Fresh Water Lake for Dogs?!

  I love the beach but let's face it...It's salty! So Sara and I put on our thinking caps, and we went on the hunt to find an alternative. From word of mouth, I heard of a place, in Fort Lauderdale, where dogs were actually allowed to swim in a freshwater lake.

 After we arrived to the park, I was amazed to find out that there was only a fee of a $1 (weekends but during the week, it's free) to attend the lake! What put the cherry on top of the ice cream was that there was a dog park and wash area attached to park. I had to laugh seeing all the dogs jump into the lake to retrieve plastic bottles while swimming beside the turtles that were local residents of the lake.

  The location is great as well because about 10 minutes east of "Bark Park" is the "Dog Beach".

 

  If your dog loves water, then you have to visit "Bark Park" located at Snyder Park. It's Fabulous!!

Days: Open 363 days a year (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)

Hours: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Closed every Thursday morning from 8 am to 11 am for cleaning.)
Location: 3299 SW 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
Phone: 954-828-4341     

Surf's Up!!

   I was born and raised in South Florida, so I love going to the beach on weekends and days off from work. Now that I have a dog, I would like to take her with me to run in the sand and swim in the ocean. Unfortuantely dogs aren't allowed to go to beaches, so that's why I was thrilled to find a dog beach in Fort Lauderdale.

  

 On the first day of going to the beach with Sara, I knew that we were stepping into the unknown since we never went to one before.

   It was a good thing that I brought my debit card on this trip because I had to pay for parking as well as the pass to get into the beach. The dog pass is paid through the parking pass meter.

   I was amazed to see so many dogs! They were running into the water, without leashes, to retrieve the ball and/or Frisbee's.

   The place was incredible, the people were unbelievably friendly, and there's nothing better than the gorgeous south florida sun to top a fantastic afternoon with Sara.

  

 Sara had a great time being buried in the sand, something funny and a bit strange for a dog lover

like myself, but sara enjoyed it and we had a superb time!

Canine Beach
Sunrise Boulevard at A1A
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Tel: 954-828-7275      
Days: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only, year-round
Winter Hours: 3 pm – 7 pm
Summer Hours: 5 pm – 9 pm (Daylight Savings Time)

One-Weekend Permit (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) - $7 per dog

It's a Walk in the Park!

Sara meeting new friend at the dog park.

   Sara is not much for playing around with other dogs, but on occasion I still feel the need to keep her exposed to other people and their pets. So, I bring her to "Mizner Dog Park"  located in Boca Raton on Military Trail and Banyan Trail.

   This place has many great features that make you and your pet feel at ease while they are off leash.

   There are three areas of the park based on weight, so you don't have to worry about the 120 lbs. Great Dane trying to play with your 6 lb. Chihuahua. In case you forget to bring everything you need for a day at the dog park, don't stress because the dog park has you covered with the necessities like doggie bags and fountains. There are three doggie bag stations located within each area, so you don't have to worry about walking a great deal to get the bag and then coming back. Another great feature are the fountains. There are three filtered. fountains located in each area, but it's not just for the dogs but also for adults and children.

                                                                    



"Mizner Dog Park"

  The park is very well kept due to the maintenance crew that comes in every Wednesday morning (the park is closed til 12 p.m. due to maintenance). While in the park, the maintenance crew also spays for fleas and ticks, and the best part is that it is safe for animals.

  

   For the owners, there are covered areas with benches, so you don't have to worry about standing in the sun while your dog(s) play.

   However, there are a few examples of the requirements made by the City of Boca Raton:

 1) You must clean up after your dog

 2) Do not bring aggressive dogs

 3) Do not bring children under 4 yrs old (Dogs will  

      rough house, and accidents do happen)

 4) No Food or Drink 

 5) Must have parking pass to parking in front of the park

See you there!

Smell the Roses with Your Canine



  Sara admiring one of the waterfall                              Sara and I

   For the last few years, the "Fairchild Botanical Garden", in Miami, hosts a one-day event where you can bring your companion(s) to enjoy 83 acres of exotic and endangered species of plants. Sara and I have attended 2 years of dog events held there, and I am thrilled to say that I have never been disappointed!

As soon as Sara and I walked into the garden, we were immediately greeted by the staff who were very friendly and willing to answer any questions that I may have. I found that the most to all the staff are volunteers who's jobs go from working in the gift shop to fundraising to even helping care for the garden.

Volunteers

As you walk throughout the garden there are multiple stations that give your dogs  fresh, drinking water as well as doggie bags incase you don't have any. If you want a tour of the garden but not in the mood to walk, then you and your canine can hope on the train; the train takes you around the entire botanical garden while explaining, in detail, the high points of each area.

           
       Doggie Bag Dispenser                              Sara Riding the Train

If you get hungry after the tour, then you can stop by the botanical cafe where they offer drinks, sandwiches, and salads for a reasonable price.

Don't be disappointed that you may have missed this year's canine event because "Fairchild Botanical Garden" has recently announced that each and every Sunday will be "bring you dog" day. The only catch is that they ask you to be a year member, but remember that this money will go to the up-keep of the garden as well as help plan fundraising functions.

Pizza Craving?

One day, my boyfriend and I were craving pizza, so we decided to eat out with our dog, Sara; however, the problem was that one of us would go in and order while the other would have to wait outside with the dog. We were tired of playing the waiting game. On a friend's advice, we decided to go to "Mellow Mushroom". As we walked up to the restaurant, we noticed the smell of pizza in the air and people sitting outside. It took about 30 minutes to be seated outside, but it was well worth it. As we were being seated, the server walked up to us to take the drink order but not for me or my boyfriend but for Sara (we started laughing at this point). Thinking he was just bringing a paper bowl, he actually came with a metal dog bowl with cold water from a filter. Throughout the night, the server asked if there was anything we needed as well as our dog. The server even noticed when Sara's water was running low.

If you're in the mood for pizza with your furry friend, then you should go to "Mellow Mushroom"!



Location: 25 SE 6th Ave

               Delray Beach Fl 33483

February 20th

I have great news for all you dog lovers out there....

One of the biggest events of the year is coming to South Florida called "DogFest 2011".
This event includes Dog Contests, Music, Children Activities, Demonstrations, Dog Adoptions, Vendors, Food, and Raffles.

The event will take place:
   February 20th (Sunday) at 11 am to 3 pm
   Levis JCC Phyllis and Harvey Sandler Center
   for Jewish Life Enhancement
   95th Ave. S., Boca Raton

Directions: Entrance on south side of Glades Rd. between Lyons Rd. and US 441

* There will be a charge of $10 per car.
* Retractable Leashes are not permitted

Puppy Love

Even though I do have that special someone for Valentine's Day, I feel that I should still give a little love to that other special someone in my life.. Sara, my dog. What better day of showing appreciation to your dog then on Valentine's Day?! That said, I have found the perfect event for you.

But first....

In order for you to attend, you must sign up at http://www.wineanddinewithourk9s.com/

There are about 20 spots left for the event.

First Paw in the Door

I have a beautiful 2 year old, corgi mix named Sara that my boyfrienf and I adopted Sara on May 3, 2009 from a shelter in Miami, Florida. After a few weeks of having her, I came to the realization that there wasn't much to do in my area; so, I used to travel 45 minutes just to go to dog-friendly beaches and restaurants. I, now, located restaurants as well as canine activities in and around South Florida, and I want to share that with you.

Welcome to Animal Beats.