died.  Every year Greyhound breeders in 
West Virginia receive $17 million in subsidies. West Virginia voters overwhelmingly 
oppose (81 percent) the racing subsidies and are opposed to dog racing. GREY2K 
USA, a global voice for Greyhounds, is working to end Greyhound racing in West 
Virginia. To receive email action alerts and how to help,, you may sign up using the 
following link: www.Grey2kusa.org/action/signup.php
Almost Heaven, West Virginia
OCC Roadhouse & Museum 
10575 49th St. N., Clearwater, FL 
727.231.1510 – www.OccRoadhouse.com 
A recent Ball State study proves that West 
Virginia dog racing is at a dead end and has 
been draining the state of millions of dollars.

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