On Other Cities, More Dog Friendly

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On Other Cities, More Dog Friendly

July 20, 2010 by The Owner

Paw Print post has blogged the list of top ten cities for dogs, complied by Dog Fancy Magazine (issue release July 27). Number one was Provincetown, Mass. which I know nothing about. I do, however, have strong opinions about number 8, the place of my raising:

Carmel, Calif.
Madison, Wis.
Benicia, Calif.
Fort Bragg, Calif.
Lincoln City, Ore.
San Diego, Calif.
Virginia Beach, Va.
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Salem, Ore.

My parents raised two dogs (in addition to my sister and me: the two bitches) in that town and my Grandparents had many, many more dogs there. Raleigh gets to visit once or twice a year and I have to admit, its much easier than New York. Here are some specific reasons why:

This guy prefers Virginia Beach for raising dogs. Quite large ones.

1. Care A Lot Pets No where in New York can I find so many dog necessities under one roof: daycare, boarding, grooming, and a fabulous store where we have bought food, toys, beds, leashes, and innumerable treats.

2. State Parks! In addition to all the open space available on the beach (see rules below) there is First Landing State Park, where my middle school friend and her mom used to walk, and picnic with her Samoyed for hours. Pets are also allowed to camp there for just $5 a night in addition to other campsite fees.

3. Dog culture! Unlike cat city here where we currently live, everyone in VB (Vah Beach, if you will) has a dog, so spontaneous doggie playdates are known to break out daily in the cul de sac of my father’s condo complex. Life is just so much easier when you don’t have to schedule social interaction for your pets like its a full time job.

Lastly, why go to a town with “beach” in the name, if not for sand and waves. Dogs are allowed on the beach, but rules vary. Virginia Beach Dot Com States:

The policy in Virginia Beach is as follows: Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day weekend dogs are welcome guests at public beaches and on the boardwalk. During the prime vacation season however (IE – the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend), dogs are restricted to the north end of Virginia Beach above 42nd Street and the south end of Virginia Beach in the Sandbridge area before 10 AM and after 6 PM.

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Posted in Parks and Rec | Tagged Care a Lot Pets, dog friendly cities, places to go with dogs in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach for dogs | 3 Comments

3 Responses

on July 20, 2010 at 12:30 PM | Reply Lisa Paul

How can San Francisco not be on that list? The City is even pioneering a program to use methane from dog poo to power the schools (seriously!)

I’ve been to Doris Day (yes, the actress) Carmel Inn which is the ultimate in dog friendly. Your dog can stay, go to cocktail hour and high tea. It’s kind of a ritual for the well-heeled dog owner (and well heeling dog) every day.
on July 20, 2010 at 12:32 PM | Reply The Owner

I dunno. But between CA and OR, left coast certainly won over right coast.
on July 21, 2010 at 9:40 AM | Reply Q & A: Who Is The Old Guy With The Irish Setter? « Raleigh Pop

[...] 21, 2010 by Raleigh Q: Raleigh- Yesterday you featured an old guy and his Irish Setter in the post about dogs in Virginia Beach. I was wondering if that is your [...]