By Bobbi-Lynn Riley Santa Monica
Kudos to Unleash the Beach. I was thrilled to read the article about the strong potential for dogs to frolic in the surf (SMDP, Jan. 13, page 1). With limited open space available, dog parks become overcrowded, relegating many dogs to be leashed in public parks for their daily exercise. The benefit of the outlet dogs get from romping freely prompts good behavior and public manners. I’m not knocking dog parks. I’m applauding the opportunity for local dog owners to take advantage of the beach with their canines.
As a long-time Santa Monica dog owner and dog trainer, I urge the City Council to pass this. Driving to other cities for dogs to enjoy the beach supports other similar business that Santa Monica also offers, such as outdoor cafes and the Third Street Promenade. As an article pointed out in last summer’s Santa Monica Magazine, Santa Monica is rather dog friendly. The downside, the article did not harp on was beach restrictions. With an area of the beach dedicated to dogs, what more could we ask for?
Here’s to a mutual, respectable agreement between dog lovers, environmental lovers and the City Council.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 18, 2005. Read the original PDF.