Dining with your Dog

Now a days there are few places where people can enjoy a well prepared meal and still have their dog tag along too. Many restaurants restrict pet access unless he/she is a service dog. However, Uncle Bill's Pancake House, a local diner in Manhattan Beach, allows you and your dog to dine complete with an ocean view. 

The pancake house has been around since the 1960s. Dogs are not allowed inside the restaurant, but the patio is fair game. The patio is a recent addition and allows visitors to drop in while on an early morning walk with their dog. The place fills up quick and its not unusual for guests to spill out into the sidewalk.

The food is fresh and the portions look small, but end up being the right size. It fills you up and leaves you satisfied and not over stuffed. Dogs are allowed to prop themselves up on the end of your table if that's what you allow. Every now and then we threw Duke pieces of sausage or fruit. Duke loves strawberries.

The staff is very friendly to both people and pets. Patrons keep to themselves, but every once in a while someone will look up and offer a smile or compliment a passing dog. Many didn't fuss with having an animal in the same vicinity as their food. 

I saw lazy dogs, alert dogs and dogs bold enough to rest their paw on their owners knee so as not to be forgotten. Waitresses will bring out bowls of water for dogs if their owner asks. The joint is open seven days a week from 6am to 3pm, Monday thru Friday and, from 7am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.   

Bath Time at a Local Pet Wash

      Let's admit it, depending on your choice of breed, bathing your large dog at home is more of a hassle, than a bright idea. The clean up alone is enough to make me run and hide. One trip to the groomer and a medium to large sized dog can cost $50 to $90. In the end, taking your dog to the groomer becomes more of a luxury than a necessity.

Since, the 1990s self wash pet stations have been popping up near the beach cities, according to petgroomer.com. Most of these pet station cater to medium and large sized dogs.

Splash UR Doggie is a self wash pet station located at 3817 Overland Ave., in Culver City. Right as you walk in you are greeted by the staff. Pets are welcome. There are three wash stations. The are kind of small but either way our medium/large sized Boxer was able to fit comfortably. We also took medium sized Sadie a Chow mix. She fit perfectly and the stairs allowed her to climb into the tub herself.

The shop offers organic shampoo on hand. They will also mix up a special oatmeal wash for dogs with sensitive skin. There are aprons so you don't splash water all over your clothes. The water does take a second to heat up but it wasn't a big deal.  

Overall, the staff is very helpful and attentive. They really make you feel comfortable and put your nerves at ease. The place is small and it is usually slow, which is a good thing if your dog is shy. 

Turns out there are a lot of self wash stations around the city. Check out Bark Williams or Moon Doggy's Dog Wash in Santa Monica, Calif. Or if you live in the South Bay area stop by Tidy Dog or UShampooch in Redondo Beach, Calif.   

 

Dog Gone Dog Parks

         Now-a-days, you’re sure to find a dog park in or around your city. In order to keep your big dog healthy, fit and happy it is important to let them roam free in an area bigger than your backyard. That’s why below you will find two great parks to enjoy near the beach.

The Westminster Off-Leash Dog Park in Venice, Calif. is a great spot to start. Located on 1234 Pacific Ave., this park offers up to 0.8 acres of land for your canine. A special perk is a sand box for dogs who like to dig. 

Redondo Beach Dog Park, (rbdogpark,) located the corner of Flager St. and 190th St., in Redondo Beach, Calif. offers 3 acres of fenced off space. According to rbdogpark.com, their “ongoing goal is to expand usage of the dog park to become a place to offer services and to bring people together." 

David Duddy, Fireplace Installation Specialist, goes to  rbdogpark twice a week with his mixed bred Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd dog Charlie. He enjoys knowing Charlie isn’t restricted by his leash and he also gets a chance to socialize with other dogs, Duddy stated. 

In addition, both sites offer water and seating for dogs and their humans. Always abide by the rules of the park and bring plastic bags for your dogs business. Remember to get out and have fun!