Dog owners can enjoy the views from Crescent Bay, and Heisler and Alta Laguna parks while their dogs frolic — albeit on a leash.
And the city created a Bark Park long before other neighboring communities. Friends of the Laguna Beach Dog Park raise funds at an annual brunch to help maintain the park. The group’s 2010 Dog Calendar is expected to be available online this month.
The city also funds a shelter that provides a clean and caring environment for pets left homeless and ill-equipped to fend for themselves. It is staffed by volunteers under the direction of Nancy Goodwin.
Animal Crackers owner Gina Kantzabedian has practically put herself in the poor house finding homes for animals threatened with euthanasia and paying their medical expenses until they are adopted. The Coastline Pilot helps by running weekly pictures of her finds.
Pets are a blessing for many, but they also get blessed.
Owners are invited to bring their furry or feathered friends — even a photograph will do — to the Neighborhood Congregational Church for the 15th annual Blessing of the Animals by the Rev. B J. Beu at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
Pet vendors and representatives of volunteer pet services will be there to gather donations of pet food for homeless families. Treats for pets and people, holiday gifts and information about local animal charities will also be available.
“This is a town that loves its dogs,” said Gina Hossany, owner of Bark & Sniff Boutique & Bakery on South Coast Highway.
While doing research for a package for local hotels, she met up with Paige Strayer, owner of Dawg-Ma Companion Care. Strayer is a licensed, bonded, insured and pet CPR-certified pet sitter and dog walker. Together, they created the Dog Friendly Guide to Laguna Beach — lists of locations where pet owners can wine, dine, shop, romp, sleep, swim and play with their pals.
