If you are a dog lover as many of our visitors are you probably do not like to leave your furry friend with strangers.  If your destination is Punta Gorda you don’t have to worry.  The Hounds on Henry awaits your arrival. 

THIS WAY TO DOGGIE FREEDOM

The Hounds on Henry is our local dog park.  The place where your dog can get off the leash, make new friends and get some exercise.  The park is divided into large and small dog sections but if you have a small dog with a big attitude he can run with the big dogs.

Water is always available and covered picnic tables are also provided.  It is a great way to spend the afternoon and enjoy our glorious weather.  Fido gets a workout and you might just make some new friends as well.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Punta Gorda recently passed an ordinance that allows pet owners to bring their dogs to restaurants that include outside dining.  Leashes are mandatory but at least the pooch can tag along.  No excuses now, bring your pet and come on down.

I walk daily, usually in Burnt store Isles, the subdivision of Punta Gorda where I live.  It is great exercise and a great way to keep an eye on what is happening in the “hood”.  Normally I enjoy this, but days like today it is an unpleasant task.  It is 38 degrees this morning and windy so it feels much colder.  On days like this the “locals” break out the winter attire if they bother to face the elements at all. 

Not long into my journey I noticed a couple walking towards me dressed in t-shits, shorts, and sandals and carrying beach towels.  Tourists, popped into my head.  I chatted long enough to learn they were indeed from the north and they were headed to the pool.  Ok, 38 and windy is a heat wave if you are use to snow and ice and the pool is heated but you have to get out at some point.  My teeth began to chatter.  I tightened the drawstring on my hoodie,  zipped my coat and walked faster in an effort to regain sensation in my feet.  I seriously could not imagine swimming on a day like this.  I get nervous when the temperture dips below 75 degrees and I don’t go any farther north than the mall.

The cold truth is, this type of weather is the exception not the rule and we take comfort in knowing that that it will be short lived.  It is a gentle reminder of why we live here.  The weather fuels my business and most others here, as the snowbirds head south for the winter.  The cold truth is I depend on the cold.

Just a reminder that you should Suport your local Punta Gorda Merchants and check out Think Thursdays for fun to do stuff!