News
Carmel-by-the-Sea Still the Top Dog … Especially for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, Poodles
Carmel Poodle Day 2014 by Dasja Dolan
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (April 8, 2016) -- Every dog has his day, particularly if he or she is visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea, which has long earned its reputation as one of the most pooch-pampering towns in America. There's good reason, too, as inns, shops and restaurants are famous for rolling out the red carpet for their four-legged visitors, making them feel as special on the road as their owners do at home.
On three separate occasions over the next several months, Carmel Beach will literally be going to the dogs ... at least for three breeds in particular: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachshund and Poodle. Here's the doggone lowdown:
• Saturday, April 16. The San Francisco Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Meet Up organization, boasting more than 460 members, has selected Carmel-by-the-Sea for one of its major gatherings of the year. According to organizer Ken Horn, the day's hosts will be Samson and Delilah, the world champion Cavalier "Surfer Dude and Dudette" tandem, who will put on a surf demonstration at Carmel Beach.
"On one visit to Carmel Beach, Sammy was retrieving and caught a wave," Horn recalls. "As he accelerated toward the beach, his eyes got bigger and bigger. Landing on the beach, he could not wait to get back in."
Since then, the Cavalier duo has been hooked on the sport, with a focus of participating in dog surfing competitions to raise funds for canine charities, Horn explained. He added that any Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners are invited to join the festivities, which will take place at Carmel Beach from noon to 3:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.meetup.com/sfcavalier/ or contact Horn by email at donj_horn@msn.com.
• Saturday, July 17. Make way for the "wiener dogs"! The Carmel Dachshund Club -- a group for Dachshund enthusiasts to gather, socialize and network -- is hosting a gathering on Carmel Beach from noon to 4 p.m. for a day of frolicking and fun. The event is open to anyone with an affinity for the breed, according to the Carmel Club's founder, Marshall Coleman, who has seven Dachshunds of his own, six of them rescued. The day will include a beach picnic, as well as the crowning of a Dachshund King & Queen. For more information, visit their websitr or send an email to carmeldachshundclub@gmail.com.
• Saturday, Sept. 24. It will be Poodle paradise in Carmel on the fourth Saturday in September, an annual event to celebrate the popular breed. Trademarked as Poodle Day, the festivities will include a morning parade in the Carmel Crossroads shopping center, beach play in the afternoon, and cocktail parties in the evening at downtown dog-friendly restaurants (The Cypress Inn, Il Fornaio, Anton & Michel, Bistro Beaujolais, and Treehouse Cafe). More information is available by visiting http://PoodleDay.com.
Of course, canines are celebrated and catered to year-round in Carmel-by-the-Sea where water bowls, treats and biodegradable bags are available at many locations in town. The local weekly newspaper, The Carmel Pine Cone, celebrates a dog every issue in its "Sandy Claws" feature, and Carmel Beach is one of the most celebrated dog-friendly beaches in America. For more on just how dog-friendly Carmel is, visit www.carmelcalifornia.com/dog-friendly-carmel.htm.
This is a particularly special year to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea as the village is celebrating its Centennial throughout 2016. And it's never been easier to get to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is just a 10-minute drive away and served by direct flights to and from San Francisco (SFO, United Express), Los Angeles (LAX, American Eagle/United Express), Las Vegas (LAS, Allegiant Air), Phoenix (PHX, U.S. Airways), and San Diego (SAN, Alaska Airlines). Alaska Airlines recently began daily non-stop service to and from Los Angeles (LAX). San Jose International Airport (SJC) is 75 miles north.
Visit Carmel -- a collective organization of the City of Carmel and Carmel Innkeepers Association -- is working to promote the village's abundant attractions, events, and stunning seaside location. From its incomparable white-sand beach to many choices of distinctive meeting venues and lodging properties, Carmel-by-the-Sea has it all.