Update: Dogs Roam Free in CT

This weekend, I found an alternative to walking the woods of Bedford and Pound Ridge with my dog. The beach on Tod's Point in Old Greenwich, CT, is a welcome respite from the increasing snootiness and hostility toward dogs in the Town of Bedford. The atmosphere on the beach this weekend--which was full of dogs running off-leash with their owners--was open, comfortable and totally welcoming. Literally, a breath of fresh air! The wonderful community of Old Greenwich opens this beautiful park to everyone, with or without dogs, during the winter months. So, people and dogs can and do frolic on the beach together. Many dogs are in the water, despite the chilly temperatures, chasing balls or sticks. I did not witness one unpleasant confrontation the entire two hours we were there, probably because dogs are so much happier when able to run off-leash and get some real exercise. In Bedford, however, residents are made to feel like criminals for letting their dogs off-leash, like they're doing something horribly wrong. The attitude is totally out of proportion and bizarre, compared with the pleasant beach experience just a village away.

Dogs frolicking at Tod's Point beach in Greenwich, CT

Wagon ride on the beach, anyone?

Tod's Point is a large recreation area, surrounded by water, and within it are many habitats and trails. There is a bird sanctuary area around a large pond; a holly forest, with a trail through enormous holly trees; a butterfly garden, maintained by the Greenwich Garden Club, where snowdrops and a few crocuses were spotted, and the daffodils are all sprouting early. At this rate, they'll be blooming in mid-March instead of mid-April. We'll be there every chance we get from now until March 31st.