A Dog's Day Out

Florida is home to some of the best beaches in North America.  Believe it or not, I did take a day off from birding to enjoy some of the Spring Break atmosphere.  However we didn't go to the packed coastlines where most tourists went. Instead, we headed out to "Dog Beach".  Not only was it a paradise for dogs....but for dog owners as well.
 

Annie

We headed out near to Lover's Keep State Park where there was a small sign declaring a "Dog Beach" somewhere behind the mangroves.  The beach was beautiful and everyone was having fun.  Annie, Sydney's friend above, came along with us for the ride on that day and had a blast catching the ball with the other dogs. 
 

I couldn't get over how everyone got along, but I also enjoyed seeing people with their furry friends all together.  Everyone really loved interacting with the pooches.  I couldn't tell you what kind of dogs they were; only that they came in all shapes and colors.  
 

These happy dogs jumped and played around together.  While I am a cat person, I do love dogs as well.  I imagined my cats on this beach horrified and terrorized by all the dogs....and had a good laugh.  Their idea of fun is getting together on the bed with me and sleeping:)
 

Dogs need and crave attention and they love their human friends very much.  The bottom picture below just made me smile.  
 

I took an overall picture of the area so that you all could get a sense of how beautiful and hidden this spot is.  Dogs and humans alike played in the warm turquoise waters. I can see why people are attracted to these areas. 
 

It didn't matter who had the ball or if the dog was yours or not.....
 

....because everyone was there to have fun.....together.  And that was pretty special. After Annie had her exercise, she had a good night sleep. 
 

But eventually I had boardwalks through mangrove forests to explore.  There were still Painted Buntings, Limpkins, Purple Swamphens, Purple Gallinules and loads of other birds to find. My journeys from Florida continue......