August has arrived and we have entered the season referred to as “The Dog Days of Summer.”  Although the term has more to do with astronomy (and the “Dog Star,” Sirius), here in the South Gulf Beaches area and throughout Pinellas County, dogs, and pets of all kinds, reign supreme at this time of year. 

Canines, companioned by human friends, have the luxury of carefree romping at County parks and beaches designated as being “pet friendly.” 

The Dog Park and Beach at Ft. De Soto Park in Tierra Verde is one example. 

“Paw Playground” at Ft. De Soto Park offers spacious fenced areas for large and small dogs, with watering and shower stations, and funny little hydrants painted to look like people.  There are park benches situated in the shade of leafy trees for people and pets to enjoy. 

There’s always something to see and smile at.  On my last visit, I saw an Irish Setter running to catch a flying disc, three long-eared, slow-moving Bassett Hounds, a ball-chasing Spaniel, a lap-hugging Yorkie, a giant black Schnauzer, a merry mixed breed rolling in the grass, and my own shelter-adopted miniature Dachshund, who sat in the shade of my shadow. 

There are dogs of every size and color, some with spots, some with long coats, short coats, or wire-haired coats.  As far as amenities go, the Dog Park provides dispensers with bags for disposing of “presents.”  The park is clean and open to the public (donations are accepted).  

The Dog Beach is a short, sandy trail walk from the Dog Park. Situated on a sunny strip of white sand beach along the open waters of Tampa Bay, it affords beautiful views of open water, wildflowers in bloom, palm trees, and nearby Bay Pier.  Bring a beach umbrella and a lawn chair or beach towel, or sit on one of the conveniently-located park benches near the water’s edge and enjoy the free entertainment. 

The dogs put on quite a show!  They swim, fetch sticks and tennis balls, and busily hustle and sniff their way along the shoreline.  There’s lots of running, playing, some digging in the sand, and plenty of tail wagging. 

Even though the season is named for the Dog Star, Sirius, it’s the perfect time of year for our feline friends, too!  The South Gulf Beaches area of Pinellas County is home to numerous pet boutiques, pet day care centers and spas, groomers, pet sitters, veterinarians, and pet-oriented retail stores.  Furry feline friends can be pampered luxuriously (and, really, don’t they demand this attention and love it?).

Pinellas County is a pet-friendly community.  Dogs , by ordinance, are welcomed in many public places, including some area restaurants. 

What’s that you say?  You don’t have a four-legged friend?  Have no fear . . .

. . . SPCA Tampa Bay is here! 

The shelter recently dedicated its beautiful, new Edward D. Foreman Adoption Center and Gift Boutique.   SPCA Tampa Bay offers cats and dogs, kittens and puppies (and bunnies and so on . . .) for adoption.  They have a farm animal sanctuary, provide pet-related training and seminars, and offer spay and neutering services. 

At SPCA Tampa Bay, you can adopt a furry friend (more correctly, a pet in need of adoption will surely win your heart and adopt you).  Once the adoption process is complete, visit SPCA Tampa Bay’s Gift Boutique to acquire the accoutrements needed to pamper your new family member and introduce him/her to your home.

Think of it this way . . . SPCA Tampa Bay has adoptable pets for every season! 

Don’t squander “The Dog Days of Summer.”  With or without a pet, visit a dog park or beach in Pinellas County today! 

You’ll be entertained!

It’s all part of another fun day . . . in Paradise Found.

Thanks for visiting!

Photos taken by Connie Langhorst during the Dog Days of Summer at Ft. De Soto Park Paw Playground.