We Went To Dog Beach

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Lot of things are different here in California. That includes a beach where dogs are welcome off leash. Dog Beach is in Huntington Beach, aka Surf City. Helaine, Stef, Roxie, Doppler and I drove there yesterday afternoon.

The marine layer was in, leaving the beach cloudy and hazy. Maybe that was good. We were very worried about Doppler getting sunburned.

IMG_7371The beach was crowded with two and four legged bathers. Some dogs couldn’t wait to run into the surf and retrieve balls or sticks. Others were carried or otherwise cajoled toward the water. Not every trip to the waterline was successful.

With all those dogs you’d expect some conflict, but I saw none.

IMG_7486Doppler and Roxie both made it to the wet sand, though neither was interested in dipping their paws or even staying near the waves.

There was a lot to see on the beach besides the people and pets.

Surfers were riding the waves. Sometimes dolphins appeared (though not while my camera was pointing at the right spot) leaping out of the water behind the big breakers. In the distance were a few oil platforms and the misty outline of Santa Catalina Island.

IMG_7547Planes carrying banners flew up and down the beach, advertising local businesses and one TV show. At one point a vintage prop fighter flew by not more than a few hundred feet above the water.

There’s a lot involved going to this beach, including a post-outing bath for both Roxie and Doppler. They might not have been in the water, but they were surely in the sand!

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Dressing Doppler

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It is another hot and unseasonably humid day here in the Southland. John Wayne International Airport is reporting 92&#176 with a dew point of 67&#176. That’s uncomfortable by any definition.

With the Sun beaming down, it was even too hot for the convertible, as I discovered leaving the house with the top down! My mission, which would take me south to Lake Forest, was to dress Doppler.

We’re going to the coast this weekend. Doppler has nothing to wear! Stef and Roxie will join us on a trip to “Dog Beach.” It’s in Huntington Beach. Dogs are allowed to go leashless and frolic in the surf!

IMAG0509-w1200-h1200I made some calls this morning looking for a store that stocked sunscreen for pups. Petco, no. Petsmart, yes.

OK, before you poo poo this, please remember Doppler was groomed last week. Her freckled skin is partially visible as you look at her back. We don’t want a fried hot dog!

The sunscreen was far back in the store. I got the last can. It’s probably not a big mover.

IMAG0511-w1200-h1200Just to make doubly sure Doppler’s protected I also bought her a shirt. There was a really cute Tommy Bahama model in small (10-15 pounds). It was too small for Doppler, who checks in at nine pounds.

Dogs suffer the same poor sizing people do! She wears a small, honest.

IMAG0519-w1200-h1200It’s tough to buy clothes if you’re not there to try it on. See, dogs are like people.

I went back and brought Doppler. Unfortunately, no Tommy Bahama in medium. It’s a shame. She looked good.

There was an extra small which looked hamster size.

We ended up settling for the shirt you see on the left. It says “Expert Snuggler.”

She is.