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My dog’s first trip to the ocean

Dog’s first trip to the ocean

My family and I moved 2,000 miles across the country last week from Fargo, N.D., to Solana Beach, Calif. How to travel for three full days with a dog and two cats (in one small car) will have to be an upcoming post.

For now, here are some pics of my mutt Ace’s first time at the beach. He is of course a true water dog and loves to dive head first into any source of water – the Red River, Lake Superior, a kiddy pool or the Pacific.

My dog's first trip to the ocean

While many of you know me as a runner, my stronger sports are actually swimming and rugby. I played for the Minnesota U-23 rugby team in college, and I was a competitive swimmer in high school.

When I adopted Ace, I specifically wanted a dog that loved the water like me, and boy did I get one! He and I have had many water adventures in the Midwest, and we can’t wait to add new adventures to our list.

Dog visits the ocean
Dog's first time swimming in the ocean
Good boy Ace

Good boy, Ace. Thanks for being such a good travel buddy, adventure-seeker and friend.

Is your dog a “water dog”?

(I think the shit bag in the photos is a nice touch.)

Carl

Tuesday 13th of August 2013

Welcome to the land of .... & ....'s. But, some of us are nice folks and somewhat sane. Some of us are not so sane, but still nice. and others....

I';ve no idea as to how Coco would take to water. Probably not going to find out either. His born and raised in West Texas master wasn't exposed to it much and it didn't take when he did.

I have guessed at Coco's heritage. German shepherd as seen in torso, top coloring and glorious tail. Terrier forward folding ears with spaniel curly fur on the backsides. Dachshund feet and lower body color.

ARF termed him as a Spaniel mix. My vet termed him as an American!!

Head and feet too small in proportion to his torso!! But, very cute as daughter says, handsome as I term it.

Very loveable and friendly. Keeps close tabs on me.

Jack Z. Lucas

Friday 9th of August 2013

Living near the ocean many years now I have been blessed with a couple of dogs that loved water and the ocean. I love my early morning walks on the beach.

Solano is a great place, I think you will enjoy living there.

Jessicavy

Wednesday 7th of August 2013

That looks fun! I, too, live in Southern California and dogs just make the beach so much better. If you ever find yourself in Orange County, dog beach on Goldenwest and PCH is oodles of fun, and Laguna Beach allows leashed dogs. Laguna in general is very dog-friendly, and downtown many shopkeepers leave bowls of water outside for customer's dogs. I also highly recommend a bike trip or a run on the San Luis Rey River Trail in Oceanside.

Lindsay Stordahl

Thursday 8th of August 2013

Thank you so much for those suggestions. I really appreciate the tips. We will be checking out the trail you mentioned.

Dawn

Wednesday 7th of August 2013

FUN!!! Maya is definitely a water dog, but she hasn't been to the ocean yet. We are right smack dab in the middle of the US. I haven't taken Pierson to the lake yet for a swim because he doesn't like other dogs and the only place I know of in this area is frequented by other dogs. He does like the sprinkler, though.

Carol

Wednesday 7th of August 2013

Of the 4 dogs I've had in my life, Norman my beagle corgi mix (borgi) was NOT a water dog. Hated the water until the day he died. Ollie, the cairn, didn't swim but loved to wade in and play in the shallows. Wookie, the lab/spaniel/retriever mix, was ambivalent, liked to go wading with me but didn't like the way waves went up his nose when he tried to get a drink... until he fell off the dock into Poplar Lake, then he didn't like water anymore. And I don't know yet how my new old girl, Penny the mature rescued cairn, will like the water. Guess I'll find out when we go up to the Gunflint Trail in September.