An important date is approaching. March 31 is the last date dogs are allowed at one of Greenwich’s most popular beaches: Tod’s Point.
From December through March the Town allows dogs at the park, where hundreds of owners and their pets frolic in the sand.
Jordan Paris
This sign greets beach-goers at the front of Tod’s Point. Photo: Jordan Paris
Recently Tod’s Point regulars weighed in on what should be done to make the beach a fun place for all, both their friends and dogs.
“I’ve been bringing my dogs here for about five years,” Missy McKenzie, a local to the Greenwich area, said about her black Labs.
“I understand why they do it because, in April, that’s when the kids start coming,” she continued. “The babies are playing in the sand and they don’t want the dogs to run them over.”
Another local, Maura Marron, suggested a solution that would enable both dogs and people to enjoy the beach together.
“I think that it would be nice if they had a certain part of the beach, maybe on the other side and not on the street stretch, where they could still bring the dogs around to swim and have fun,” she said. “It’s nice to see them all having fun together. They would really love to be able to play in the summer.”
Jordan Paris
A black Lab swims in the calm Tod’s Point. Photo: Jordan Paris
With a smile, she recounted a happy memory at the beach. “My son and I, we call one of the dogs we see a lot here the ‘Teddy Bear’ dog.”
While many visitors brought their dogs to the beach, a few people went walking on the beach – avoiding the animals at all costs.
Virginia Ladell, a North Carolina woman who recently began exploring the area on vacation said, “In my hometown, at the beaches, I’ve seen a lot of dog fights. Unfortunately, I saw a little kid try petting a not so nice dog and it bit her,” Ladell recalled. “I haven’t been so fond of dogs at the beach since that day.”
While the dogs take a break from their days at the beach during the warmer weather, their dog days will again reign again in December. In the meanwhile, they can enjoy playing at dog-friendly places such as Grass Island dog park, or accompanying owners to stores that allow well-behaved dogs such as Smart Kids Toys.
Dogs area allowed at Tod’s Point from December through March. The last day for dogs at the park is March 31, 2019 Photo Jordan Paris
Dogs area allowed at Tod’s Point from December through March. The last day for dogs at the park is March 31, 2019 Photo Jordan Paris
Dogs area allowed at Tod’s Point from December through March. The last day for dogs at the park is March 31, 2019 Photo Jordan Paris
Dogs area allowed at Tod’s Point from December through March. The last day for dogs at the park is March 31, 2019 Photo Jordan Paris
Dogs area allowed at Tod’s Point from December through March. The last day for dogs at the park is March 31, 2019 Photo Jordan Paris
Dogs area allowed at Tod’s Point from December through March. The last day for dogs at the park is March 31, 2019 Photo Jordan Paris
Dogs area allowed at Tod’s Point from December through March. The last day for dogs at the park is March 31, 2019 Photo Jordan Paris
Dogs area allowed at Tod’s Point from December through March. The last day for dogs at the park is March 31, 2019 Photo Jordan Paris