1. Cape San Blas (Port St. Joe, Fla.): Year-round, leash-free policies and plethora of dog-friendly activities. Dogs can sail.
2. Quiet Waters Park (Annapolis, Md.): Fenced-off beach for dogs. Annual "Howl-O-Ween Barkin Bash" costume parade for dogs and owners.
3. Block Island (R.I.): Dog-friendly island with relaxed leash policy, and no motor vehicles.
4. Cannon Beach (Cannon Beach, Ore.): Four miles of beach near a town filled with dog-friendly hotels, restaurants and shops.
5. Fort De Soto Park (St. Petersburg, Fla.): "Paw Playground," with dog showers, a dog beach and fresh drinking water.
For the rest of the list, visit www.petside.com/wellness/top_10_dog-friendly_beaches.php.
Pet safety
An estimated 500,000 pets are affected by home fires each year, so the American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services started an awareness day to educates pet owners about risks facing pets left home alone. AKC and ADT developed prevention, escape and rescue tips for pet owners.
They include:
• Don’t leave a pet unattended around open flames in cooking appliances, candles or in a fireplace. Put out open flames before leaving your house.
• Walk around the house looking for hazards to pets such as loose wires.
• When leaving pets home along, keep them near entrances so firefighters can easily find them.
• Practice escaping with your pet. Keep collars and leashes near an entrance.
• Affix a pet alert window cling with the number of pets in the house on your front window or door window to help rescurers find your pets.
At The Greene
In the Miami Valley, the Dayton Kennel Club will take part in Responsible Dog Ownership Days with an event at The Greene, 51 Plum St., Beavercreek, on Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You will be able to Meet the Breeds in the Town Square when Dayton Kennel Club members bring out their dogs. This is a great time to talk to experienced breeders and owners to find the right breed for your lifestyle.
For more information, visit www.daytonkennel club.org.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2248 or ldenger@Dayton DailyNews.com.
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