One thing bloggers and pet parents alike have in common is that we miss our dogs, cats, and other pets when we sometimes go away and have to leave them behind. There are some that are lucky enough to be able to travel with their pet families all the time.
But there are times we each need to “get away from it all” and sometimes “it all” includes our pets. We’re pet Moms, empty nester Moms, working women – either at jobs or taking care of family, extended family, and homes. Sometimes some time with “the girls” – as we like to refer to ourselves even though we’re far past that age – is just what we need. As much as we love our children, pets, families, hubbies, and homes – they can be a lot of work.
For me, time with the girls gives us a break from all of that, giving us a chance to just relax and forget about all of our obligations. But for all that need to get away, the minute we leave our homes, we miss what we’ve left behind. In my case that means I miss “the crew” and I instantly start looking for other dogs in the deep need for a “puppy love” fix. There have even been occasions we’ve stayed at an inn or motel that had a resident dog or cat, and wasn’t that wonderful!
My recent weekend away with the girls to Maine presented a bit of a challenge in that department though. The beach we went to wasn’t exactly what you’d call “dog friendly”.
There were many establishments such as these that had water dishes outside for passing dogs though.
One of the things we love about this beach is the beautiful flowers and gardens everywhere. I still need to find some dogs to love on though! Could this be where I’d find one, a store named after our very own beagle?
No unfortunately, that was children’s toys. This place might be more appropriate anyway:
That is where we found these two cuties:
How about this place, displaying a bit of cat humor?
We did see some dogs being walked along the street. Unfortunately, it was mostly in the hot afternoon when Auntie Sheryl and I worried a bit about the hot pavement on their paws. At least we didn’t see any dogs left in hot vehicles.
We finally found the store I’d been looking for, one full of colorful pet supplies. This store was called “Junebug’s Beach House” and as it turns out, it was named after one of the proprietor’s rescue dogs. Even though the dogs weren’t on the premises, I got to spend much time looking through the wares and picking out something to bring home for the crew, which I’ll share later this week.
This is the theme for their store, which I love:
If you’re headed to the southern Maine seacoast with your dogs, Ogunquit probably shouldn’t be your first choice. They do have a dog park though, so I’m sure there is a population of pet lovers, maybe just not in the town government. The beaches are open to pets after October 1st up until March 31st, and you can find some pet friendly lodging. You might be better off checking out one of the beaches just south of that, Wells or York Beach, where we went last summer. They at least allow dogs on the beach in the early morning and evenings.
But if you do find yourself there – and it has a beautiful downtown, along with the Marginal Way walkway along the ocean (which also doesn’t allow dogs!), be sure to check out Junebug’s (this link will take you to their Facebook page) and pick up a little something for your pet crew, and hopefully satisfy your need for a pet fix as well!
Looks like a fun place dog friendly or not! Mom has never been to Maine, one of these days! Love Dolly
Maine is so beautiful, and really a “home away from home” for me. I’ve been going there ever since I was a teenager and went with my parents.
My friend and I went to Loudon one year and stayed with her cousin in Sanford. We drove to Ogunquit and I did dip my feet in the ocean. It’s a lovely place, but I’d want my dogs with me. 😀
Did you go to Loudon for the races? We went through Sanford on our way to Ogunquit; it was a new route for us, and better than going our usual way which included the highway.
Too bad that the place was not more dog friendly, but I do not really blame them. People are not always good about picking up after pets and when you have a touristy place, who needs that? Also, it is a sad but true fact that you have to think about liability when you open up places to dogs.
I know, it’s true; until all dog owners can be trusted to be responsible with them, there are going to be limits to where they are allowed. The river estuary here was a place for fishing and wildlife, and I’m sure they were worried about dogs running loose in there. Even a “leashed dogs only” just could not be a guarantee.
I’m pretty sure the other dog friendly beach we went to said “leashed dogs only” and I saw many people letting their dogs run free.
What an enchanting location. I took run away with my college girlfriends every September. I believe I might have to suggest a trip to Maine. I too love the water – it rejuvenates me. Glad to know you had a nice time, you deserved some “me” time.
I think time with “the girls” is just good for the soul, don’t you?
looks like a great get away.
What a beautiful place! I would love to visit Maine. I usually have a “girls” weekend once a year…in fact it’s coming up in a couple of weeks. One of my friends lives on a beautiful lake and we all go and spend the weekend at her home. ~Island Cat Mom
That sounds wonderful! I hope you’ll share a little bit about it.
I probably will. I have in the past on the blog…or should I say the cats have. 😉
Oh man, I wish I could have gone with you this past weekend! I sooooo need a weekend with “the girls” or just alone. But then I’d get homesick for my girls.
You would have had fun with us, Sue, and we would have kept your mind off missing the girls! 🙂
It is so cool that you have girlfriends to do things with like short getaways. What beautiful place to visit.
It is great, since we don’t travel with the dogs at this point, it’s a way for me to get away but knowing the crew is safe at home with the Dadz. Less worrying. 🙂
Plus, the Dadz doesn’t care much for the beach, and it’s one of my favorite places. LOL
Mom wishes she had “girls” to travel with! Anyhoo, whenever she is away from us, she is always searching for kitties or woofies to love on. She also loves staying at inns or B&Bs where there is a resident kitty or woofie. This does look like a gorgeous spot for a vacation though. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
That cat smoking sign is too funny.
I love the dog&cat you bought… that are art pieces…. and I hope no one will throw cigarettes on the ground for the kitty who tries to quit… like me :o)
My mom prefers to not see other pets when she leaves us at home as it makes her miss us a lot more. I love the cigarette butt sign for cats!