Jupiter's Dog Beach Makes a Splash, Gives Residents Something to Bark About

Article written by: Jan Norris
Photos by: Alexis Dominguez

One of Peter Duff’s 3-year-old Shih Tzus takes a dip in the surf during a recent visit to Jupiter's Dog Beach.

Locals know what a treasure they have in Dog Beach, that 2.5 mile stretch of Jupiter’s shoreline that is open to all four-footed furry friends.

Now, for the second year in a row, Dog Beach has been named the best beach for canines in the country by USA Today.

“We hope it brings in more visitors and hopefully, more volunteers and donors,” said Mary Aguiar, Executive Director of the Friends of Jupiter Beach.

Her group maintains the beach, picking up after both dogs and humans in accordance with the town’s directives to keep the shore open to dogs. The Jupiter organization, except for Aguiar’s position, is all volunteer.

Peter Duff says he brings his Shih Tzus, Marco and Cosmo, to the beach in the mornings or late afternoons.

But the dogs and their owners don’t care about awards, reporters or cameras on them. They’re there for the joy of it, usually multiple times a week.

Scott Goldstein of Palm Beach Gardens brings both his rescue dogs, Jax, “He’s 11 or 12, not sure,” and Zoey who’s “6 or 7,” to the beach at least twice a week.

Today, a thunderstorm threatens, but it’s far offshore. He’s aware, and watches, but keeps walking south from crossover 52 with the dogs. He laughs as they frolic a bit in the shallow surf, then return to the sand and skitter along, sniffing everything in sight. Both are friendly to strangers.

“It’s great here, ”Goldstein said. “They were a little wary at first, but now they love it.”

Peter Duff’s 3-year-old Shih Tzus, Marco and Cosmo, took a while to acclimate to the surf, too, he said. “We get here early, and go to (crossover) 37 and 24 and walk north. It’s less crowded.”

The beach is usually calmer, and better in the mornings for dogs, he said; late afternoons, also. Once people begin setting up along the shore, there are distractions, and having to catch a runaway can be problematic, though leashes are not required once the dog is on shore.

However, they must be leashed to leave the beach and protect them from A1A traffic.

Lindsey Kessinger, of Abacoa, brings her giant mastiff mix, Brutus, to the beach six mornings a week.

Dogs have been allowed on Jupiter’s beach since the town’s beginning, according to Stephanie Thoburn, assistant director of planning and zoning in Jupiter.

The town had a unique situation with its beach: Much of it belonged to the town - not the county.

“When development came in the late ‘60s, Mayor Bobby Culpepper made a forward vision to not allow privatizing the beachfront property. No high rises were allowed.”

It was because one development spoiled it: Ocean Trails, which sits on the sand.

“After that,” she said, “the town was up in arms and said, ‘Oh no!

We’re not doing that ever again.’ And they stopped anyone from developing the beachfront.”

But the town’s council threatened to ban animals in the 1990s once condos were built west of the beach along A1A and those residents complained about the messes left behind.

Anita Lankler, dog owner and advocate, stepped in to promise the beach would be kept clean. Then-Mayor Karen Golonka accepted her deal. Lankler rallied four friends and started the organization among dog lovers that has taken care of cleaning the beach ever since.

Now, Aguiar says, up to 300 people volunteer monthly to pick up trash, refill the waste bag dispensers, and even see that other beach areas such as DuBois Park, Carlin and Coral Cove parks are maintained

They sponsor a food and wine tasting annually to help fund their equipment needs and breakfast for the monthly cleanup; all other money comes from donations.

There are several rules written and posted along Dog Beach, and others are just common courtesy.

“The locals are usually very good about the rules,” Aguair said. “It’s the visitors who need reminders.”

They include: “Don’t let your dog go up to anyone unsolicited. In order to be off leash, they must be on voice command. It’s a courtesy for all beachgoers,” she said. “Not all beachgoers want to be approached.

“Don’t let them approach young children or toddlers.” They can be knocked down in the excitement.

Keeping them under control is especially important the first few times you take your dog to the beach, Aguiar said. “Go early and go to the areas less crowded. Once you get into the late 30s, and 50s crossovers, it’s better. Not as crowded.”

“It goes without saying: You must pick up all their waste.” Don’t abandon torn toys or ropes that pose a danger to sea life — pack them up and dispose of them properly.

Friends of Jupiter Beach keeps clean-up bags stocked and leads monthly beach cleanups

Friends of Jupiter Beach supplies all the waste bags in boxes along the beach. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bags, but they are free for all.

“Please be careful with dogs and their paws,” Aguiar said. “If the sand or asphalt is too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.”

Her group is talking to a couple of companies to provide paw wax at the bag dispensers so visitors can protect their dog’s paws from the scorching sand.

Bring clean water and a bowl for the dogs; there are some showers with a dog bowl, but not at all of them offer this dog-friendly feature.

“During the summer, do not take your dog out in stormy weather. You should not be out there in lightning, either,” she said. “It’s dangerous.”

There are no lifeguards along certain stretches, so visitors should be aware if swimming with their pets.

Also watch for jellyfish and man-o’-war that wash up and are partially hidden by seaweed at tideline. Flags and signs warn of these when they’re prevalent. Their long tentacles can sting badly, and dogs can have a painful reaction, which may require vet care.

Improvements to the beach for dogs and their owners are always in the plan, but it takes funding, she said.

They work through donations.

“We’re also talking about possibly putting in some showers with hoses to wash off your dog.”

A solid mat ramp leading to the shoreline, suitable for wheelchairs, would also make it easier on dogs, she said. They are exploring putting them on Dog Beach for disabled owners. Lindsey Kessinger, of Abacoa, brings her giant mastiff mix, Brutus, to the beach six mornings a week. He’s a rescue from Big Dog Ranch and he’s never gotten into trouble, Kessinger said.

“We’ve been coming here for three years since he was a puppy; he’s 3 years old.”

He’s a gentle giant, and drops and rolls in the sand by her feet. He’s been fetching sticks up and down the tideline. If dogs smile, he’s doing it.

She said only once has she seen any roughness at the beach between dogs — most are social and have fun playing together.

“If they’re not friendly, they’re usually on a leash,” she said.

Darwin, Bob Leonard’s Great Pyrenees, was lumbering along the shore. “This is only his third time at the beach,” Leonard said. “He’s not crazy about the water, but he likes the beach.”

Darwin is another rescue. “He had a tough life. He was in Kentucky, running wild. He loves to chase rabbits.

They caught him and put him in the Great Pyrenees rescue site and I got him.

“We’re good together,” Leonard said. “Our personalities match. We’re both laid back. Doesn’t take much to make him happy.”

Just another day at Dog Beach.

To volunteer with FJB, visit FriendsofJupiterBeach.org. Dog ownership isn’t required.