Going to the Beach with a Dog? (running list)

Okay, here's something to look forward to: a trip with Brutus to the beach.

We took a look around the 'net for "dog-friendly beaches", as close as possible; for better or worse, that means Southern California. Luckily, the first or best or biggest 'dog beach' is right around San Diego (which I kinda liked, beats LA anyway) at a place called Ocean Beach. 24-hour off-leash beach with no human swimming allowed (i.e., fewer kids and random douchebags-- perfect!)

Anyway, I'm starting this blog to jot down notes, especially about stuff to remember to take with us. The plan is still in a very early stage (though we're actually excited and really planning to do it, which for us is ten times as close to firm and fixed plans as we usually get!).

• his tags. We need to make a name tag, but he's got his rabies thing already.
• collar and leash
• Camera. A must. And extra batteries and an extra memory card.
• water for Brutus and us. Probably at least one bottle and one dish. Ugh, I didn't even think about the fact that he'll try to drink the salt water...diarrhea for the trip home...
• so at the very least, one towel. Always know where your towel is.
• probably a small package of wipes, too.
• one or more servings of Brutus' food and pills, depending on how long we'll be away
• and his dog bed, if we're staying overnight (very likely)
• treats and toys? Probably not too much. Maybe a plush favorite to ride and sleep with, and a few treats in case we need positive reinforcement, but he has a problem with possessiveness. So we'll stick to sand for throwing Sandballs. And they'll probably provide that...
• disposable bags for poop
• a little container of lemon juice if he gets too worked up (we had packets at some point...)
• hmm, shoes, sandals, or bare feet? I have two out of the three...
• sunscreen. Even though we're planning to go in mid-winter, still essential.
• glasses would be easier all around...but if I want sunglasses, I'll need to bring all my contact lens stuff too. Plus, I'll have to buy some sunglasses.
• a bag big enough to carry this stuff in, small enough not to be a hassle at the beach.
• cell phone chargers (and cell phones, but I doubt we'd forget those)