"ERNIE"

My name is Ernie. I'm a Havanese by birth but good fortune has turned me into a beach boy. I like golf carts, girls and gulls. I don't swim by choice though I must admit, I have a certain fascination for dead fish.

Captiva's my home but I also enjoy motor trips with the top down on the VW Bug. I like to go to Sanibel. We shop at Island Paws for my food and any dog supplies we might fancy and then usually go next door to Over Easy where (if we sit on the patio) I'm served a nice bowl of fresh water and can take a nap while everyone else eats.

Dr Dave at The Coral Vet Clinic is my primary care provider - appointments are a must (472-8387). My favorite place to be on Sanibel is the Farmer's Market On Sunday mornings. They even have booths that sell pet treats! And lots of friendly dogs are there too.  Both these places - Island Paws and Coral Vet - have a list of preferred dog walkers and sitters.

I go "overseas" to get groomed on a regular basis at Golden Paw Pet Salon and Spa - a fabulous 'parlor" and doggie day center  on McGregor across from Tanger Mall. Kathy is the head honcho (415-7297). They are also offering non-anesthetic teeth cleaning for dogs. Amy is the licensed and insured doggie hygienist.

Though I prefer to be at home, the best place, I believe, for boarding is The Dog Resort in Fort Myers. They also have training and socialization sessions.

I have a lot of friends on Captiva. Pastor Tom at The Chapel By The Sea is a favorite of mine. He's a good guy with a pocket full of treats and, best of all, dogs are welcome at the Sunday services.  

I say hello to all the regulars at the Captiva Post Office just about every morning. And I am always eager to greet visitors to our islands.

I used to be the only guy on my block but now Winnie, Lea and Loci have all moved in. Lea and Loci have a lot of energy and like to play. Winnie and I prefer to observe. Lots of property owners who rent on Sanibel and Captiva permit pets - but it's always good to check out their policies.

I know shell seekers develop the Sanibel Stoop but so do dog owners. Our owners must leash and pick up after us on both islands. It's the law!  We, in turn, must promise not to bark or bite.  A pretty fair exchange.

It's fun for me to go to Minneapolis for a while each summer because they have lawns of soft, soft grass but there's nothing like home. Nothing like Captiva. And Sanibel too!