a not-so-gentle reminder

Before we get to the happy dog pictures, I have two things to say:

1. To the guys and gals racing across the parking lot to see if the waves are good enough to catch one before work... SLOW THE FUCK DOWN!
2. To the people (including myself) who sometimes untether their dog before reaching the sand over the hill... KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH UNTIL YOU GET TO THE BEACH!

Yes, this morning, some poor guy hit a young dog (hard) in the parking lot. The dog was out of control (young and full of energy) and the driver was going too fast to stop in time. While the dog left the beach alive and walking, its jaw was hit and ripped open on one side, and it appeared to be limping on its back legs. A tough lesson for the dog owner and driver, a not-so-gentle reminder for the rest of us who think it won't happen to them.

Even the best trained dog can catch sight of a bird, cat or other critter and bolt. They don't know they're supposed to look both ways.

Got it? Great. I was lucky enough to arrive AFTER the actual incident, but soon enough to see the poor dog limping to his truck and driven away (hopefully to a nearby vet).

Now, off to some snapshots of the happier dogs today...

[Charlie waits for his human, Carolyn, to throw the ball again.]

[Rowdy is a new addition to the beach, and he lives up to his name. Riley just adopted him after the recent passing of one of her hounds. Rowdy is still learning proper beach etiquette, so he'll stay on leash for a few days, but he should be ready to run with the pack very soon.]