Life's a Beach
It was bound to happen sooner or later. After all, we only live about 5 miles from the beach in a county that's well-known for it's dog friendly atmosphere (as opposed to the rest of the state, that is). I wouldn't have guessed that his first trip to the ocean would be in late December, but you just never know what the weather is going to be like in Sunny Southern California.
We didn't actually make it to one of the "dog beaches". I opted for an easy, albeit expensive, parking spot that would ensure I didn't end our fun in the sun with a ticket. Dogs are more than welcome, as long as they're on leash. It was actually a good option considering the beach runs along Pacific Coast Highway and I wasn't at all sure how he'd react to the crash of the waves, not to mention other dogs running wildly around.
Tag spends most of his life 'nose down'....sniffing, mouthing, eating, shaking anything he can get at that's even slightly interesting or, better yet, tasty. The beach was all of that and then some. Seaweed, shells, sand crabs, paw prints, rocks, sand, not to mention all those tasty waves! He was in sensory heaven. There were just enough people and dogs to make the visit more exciting, as if that were possible, but not so crowded that he was overwhelmed. He ran through the waves with the kids...or maybe I should say he *hopped*. He only got caught once unawares by a southerly wave that had him swimming a few short strokes. He was more cautious after that.
He wasn't thrilled with the water; but that's no big surprise given his hatred of pools and bath time. I have an anti-water Corgi on my hands. He did his time in the outgoing surf and got plenty wet there, then got down to his very favorite past-time: digging! The first hole was very small, he was nervous I'd scold him like I do at home. The second hole was heading for China. He'll definitely be an asset this summer when the kids build sand tunnels on the beach. He, and the kids, were soaked and covered in sand. Fortunately our big walk in shower is right inside the garage door, so they all went in for a good hosing off.
He's tired, dry, fluffy and in his usual spot...inches away from my laptop snuggled up on the couch. Two days of big adventure for my little guy. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
We didn't actually make it to one of the "dog beaches". I opted for an easy, albeit expensive, parking spot that would ensure I didn't end our fun in the sun with a ticket. Dogs are more than welcome, as long as they're on leash. It was actually a good option considering the beach runs along Pacific Coast Highway and I wasn't at all sure how he'd react to the crash of the waves, not to mention other dogs running wildly around.
Tag spends most of his life 'nose down'....sniffing, mouthing, eating, shaking anything he can get at that's even slightly interesting or, better yet, tasty. The beach was all of that and then some. Seaweed, shells, sand crabs, paw prints, rocks, sand, not to mention all those tasty waves! He was in sensory heaven. There were just enough people and dogs to make the visit more exciting, as if that were possible, but not so crowded that he was overwhelmed. He ran through the waves with the kids...or maybe I should say he *hopped*. He only got caught once unawares by a southerly wave that had him swimming a few short strokes. He was more cautious after that.
He wasn't thrilled with the water; but that's no big surprise given his hatred of pools and bath time. I have an anti-water Corgi on my hands. He did his time in the outgoing surf and got plenty wet there, then got down to his very favorite past-time: digging! The first hole was very small, he was nervous I'd scold him like I do at home. The second hole was heading for China. He'll definitely be an asset this summer when the kids build sand tunnels on the beach. He, and the kids, were soaked and covered in sand. Fortunately our big walk in shower is right inside the garage door, so they all went in for a good hosing off.
He's tired, dry, fluffy and in his usual spot...inches away from my laptop snuggled up on the couch. Two days of big adventure for my little guy. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
Comment
-
Comment by Geri & Sidney on December 30, 2009 at 9:52pm
-
Thank Liz! I love O'Side harbor too. There was talk of making a dog beach near the creek inlet, but nothing definitive yet. I keep hoping!
-
Comment by Summer's Mom on December 30, 2009 at 9:13pm
-
Just substitute snow in our backyard and you've got Summer! How cute.
-
Comment by Liz Gritt on December 30, 2009 at 8:17pm
-
Jude, Lily and Louise- Glad I could 'warm' your day ;) Our front arrived today...grey, cold and drizzly...not exactly single digits...but definitely not the beach day we had *yesterday*! I'm glad I timed that right.
-
-
Geri, I have no problem sharing...but it's not *too* much help. If you exit Birmingham and go south, it's the beach just south of where 'Charley's by the Sea" used to be. I can't remember the name of it, it's the strand that's just north of Del Mar though :( Don't take Manchester, that just makes you turn back almost to Birmingham anyways. I can't find anyplace further north that's dog-friendly...certainly not O-side harbor (my favorite hangout). It's a drive, but it sure was worth seeing!
-
Comment by Jude, Lily and Louise on December 30, 2009 at 12:47pm
-
Thank you, I'm sitting here watching the snow and waiting for a cold front to bring single digit temps. My girls had fun in the snow, except for one case of brain freeze. Wait til that cold air comes, brrrrr. Reading your post and seeing your little guy working so hard brought a smile to my face and warmed me up for a few minutes. I think I will read it again later when the front comes through. Brrrr, lucky Tag.
-
Comment by John Wolff on December 30, 2009 at 12:45pm
-
The more white in a dog's coat, the more it loves to dig.
-
Comment by Bev Levy on December 30, 2009 at 8:30am
-
Sparty loves the beach but since our water isn't salt I wonder if that makes a difference. Izzy thinks it is fun but is a little afraid of the waves. Sparty will race barking into them over and over. They both love to swim but don't go out over their heads much. Sounds like your day was great!
-
-
Sidney is also an anti-water corgi! I've wanted to take him to the beach, but thought Del Mar was too far of a drive. If you don't mind sharing your secret, can you let me know where this leashed-dog friendly beach is? I'd be willing to pay the parking fee too...better safe than sorry when it comes to tickets in San Diego!
-
Comment by Steve on December 29, 2009 at 11:00pm
-
Sounds like Tag had a great time/adventure!
-
Comment by Tauna and Kota on December 29, 2009 at 10:07pm
-
Adorable! Glad he had fun even though a wave ate him. Poopy that he doesn't like the water. Kota likes the ater as long as I'm in it with him and he doesn't leave my side then. Hugs form me and Kota
Rescue Store
Stay Connected
FDA Recall
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Recall
Groups
We support...
Badge
© 2024 Created by Sam Tsang.
Powered by
You need to be a member of MyCorgi.com to add comments!
Join MyCorgi.com