Community Corner
Downtown Santa Cruz is Going to the Dogs!
This Friday's Mutt Strut marks opening of dogs in downtown.
MUTT STRUT
Friday, 5-8 p.m.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Free!
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This Friday evening, downtown Santa Cruz will welcome dogs for the first time since 1978! Go on down with your pooch and enjoy the many wonderful shops and restaurants. Hospitality Hosts will have a list of dog-friendly restaurants with patios for you and your pooch.
History
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In 1976, the dog catcher nabbed 200 stray dogs on Pacific Avenue every month, according to Juanita Gunter of Santa Cruz County Animal Services. Two years later, the City Council banned dogs from Pacific Avenue. (Funny, they didn’t ban any other animals, so it is still legal to take your llama, goat, or what-have-you.)
In 1983, the “dog ban” area was expanded for a block on either side of Pacific Avenue. Although my memory of it at the time and the official version differs, the reason had to do with so many homeless folks having dogs. At that time, some stores downtown had “No Troll” signs in their windows (not one of our finer moments), referring to those folks who lived under the bridges.
Funny thing is, Capitola Village has been dog-friendly for more than a century and has not had any major problems with dogs. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, but you can shop with your Shar-pei or dine with your dachscund at a few of my favorite patios. Just don't take your pooch through the inside of the restaurant.
At one point, Watsonville had a problem with vicious dogs, but there are some great restaurants that have dog-friendly patios, and there are some beautiful places to walk your woofer.
A year ago, the Santa Cruz Downtown Association voted 8-1 in favor of dogs downtown. A lot of folks thought that meant it was OK, but in reality, it still had to pass the City Council. Finally, last month, the City Council voted for a three-month trial period with some new rules. Here are the main points:
The New Ordinances
- Dogs must be tethered no farther than 3 feet from you and must be under control at all times
- Only one dog is allowed per leash
- No more than two dogs can accompany you at one time
- Dogs may not be left unattended for any amount of time
- Dogs must display tags for a current license and rabies vaccination.
Look for the “Paws Welcome” paw print sticker in the windows of downtown businesses that welcome you and your well-behaved pooch. Those merchants will also have poop bags, in case you run out. To help defray the cost to the city, Woofers & Walkers volunteered to donate poop bags. If you would like to donate, please seewoofersandwalkers.com. Every $5 donation supplies one merchant with poop bags and a dispenser.
A surprising number of the restaurants with patios allow dogs, so it’s probably time to review canine courtesy for restaurants.
Restaurant Petiquette
- Dogs should be kept on-leash and next to you—out of the way of the wait staff.
- Keep your dog off the table, chairs or other furnishings.
- Do not feed your dog using serving dishes, utensils, tableware or linens.
- Clean up accidents involving dog waste immediately.
- Dogs are not legally permitted to travel through any indoor portions of the restaurant.
- All employees must wash their hands after touching, petting or otherwise handling dogs.
See you at Mutt Strut! GiGi and I will be excited to see you!
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BARKING LOT PARTY!
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Westside New Leaf Market
Free!
New Leaf Market is putting on a doggone great party with lots of free party favors. Free give-aways of pet toys, pet treats, pet samples and free vet advice from Dr. Sheena Logothetti, veterinarian at . Enter fun contests for free! Contest winners for Best Dressed, Cutest, Oldest and Most Unique will receive a gift card to New Leaf. Proceeds from the $2 hot dogs and veggie dogs will go to Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. There will also be adoptable pets.
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PROJECT PURR
FREE FERAL CAT SPAY/NEUTER
Month of August
Santa Cruz and Watsonville
Free!
Got a wild kitty hanging around your property? A feral cat can have a dozen kittens a year or more!
Those wonderful folks at Project Purr will make sure you don’t end up with a gazillion kitties. You can borrow a trap for FREE at either of the County Animal Shelters.
- Available to anyone regardless of income.
- Must show proof of living within Santa Cruz County (includes all cities).
- Cats must be brought to clinic in traps.
- Kittens must be at least 4 months old.
- FVRCP/Rabies vaccines and parasite control are included.
- Cats/kittens are given a mandatory eartip identifying them as fixed.
They also have adoptable barn cats, in case you have a home for a good ratter.
For more information:
