Are you yearning for a spirited run on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world? Are you dreaming of a shopping spree for something sparkly, or a couture halter or tie. Are you thirsty for a round of martinis at Happy Hour, as you relax on a fire-pitted, flower-filled patio?

Most humans would treasure such a “to do” list. But this particular agenda caters to the canine vision of paradise. (In fact, muttinis are served during Yappy Hour, to be precise.)

This is life in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California—one of the most dog-friendly cities in the world.

There’s No Place Like Home

Full disclosure. This is the home base for OIC Moments. Although we’re an international publication, and the writers are always roaming the globe, our headquarters are in Carmel, where “village” life takes priority.

There’s no place like home. Click your heels three times and you’ll find yourself in Carmel paradise. A city with no neon signs, no fast food, no street addresses, no parking meters, no streetlights, no national chain coffee shops, and a permit needed to wear high heels on the streets (for the health and safety of the women walking the uneven pavements that have been distorted by tree roots).

And if dogs click their paws three times, they will find themselves in Dog Heaven on Earth.

Everything is Pawsible

On any given stroll through Carmel, you’ll notice quite a few wagging tails—dog after dog after dog. All sizes. All breeds. All happy.

There are dog water bowls in front of shops, dog treats at the local bakeries, shops dedicated to every possible pet desire, a water fountain just for dogs in the Carmel Plaza (The Fountain of Woof), biodegradable mitts at the ready, and a range of restaurants and hotels that welcome dogs as guests with their humans.

Dogs are even welcome at some of the spas, and can hop up on the massage table to be with their human (or to get a massage themselves).

In the Beginning . . .

The dog legacy started long ago, but many people give credit to animal lovers Dennis LeVett, film star Doris Day, and Doris’ son Terry. Doris and Dennis became the co-owners of the Cypress Inn (on Lincoln Street) in the 1980s and made sure that four-legged friends would be welcome.

Since then, the hotel has been named “pet friendliest hotel” by many publications.

Its amenities include treat bowls throughout the hotel, an outdoor dog-sized shower for rinsing off after a romp at the beach, dog blankets and water bowls in the rooms, and some rooms with balconies so a lucky dog can keep an eye on the passing parade in the street below.

The Cypress Inn also has a terrace restaurant and fireside living room that welcome dogs, and, of course, dog cuisine on the restaurant menu, like beef patties and grilled chicken.

The hotel staff keep dog profiles on file, so they can welcome back these four-legged guests by name—especially important since they have so many return visitors.

As Operations Manager Khamis Haji says, “They’d rather you remember their dog’s name than their own. If you think you’ve seen someone love their dog, you haven’t seen anything yet. The people who come to Cypress Inn would do anything for their pets.”

It’s especially fun to come during special events, like Poodle Day. Dogs spend hours at salons getting groomed and pampered. They then search for an outfit to outdo even the most stunning couture. It’s a dog version of Oscar night.

Life Can Be Ruff, But Not in Carmel

The city of Carmel has added to the Cypress Inn culture by making dogs an equal opportunity group. The city map is filled with tiny dog icons, indicating dog-friendly places.

Dogs can go not only into designated restaurants and hotels, but they are allowed in most shops. They no longer have to wait patiently outside.

There are also several boutiques dedicated exclusively to all things pet. You can find haute dog couture, rhinestone collars, designer water bowls, and cocktail toys such as a stuffed Arfsolut Vodka bottle or a Johnnie Dogwalker Ruff Label Old Scottie Whiskey.

And when their humans get hungry, they can peruse the local dog menus for delicacies, such as the Hot Diggity Dog (an all-beef kosher hot dog) and the Quarter Hounder (a quarter pound hamburger patty) found at one of the dog-friendly restaurants (Forge in the Forest).

For the true sense of freedom, dogs are allowed off leash on Carmel Beach and at Mission Trails Park, as long as they’re under voice command and get along well with their peers.

All of these special privileges and accoutrements confirm Carmel’s international reputation as one of the most amazing dog-friendly cities on Earth.

Best Friends

“I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.”—Doris Day

The “Oh, I see” moments in dog-friendly Carmel-by-the Sea are many. But, for me, the positive energy that dogs bring to the world is undeniably life-changing.

They love unconditionally. They are curious about life. They are forever loyal. They look forward to meeting other beings. They are genuine and honest. And they bring out the best in their humans.