The Dog Days of Summer
By Cathy Baldwin –
Photos K. Wilkins Photography –
Sophie Bell samples a Doggie Daiquiri.
Finding Fun for your Furry Four-Legged Friend
Just about everyone on the North Beach Sun staff has a dog. There’s Ollie, Captain, Jackson, Thunder, Khloe, Moose, Miss Murphy and Mac. They range from a malamute/labrador mix to a puggle; some are short and squat, some are tall and lean, and some are sassy little divas. They’re our buddies, and so we searched—or should I say, sniffed out—some of the best summertime doggie activities on the Outer Banks.
Yappy Hour in Duck
Every Thursday during the summer from 4 p.m. to about 5 p.m., the field behind Outer Barks in Scarborough Lane in Duck becomes a doggie paradise. Outer Barks owners Robin and Kevin Carey set up an agility course and two pools for splashing and playing. Robin bakes sweet potato cheese casserole for the dogs, and dogs of legal age (wink, wink) can have their own Doggie Daiquiris—a frozen blend of yogurt, honey and peanut butter. Human companions aren’t left out; there’s usually enough pie from Duck Pizza on hand for them.
The Inner Picasso
Dogs can let out their inner Picasso at Yappy Hour with Paw Painting. For a suggested $5 donation to Friends of Pooh, dogs can dip their paws into paint and then press them on canvas for their own unique work of art. “People
Dudley gets his paws painted.
often give more than $5,” says Robin. “Often in the summer we’ll raise a few hundred dollars.” Friends of Pooh is a 501c(3) organization founded by Robin and Kevin after they lost their dogs Winnie and Tigger to cancer. The group gives financial assistance to families in Dare County, Currituck County and Ocracoke who need help paying for the medical care of a pet diagnosed with cancer.
Fans of Yappy Hour come back year after year with their pets while on vacation. “I’ve been coming to Yappy Hour since ’06,” says Sue Oliver of Roanoke, Virginia. This year she brought her 6-month old golden doodle Dudley to meet new friends and get his paws painted.
Pints for Pups
Full Moon Cafe in downtown Manteo welcomes dogs (and their owners) the second Thursday of every month for
Khloe enjoys a puppy cup at John’s Drive-in
Pints for Pups. Sit outside with your furry friend and receive 10% off your meal. The Full Moon Cafe will donate $1 of every pint of their brewed beer to the Outer Banks SPCA.
Puppy Cups
You’re not the only one who loves John’s Drive-In in Kitty Hawk! Did you know John’s makes special “puppy cups” for your canine companions? Bring your pup along next time, and add a puppy cup to your dolphin boat and milkshake order.
Leash Laws
Beach leash laws vary from town to town. Don’t get Spot in trouble with the law!
Currituck County: Dogs are allowed on the beach at all times as long as they are on a leash.
Duck: Dogs can be unleashed on the beach, as long as they are under the careful eye of a guardian.
Southern Shores: From May 15 to September 15 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., dogs are not allowed on the beach. At other times of the day, dogs must be on leashes and under the control of the owner.
Kitty Hawk: From Memorial Day to Labor Day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., dogs must be on a leash on the beach not exceeding 6 feet.
Kill Devil Hills: From May 15 to September 15 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., dogs are not allowed on the beach unless they are service dogs. At other times of the day, dogs must be on leashes and under the control of the owner.
Nags Head: Dogs are allowed on the beach at all times as long as they are on a leash.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Dogs must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet. Pets are not allowed at designated swimming beaches. Guide dogs for the visually impaired are allowed, but must stay with their owners at all times.
Taking Sparky to the Beach
Colin Cox and his pup enjoy the water in Kill Devil Hills.
– The sand can get very hot in the summer, so if it’s too hot for your feet it means your pet’s feet are burning, too.
– Don’t bury dog waste in the sand. Always carry a bag and dispose of it in the trash.
– Dogs can become dehydrated by drinking saltwater, so bring a bowl and plenty of fresh water for them to drink.
– If you plan on spending the day at the beach with your dog, bring an umbrella so they can cool off in the shade.
