​Dog-Friendly Is As Dog-Friendly Does

Decisions are everywhere, they surround us at every moment.

Today, just a random Wednesday, our very nice handy-person (he's a guy, but I'm all about gender-equality) put his hammer and saw in his tool-belt and had plans that did not include being around the likes of us.

Disappointed?

Yep, because I am as impatient as my dog is when begging for a treat.

Daunted?

Nope, because we know how the world of handy-people is ever-shifting, and we get it.

Plus, in the blink of an eye, we were in sandals on the beach in Jupiter with our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel -- a girl named, Reggie.

It was overcast, but deserted and the crashing waves were fierce.

Time for her to be off-leash and have a run or twelve. Time for me to video her beauty and grace in the sand.

The resulting clips were so lovely I set them to music. She is a dream. If you know CKCS, in general, they are all dreams.

The dog-friendly beach area is also a dream, and people with dogs behave (there are always exceptions, of course) responsibly.

If you live in the Palm Beaches like we do, you quickly realize, if you want to live the high-rise or condo lifestyle (and, we do), dog-friendly is not a shingle hanging at many of the buildings. If they claim to be dog-friendly, they really are not: Ridiculously low weight limits (under 15 pounds), small curbing areas and no designated waste disposal bags or containers. I get the need for caution in this area, but common sense is invisible.

Looking at places directly on the Atlantic Ocean, we were stymied.

Our dog is not negotiable, she is one of us, and when I see these videos of her running free, my heart fills with all the joy she brings.

Yes, we finally found a condo. 

​Still, the Palm Beaches have a long way to go to truly embrace the meaning of dog-friendly.