First Coast Register October/November 2015 | Page 39

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Fall has officially begun! It is one of my favorite times
here in North East Florida for the simple reason that
the cooler temperatures mean more time for outdoor
activities with my dogs. After a brutal summer, it is
nice to take them out for a walk, outdoor adventure
or to a local restaurant or pub at any point of the day
without worrying about the oppressive heat. There are
also fun activities where your canine companion is
welcome to join.
With the cooler temperatures, your dog can safely
have fun on the beach anytime during the day –
just be sure to have fresh water and don’t let them
overheat. Some beaches allow dogs at all times, while
others do not, so be sure to know when and where
they are welcome. Atlantic Beach and Ponte Vedra
Beach are dog friendly all day long, but Neptune Beach
and Jacksonville Beach have set hours for when dogs
are welcome. There is nothing like playing with your
dog in the surf and not worrying about heat stroke.
They could still overheat so be sure to monitor them
and know their limits, but this time of year makes it so
much more enjoyable! Even though the temperatures
may be cooling, it is still extremely dangerous to leave
dogs in a car. With the windows cracked in a shady
spot the interior temperature rises rapidly in a vehicle
– do right by your pet and leave them at home rather
than unattended in a car.
If you have a dog who is well behaved and social,
there is nothing like taking them with you to dinner
on a pet friendly patio or for a nice, cold brew. My
personal favorite place to take my boys is to European
Street on Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville Beach. There
are many options for dog friendly restaurants and
breweries around Jacksonville. Just be sure your dog
will enjoy being in that type of environment and
knows how to behave appropriately. Some dogs do not

by KATE GODFREY
like crowds or the potential of strangers approaching,
make the choice that is best for your dog’s happiness
and comfort.
The milder temperatures also help cut down on the
swarms of mosquitos that can make summer miserable
for both dogs and humans in North East Florida. We
are lucky to have many options as far as nature trails
go. Guana State Park, Kathryn Abbey Hannah Park,
Fort Caroline, Theodore Roosevelt Preserve, and Tree
Hill are just a few of the wonderful places to take your
dogs for a hike in North East Florida. There are also
plenty of hidden gems like Cradle Creek, Howell Park,
and Dutton Island to name a few.
As with anytime you take your dog out, whether it
be a nature trail or a walk around the block, be aware
of your surroundings to keep them safe. Keep an eye
out for snakes and other wildlife on the trails. Do
your best to keep them from nosing around unless
the temperatures are quite cool which usually causes
snakes to be less active. It is al ͼ