Camp Country Canines at Oceanside Dog Beach
The dogs at Camp Country Canines San Diego are roused at sunrise, bounding from bed to stretch their legs and carouse with their buddies while taking care of business. After they’ve greeted the day, you can almost hear the question from the cocked heads of savvy regulars, “Is this a beach day?” These astute pooches circle the beach transport van with great hope. Should a van door be inadvertently opened, it’s wise to get out of the way. They optimistically stampede in to claim their own transport cage, a comical endorsement for that means-to-an-
“Those in San Diego County have done a very fine job in giving dogs their own legal spits of land up and down the coast for leash-free play,” admires Donni Adams, Camp Country Canines & Cats owner. “Our philosophy is to give dogs the best of the great outdoors. These fabulous, clean beaches provide us with a delicious entree to add to our dog menu of outdoor fun.” Evidently her dog doting staff shares the Beach Day enthusiasm. It is a rotated privilege to be one of the “dynamic duo” who plays chauffer, lifeguard and nanny to these lucky mutts during each excursion.
The “My dog doesn’t like water” comes up from time to time, says Donni. “But Beach Days are about a lot more than the water. Even those dogs who think they’ll melt if they get wet still love the feel of the soft sandy turf under their feet as they run, the new smells and sounds, and most of all being in a new place with a trusted pack family. It builds their confidence and security. They are insanely happy to share what is obviously a wonderfully fun experience for canine and human alike.”
There is much more strategy than just “load and go” built into this company’s program. First, only dogs who respond to verbal direction reliably at the home-base facility are invited to go. This prevents dogs in Camp Country Canines’ care from “heading to Mexico,” which would be understandably difficult to convey to the owner. Second, the staff scopes the situation for safety before the dogs are released to the beach, waiting out any dog or dog groups who pose a perceived safety threat. Also, the staff carries leashes in their backpacks for quick round-ups and exits should threatening dogs arrive after their dogs’ play has begun. And the nearest emergency vet with directions is identified should any unforeseen need arise.
In addition, beach days are scheduled for naturally quiet times, early mornings from Tuesday through Thursday, to avoid “big fur crowds” plus pack issues with dog walkers who often have 10 plus charges. “We usually have the beach to ourselves, or share it with a local java sipper who thanks us for bringing the party for her dog’s fun. We preserve the tranquility as we have a no bark policy which our dogs understand. And we pose no threat as we only accept dogs who are universally friendly with other dogs and people.”
Finally, what ocean water can do to dogs’ systems is not a pretty picture, as described by the term “squirts.”
On return, the tired salty dogs are lined up for hose rinses and towel dries. A car wash comes to mind as one watches the surprisingly orderly procession. They seem to have trouble holding their eyes open before gratefully sinking onto their plush beds in private Bunk House dens for well earned afternoon naps. And they barely come back to life for the day-end meander, a stark contrast to the normally rambunctious “last hurrahs.”
Camp Country Canines & Cats nixes Beach Days when there are riptide conditions, the rare Southern California storm, and during holidays. A few creative Rancho Santa Fe and Escondido clients have finagled this dog-loving company into picking up their bored, hot pooches regularly from home for Beach Day outings, even though they are not being boarded at the time. Clients receive emailed and souvenir pictures of their precious wet dog playing at the beach as a standard part of Camp Country Canines’ service “as long as we haven't donated the camera that day to the deep blue sea!”
Oh, to be one of the dogs whose mom or dad works to bring home the kibble and send their “fur kid” to the beach. When asked what special program they are going to create for their cat guests, we left the team at Camp Country Canines & Cats still scratching their heads - but open to suggestions!
For more information, please visit CampCountryCanines.com and click on Beach Days.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
