Dogs on beaches. It's a problem I've had for the past three years that we've had our dog Chelsey.
She's a Sunshine Coast SPCA special that looks a bit like a lab and a bit like a Bernese mountain dog, though we're not sure of her actual breed. She's a good size and has a ton of energy that is best spent running with my husband while he pedals on local mountain bike trails or swimming at local watering holes.
The problem I've found is that people, whom I'm assuming don't have dogs, are scared of her and don't want her paddling along beside them while they swim in the ocean or at the lake. And, of course, by law, she's not allowed at most beaches that my husband and I frequent with our child Kaitlyn. Chelsey is Kaitlyn's best friend, which is evident in the amount of food Kay passes off to Chelsey at mealtimes.
It would be great to be able to go to a beach that is sandy and easy for our 15-month-old to play at and also welcoming to dogs. A little while ago my husband Rob, Kaitlyn, Chelsey and I went to a beach in Whistler that fit the bill. On one side there was a beach for locals to enjoy without dogs, and a little bit farther up the beach was an area where dogs were welcomed with their owners to swim and play.
Why can't we have something like that here? A place where families can enjoy the water with their dogs. A place owners can swim with their pets and toss balls and sticks into the ocean. A place where everyone is accepting of dogs of all shapes and sizes and all are understanding that dogs sometimes bark, run at crazy speeds, sniff each other's butts and, yes, even walk up to strangers for some quick loving.
I used to be a cat person. For 23 years my only pet was a cat, and my husband and I still have two cats that we live with. I say we live with them because we're more their servants than their owners. Cats have a certain attraction, and yes, they're fun to pet and cuddle, but they love you on their terms.
Not like dogs. Dogs are happy to lie at the foot of your bed just to be close to you.
For those of you who have never owned a dog, I think you're missing out. And for those of you who have had bad experiences with dogs, I'm sorry, but it was probably the fault of the owner more than the animal. Still, I understand your fear and don't want to invade your beaches with my mutt. There's no sense bringing a dog where it's not welcome, although if you got to know my Chelsey I'm sure you'd love her.
I propose a sandy doggy beach, complete with baggies for stinky presents and a water tap for thirsty pups. Maybe the local pet shops could even get together to have coin operated treat dispensers.
I think the doggy beach would help relieve some of the anger at local beaches where dogs run free but aren't welcome or legally allowed.
Now I just need someone with money or influence to come forward and make the doggy beach a reality. Any takers?
