no barking on mondays, please

It was tough getting back on track this morning, but I still managed to get the dogs to the beach this morning. We went Saturday and Sunday, both busy days with lots of sun and discussion with other Dog Beach people. I went earlier than usual this morning, hoping to enjoy a quiet morning to recoup from last week and get some "Jen" time. When we first arrived, it was just Dude, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and his owner, Sean. Riptide & Tempest like to play tug-a-war with Dude and his frisbee while Sean and I chat and drink coffee. This was relaxing. Before long, the white puppy (35-pound Terrier mix of some sort) from yesterday played with Riptide again, and again for too long. Riptide started to "school" the puppy on how to back off, but the puppy wouldn't have it. So, Riptide snapped at him. And the puppy barked back. Just like yesterday, the barking didn't stop. Very loud and at a pitch that goes through your brain. In mid-sentence while listening to Sean, I said "Okay, time for walk." Doggies, please. Give us owners a break on Monday morning. Let up a bit on the yaps.

I have to get a small camera to take to the beach so I can capture these pups at their best and worst.

# of times asked "what kind of dog is that?": 0

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missing the beach

Our Sunday morning at the beach was long and relaxing, which I needed because I had to fly out to New England the next morning (yesterday) for my grandmother's funeral. I'm here in Newburyport, MA now and won't be home until this weekend. I miss the beach...

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RIP elliott

"what is that?"

We found out today that Elliot, a friendly Basset Hound we see nearly every weekend, died a few weeks ago due to an unexpected seizure. They have no idea what happened, but his replacement - a puppy Basset that will grow to be huge (you should see the paws on this guy), joined them today. Bye bye, Elliot. Welcome puppy!

Summer Saturdays at the beach tend to be crowded and frenetic, but the overcast skies, drizzle and cool breeze kept many indoors this morning. Yeah for us! A nice lazy morning with caramel mochas, except for the spastic, wet Golden Retriever that wouldn't stop jumping on me and thought my wrist was a chew toy.

Our Frenchies tend to draw attention, mostly from people wondering what breed they are. When Tempest was a puppy, we got the question "what is that?" often. As if she weren't even a dog. Today, she gets more of the "is that a Pug mixed with a [insert breed]?"

# of times today asked "what kind of dog is that?": 3

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the beach is home

Ocean Beach's Dog Beach is a small stretch of sand where the San Diego River meets the Pacific Ocean. It's a 24-hour leash-free park where people and dogs alike run around and play in the sand and waves. There's no place like it. I meet locals and tourists regularly, even several folks who trek down from Orange and Riverside Counties with their dogs for the weekend just to visit (luckily there is a dog-friendly hotel at its heels).

My husband and I began visiting Dog Beach nearly 3 years ago. Not only was Ronnie my boyfriend back then, but we didn't even have a dog. My friend Carla drove her pooches here from Poway (20+ miles away) every Sunday for a little R&R, so we joined her every once in a while just to enjoy her company and dogs.

When our 2.5-year old French Bulldog, Tempest, joined the family in 2005, every Sunday became family day at the beach. Whether she ran in the waves or chased sand flies solo, or played chase and be chased with everyone from the MinPins to the Dalmations, it was one great hour or two each week we looked forward to. Quickly, it was every Sunday AND Saturday.

Now, we've got our 2nd Frenchie, Riptide, and the little rascals have me there every day. I say it's for them, but I'm the first to miss it if we're not there for a day.

This beach isn't for everyone, nor every dog, but it's a little slice of heaven for my family. I've met many a character (both canine and human). I'll introduce you to our beach friends and share stories of our visits, so stay tuned.

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