Key West Dog Park

Sunday morning, we planned to take Zuzu and Tootie to Boca Chica Key where there's a great beach for dogs along the ocean side of the Naval Air Station. Unfortunately, we had to turn around just before the beach as the Monroe County Sheriff and U.S. Boarder Patrol vehicles were blocking the road. They must have been searching for more Cuban refugees. It's not unusual for them to land on Boca Chica, which is only 90 miles from Cuba, but probably not the wisest choices of places to make land fall on U.S. soil. The Navy probably keeps a pretty good eye on the surrounding waters and skies.

Well, if we couldn't show the girls the beach, we thought a trip into Key West and a visit to the dog park would be the next best thing. The dog beach in Key West has to be the best dog park in the country (at least the best one we've visited). It is located on the south end of the key at the end of White Street across from Higg's Beach. It's large with two areas, a modest pen for the little canines, and a larger, L-shaped pen for the big guys. Palm trees are plentiful, as are the poop bag stations, and there are a few cabanas for the humans to rest while their four-legged friends frolic, play, and visit with their old and new found buddies.

Zuzu and Tootie love meeting other dogs. Zuzu took to the park very quickly. Tootie, however, was a bit more apprehensive and needed some words of encouragement from Wayne.

Zuzu had new territory to leave her mark testing her stamina. Proud of her accomplishments, she came back to the bench to tell Wayne all about her experiences.

After a romp in the dog park, a brief tour of the island, and a stop at the grocery store to pick up dinner, we headed 17 miles back north on the Overseas Highway to Sugarloaf Key for a quiet Sunday afternoon.

This is what Sunday is all about!

A Dog's Life on Sugarloaf Key

We arrived at the house Friday afternoon. Zuzu and Tootie explored the yard, the house, and began to slowly acclimate to their new surroundings. The unfamiliarity of the sounds of cars and motorcycles passing on the boulevard and the Navy fighters flying overhead on their training missions out of nearby Boca Chica Key created some apprehension and nervousness. Zuzu and Tootie were tired from the trip preferring the comfort and security of the walk-in closet off the master bedroom.

Saturday was a new day. The sun was shining, the warm breezes returned from the south, and the girls were well reseted. Off we went to explore the path at the end of County Road 4A, which is the old path of the Overseas Railroad and Highway.

The mangroves provided shade for our trek. Zuzu and Tootie didn't see any iguanas or lizards, but they did see some turkey vultures, sea gulls, and the occasional pelican flying above.

Zuzu and Tootie had a quick drink back at the car before heading back towards home.

A quick stop on the bridge over Sammi's Creek looking out towards the Atlantic Ocean and the American Shoal Lighthouse.

Back at the house, Zuzu and Tootie found a nice cool spot to rest in the dirt below the palm tree.

And then on the lanai for the rest of the afternoon. Life is good.

Trip to the Keys

Wow...it has been a month since our last posting. We all left St. Louis for Sugarloaf Key, Florida on the morning of February 18. Zuzu and Tootie were real troopers on the trip. We transformed the back of the Element into a kennel on wheels where they slept, ate, and enjoyed the passing scenery.

We decided to push on through the night, taking a few breaks at Rest Areas in Florida. After a brief nap in a Rest Area south of Orlando on the Florida Turnpike, we were ready to continue our journey south towards Miami. We took a quick potty break at Snapper Creek Rest Area in Kendall. Next stop, Florida City for fuel before crossing the 18-mile stretch to Key Largo.

It was a cool and cloudy day, not at all a typically warm and sunny Florida day. We stopped at the picnic area in Islamorada on Lower Matecumbe Key for lunch before making the final push to mile marker 17 and home on Starfish Lane.

Dear readers:

We set up a play date with Zuzu and Tootie's foster parents and brothers this past Saturday at Forest Park. The weather improved for our outing; the sunshine warmed the path as we made our loop along the lake near the boathouse, across the suspension bridge to picnic island, around the Grand Basin and back towards the parking lot adjacent to the tennis courts. Zolt and Dash were all energy as they showered their foster sister, Tootie, with kisses and Ready was very happy to reunite with his foster sister, Zuzu, as their shared kisses with tails a waggin'.

Along the path behind the Boathouse Restaurant, Zeta found a wonderful pile of goose poop to roll in. She was SO happy and proud of her new perfume!
A brief pause at the Grand Basin to share kisses. Tangled leashes, wagging tails, happy dogs! Val gets some love from Ready and Zuzu.
At the end of the walk, it was time to share Valentine's Day cookies from Susan. Here, Zolt, Dash, Zuzu, and Tootie are keeping a close eye on Susan and the cookie bag!
The gang waits patiently for more cookies.
Spending part of an afternoon with good friends and happy dogs. Life is good!

"What does the future hold?" could be the question Zuzu is contemplating. Or, perhaps she is less philosophical and more practical as she wonders "When are these guys going to take me back to the park so I can chase those annoying little fuzzy-tailed critters?"

Zuzu and Tootie seem to be enjoying having both dads around the house now. We've been rather busy with frequent trips to Lafayette Square mixed in with restful moments either on the sofa, on their pad in front of the storm door (sunbeams required), or sprawled out on top of the down comforter in the bedroom.

Tootie can still occasionally flash me the "Who are you?" gaze. It wasn't until later in the evening that we realized that her ear was bothering her. It was time for ear cleaning and medicine...followed by a few treats, of course!

Here's a picture of one happy dad with two very contented little girls. Zuzu makes for a nice prop for Tootie, don't you think?

We are planning another play date with Tootie's foster brothers, Dash and Zolt, and Zuzu's foster brother, Ready, this weekend. I'll try to have the camera ready, but no promises trying to capture five happy, energetic Vizslas at the park!

Stay tuned!

Monday, February 8, 2010 is the first day of our new lives. Due to a completely unexpected administrative restructuring at Crossroads College Prep, one which did not include me, which was delivered to me this past Friday afternoon, and especially due to the manner in which it was presented to me, I realized that I could no longer continue to work for the school. To do so would have been contrary to my moral and ethical beliefs.

We have decided to begin a new chapter in our lives. Wayne, Zuzu, Tootie, and I will all head to Sugarloaf Key, Florida in a week to focus on our new opportunities. We will stay in touch with our devoted followers as frequently as possible, and will return to St. Louis when the warm weather returns. Stay tuned for pictures and brief essays of our new adventures.

All the best - Chuck, Wayne, Zuzu, and Tootie

It has been a while since we've posted to the blog. All has been well for the girls. They continue to become acclimated to their new home and family. While the process has not been without challenges, it has been full of rewards. Tootie has settled into her new routine with ease. Zuzu is a bit more cautious, yet each day brings more trust.

Here, you see a typical morning when the sun has decided to make an appearance on a cold, winter's day in St. Louis. Zuzu and Tootie relaxing on their pad by the front door. Notice Zuzu has taken the prime spot to keep an eye on the world outside. She's our fearless Vizsla! Tootie has complete confidence in her sister's ability to keep danger at bay...she much prefers catching up on her sleep!

During a "warm" winter's day, uncle Mike and aunt Amy stopped by to meet Zuzu and Tootie.

Zuzu and Tootie had a lot of fun with their new rope toy! I think Wayne had more fun, though.