South Beach Going to the Dogs

It may be a winter destination due to the heat, but South Beach Florida has definitely gone to the dogs.

Lincoln Road is the "sit-stay" destination on South Beach for dogs. It is a 14-block-long outdoor pedestrian mall that is dog friendly. Every place to eat has an outdoor space where dogs are allowed to dine with their owners. Almost every bar, restaurant, and shop has a dog bowl outside, and the local Starbucks has a doggie "tie-out" station.

Most shops on Lincoln Road welcome dogs inside; ask first and use a leash. For fancy treats and organic food, walk your dog to the Dog Bar at the corner of Lincoln Road and Jefferson Avenue which has become known as the South Beach canine institution.

Ocean Drive bordering the Atlantic Ocean has become the neon epicenter of South Beach doggie culture. The famous News Cafe caters to some celebrities and their dogs.

Gansevoort Hotel at the north end of South Beach boasts of providing excellent service to its canine customers. Both the Loew's Miami Beach Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton on South Beach have pampered pooch programs. The Standard is the most dog friendly and swanky lodging on the island.

In addition, Flamingo Bark Park in Flamingo Park is where many dogs gather.

Sounds like a great place for doggie and me time.

Dog Friendly SUV

Recently I learned about a new SUV designed for dogs.

For example, it has a built in dog crate, a fan to keep your dog cool, rubber mat with dog bones (easy to clean), and it even has a built in dog drinking cup. Also, it has a ramp to allow your dog easy access in and out of the vehicle. It has some really neat features.

The Honda Element lineup expands for the 2010 model year with an all-new "Dog Friendly™" pet accommodation system designed to improve safety, comfort and convenience for dogs and their owners alike.

Major components include:

1. A soft-sided cargo area car kennel made from seat belt-grade netting
2. A cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform
3. A 12V DC rear ventilation fan
4. Second-row seat covers with a dog pattern design (matches the bed fabric)
5. An extendable ramp (stores under the pet bed platform)
6. All-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern;
7. A spill-resistant water bowl; and
8. Dog Friendly exterior emblems (driver's side and rear).
9. The ramp stores underneath the bed platform and can be conveniently accessed when the rear tailgate is down.