Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1010195
C armel has long been known as one of the premier "dog towns" in the countr y, boasting dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, nature trails, and even dog- centric boutiques and ar t galleries. There are several doggy day spas, including Signature Paw Spa in neighboring Pebble Beach, that provides puppy luxury by way of sun decks, spa beds, and massages. Fidos and Fifis can partake in practically all of the area's amenities that their humans enjoy. But one of the best kept secrets of doggy delights is that Carmel Beach allows dogs to frolic off- leash, so long as they're under the voice com- mand of their owners. Biodegradable compli- mentary bag dispensers and trash cans line the path at the top of the beach on Scenic Avenue, and several of the eight stairways to the sand include faucets and dog water bowls. "It's amazing for its leash-free environment and the community of local dog people. Most everyone is conscientious of their pets and how they interact with each other, the local humans, and tourists," says Bryn, father to McNabb Border Collie Uma, who frequents Carmel Beach no fewer than five times a week. It's such a favorite destination, some pups practically ask for it by name. "I bring them at least four days a week. Otherwise, they literally give me dirty looks," says Randi, dog mom to Roxie, an energetic Jack Russell and Dachshund mix and her "sister" Libby, a Papillon Chihuahua mix who loves to mug for passersby. "She loves rubbing her head in the wet sand. It always makes people laugh as they walk past her." Another who interacts with all in his path is relative newcomer Baylor, a six-month-old Australian Labradoodle, who's already complet- ed several classes, including his good manners training at Raw Connection, and who's a bouncy bundle of energy. I met Baylor one evening when his humans Pat and Mike were taking him for a supplemental walk. "We're getting him all tired out before we go to dinner," laughed Pat as Baylor, a big blur of soft windblown apricot fur and bulky puppy paws, enthusiastically greeted several dogs. 186 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 8 Baylor When he's not attending Puppy Palooza group play at California Canine or frequenting a local dog friendly eatery, energetic social butterfly six-month-old Australian Labradoodle Baylor is busy getting to know all the "regulars" at Carmel Beach.