A beach for man’s best friend
(An open letter to Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider:)

In 1972, a place called Dog Beach was created in Ocean Beach, Calif. It’s a place where dogs and their owners can share days at the beach and families can really enjoy a day in the sun with their pets. I think something like this would be a real asset to the City of Long Branch. Maybe the north end of Seven Presidents Park? Here are my thoughts:

• There is no other place I can think of on the Jersey coast where you can bring your dog and not be fined. People love their dogs, and this could be a huge attraction. People would come from all over.

• Charging $5 per human and $10 per canine could provide the needed revenue to make this work. It would help finance staff — that would make sure there are no pit bulls, to enforce scooping, water stations for pets, etc. Also, I am sure many people would gladly volunteer their time (you could count me in).

The following is a bit of information on Dog Beach in California. I think this could really work.

We have an SPCA in West Long Branch that could have "adopt a pet" days at the beach; kids could have "dog wash" fund-raisers. Please let me know your thoughts.

I would love to make this dream of mine a reality for the city I call home.

Dog Beach — wedged between the Mission Bay Harbor Channel and the jetty at the north end of Ocean Beach — is a dog’s slice of heaven. Here, pets are not only allowed on the beach, but encouraged to come anytime, cast off their leash, and run amok with all their pals. After work, or anytime on the weekend, you’ll find upward of 100 specimens — big and small, young and old — all frisking and fetching

The system only works when humans act responsibly, making sure their pets are vaccinated, obedient and otherwise qualified to be unleashed on the world.

Pet owners are required by law to clean up after their pets at Dog Beach and all other San Diego parks and beaches, but, needless to say, it’s a good idea to watch your step.

Allison Coyne-Peterson

Long Branch