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April 13, 2013 / Linda Hartong

CARMEL HAS GONE TO THE DOGS

Carmel, California is considered to be one of the most dog friendly cities in the entire world.

Of course the “off leash” beach is a big draw

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and the chance to mingle with friends.

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Many dogs work in the shops.

Selling jewelry

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Clothing

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Or antiques

I see them everywhere

They stroll down Ocean Ave.

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Or are even pushed by their owners in strollers

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Sometimes they are required to attend social events so their owners can show them off.

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Or have birthday parties 

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Photo courtesy of 

Welcome Carmel Dog Parties

That is just plain tiring.

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And some, gasp, are treated like dogs.

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That could lead to a need for therapy

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Others are tourists and are just there for the great shopping.

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Which lead me to my main topic:

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DIGGIDY DOG- a Dog and Cat Boutique

Diggidy Dog is proudly owned by Jeff and Napisa Pollock. Opened in May, 2003, the store has grown steadily, year after year. Prior to 2003, Napisa had worked at a pet boutique in downtown Carmel by the Sea, and learned not only what did and didn’t work within the boutique.

As I walk through the front door,

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I see some great clocks

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And posters. My favorite one is rated ARF.

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Next up- treats- very important.

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Dogs model clothing ( these were taken at Halloween)

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It is here that Bill and I first see “Doggles”. All over town, dogs riding in cars with their heads out the window wear these to protect their eyes.

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Carmel can be chilly so sweaters are “de rigueur”. 

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“If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater… suggest that he wear a tail.” – Fran Lebowitz

This little guy listens to his owner’s instructions

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And then shoots me a baleful look.

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Later he is given a chew bone for his patience.

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Need a collar or leash? Look no farther.

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Perhaps some new china.

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And as for the advertised “cats”, they are relegated to a small display cabinet in the back.

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“We derive immeasurable good, uncounted pleasures, enormous security, and many critical lessons about life by owning dogs.”

Roger Caras, A Celebration of Dogs

9 Comments

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  1. House Crazy Sarah / Apr 13 2013 12:53 am

    Oh lord, there must be some spoiled doggies in Carmel! I wouldn’t dare take my little hellion to any of those places – last time I took him to the park, he ran right over and peed on some nice couple’s picnic!

  2. anitacrawley / Apr 13 2013 1:00 am

    How did Annapolis think for a minute they could compete with this level of dog friendliness – http://gopetfriendlyblog.com/carmel-wins-gopetfriendly-coms-2013-best-city-for-pet-travelers/

    Nice timing for your blog entry!

  3. Annie Westlake / Apr 13 2013 1:26 am

    Nothing like sitting in front of the big roaring fire on the doggie patio at Forge in the Forest with my two Cavaliers, enjoying a plate of grilled chicken strips (them, not me.) I enjoy the Oriental Noodles. Can’t wait to shop at the new dog boutique. Thanks for always introducing something special.

  4. Nita@ModVintageLife / Apr 13 2013 11:08 am

    Just another reason why I wished I lived in Carmel. The cottages, the gardens, the shopping, the ocean and dog friendly! I loved that photo of all the weenie dogs. I’m getting ready to put in a new fence around my backyard and I want a gate similar to those I’ve seen in your photos of the pretty gardens in Carmel. But….I’m not finding pretty gates like that any where in Oklahoma. So I’m guessing I’ll have to build one. Any ideas?

  5. Sue / Apr 13 2013 3:13 pm

    Hot diggity dog – this is so arfully presented that I have to share it. Loved seeing the dog beach and the four-legged friendly shops and the adorable dogs. Thank you for this.

  6. Kathy Spencer / Apr 14 2013 6:20 am

    Thank you Linda for posting this!! You must know I’m in heaven tonight!! I love it. Have a good weekend. :))

    Sent from my iPhone

  7. dennis strauss / Apr 14 2013 11:09 pm

    Linda,

    A book you might enjoy-“The Art Of Racing In The Rain”.  I am going to be a facilitator at a book club review this week. If you are not familiar with the story, it is not what you might think.  The narrator is a dog named Enzo and the author, Garth Stein, uses auto racing as a “life analogy”-easy read and filled with a good share of humor in the face of tragedy. Hope all is well.

      Denny Strauss

    ________________________________

  8. benheinrich1 / Apr 16 2013 11:50 pm

    Hi Linda:

    What a wonderful storyteller you are:) Could I mention you in my Carmel Blog? All the best.

    Warm Regards,

    Ben J. Heinrich Top 1% Coldwell Banker Previews Specialist

    [The-Heinrich-Team-Logo—3.]

    http://www.TheHeinrichTeam.com 831.626.2434 Direct | 831.626.2435 Fax [cid:5190E85F-B761-4D70-8016-0B19F5648459]

    From: “Once upon a time..Tales from Carmel by the Sea” <comment-reply@wordpress.com> Reply-To: “Once upon a time..Tales from Carmel by the Sea” <comment+egtinsq18yov5zwi32pbka8@comment.wordpress.com> Date: Friday, April 12, 2013 5:03 PM To: Ben Heinrich <ben@theheinrichteam.com> Subject: [New post] CARMEL HAS GONE TO THE DOGS

    Linda Hartong posted: “Carmel, California is considered to be one of the most dog friendly cities in the entire world. Of course the off leash beach is a big draw and the chance to mingle with friends. Many dogs work in the shops. Selling jewelry Clothing Or “

  9. Inspired and pretty / Apr 21 2013 4:34 am

    Oh my goodness ! I have never seen something like this ! What a wonderful store !
    It has everything you wish for, it’s amazing 🙂

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