Pet friendly?

[Underthebluemoon]

[Miss Kitty]

Russell is just the cutest thing!!!

[Beach Runner]

There have been other such posts without a lot of response. Why, might you ask? Besides the fact that I "might" trust my dog, but even my own family is rather cavalier about their own dogs having accidents, it is an insurance matter. Every year that we've owned our home, our insurance has been cancelled (hard to find insurance for beach houses), and every insurance company that we've had has a clause in their policy that excludes pets.

[Mermaid]

I am familiar with the cottage called Arcadia. We looked at it one year as a possible prospect. We ended up not choosing it (even though it's very charming) because there's only one bathtub/shower in the entire house. And it's not especially close to the beach, about 1/4 mile away, which I consider a long walk when you have beach gear. It's on Magnolia not very far from where it splits off from the main drag. If you pull up www.mapquest.com and plug in the address, you'll see exactly where it is. One nice feature of Arcadia is that the house is "U" shaped, with an interior courtyard. If I remember correctly, the courtyard is enclosed with a gate, which would make it good for a dog (but I'd double check).

There's a poster here, Unplugged, who rents his cottage and I know it's pet-friendly, if you're still considering other places.

[TooFarTampa]

We were pet friendly until last season. As far as I know we never had accidents or damage, but we had a real problem with poor housekeeping after a black lab visited -- guess there was no time to get the hair off the couch and off other places. The renters who arrived the same day were disgusted. Never again.

Getting a place clean in a "quick turn" situation is hard enough given the difficulties in finding good housekeeping service. Adding pet hair to the equation is just too risky when the next renters are expecting a clean house for their $2K or whatever. I think that most places that are pet friendly do it so they can bring in more renters.

By the way, I have a big lab too! I just don't bring him to SoWal. We have a dog sitter.

[Smiling JOe]

My pets' hair follows me everywhere. It sticks to things with a force greater than velcro. I gave up trying to eliminate it long ago.

[skippertoo]

We have had good luck with VRBO and with www.2-getaway.com. Rivard and beachrentals of sowuth walton also have some pet friendly rentals.

[Jdarg]

Correct me if I am wrong, but once you get your pet to the beach, if they don't have a county license, they can't be on the beach, right?


Underthebluemoon- have you asked your friends and business aquaintances where they board their pets? I have worked for a fairly large vet practice for 5 years, and I can't recall seeing a dog that got mange at a kennel. If Russell has a kennel cough vaccine, you send his own food with him, and don't add a bunch of rich new treats to "make him happy", you will be fine, and so will his health, especially his tummy! Also, if your vet boards, even better. But if Russell wanders, and there is not a fenced yard at the rental, it sounds like a vacation of work and worry to keep track of him. He may even be safer at a kennel. I have 2 terrier mixes, so I understand the focus on "traveling".

[Seacrest]

I did not have such good luck with 2-getaway. We rented a house from them for 3k, they did not tell us that they were building a new house next door and we would be up every morning at 700 to the sound of hammers and saws. I would not recommend for that reason.

[Smiling JOe]

Correct me if I am wrong, but once you get your pet to the beach, if they don't have a county license, they can't be on the beach, right?

you are correct.

[SlowMovin]

I did not have such good luck with 2-getaway. We rented a house from them for 3k, they did not tell us that they were building a new house next door and we would be up every morning at 700 to the sound of hammers and saws. I would not recommend for that reason.

No kidding!? Construction in the 30-A area!? Wow!!!

Blaming the property rental company for nearby construction (even if "next door") is kind of like blaming a car rental company for traffic jams.

[Smiling JOe]

No kidding!? Construction in the 30-A area!? Wow!!!

Blaming the property rental company for nearby construction (even if "next door") is kind of like blaming a car rental company for traffic jams.

I don't know that I agree completely with you on this one. If I am a guest who has never been to the area, but have heard how relaxing it is in SoWal, and the rental page on VRBO suggests that I will enjoy my peace and quiet, I think I deserve not to be awakened at 0700 with the hammering and sawing noices. They definitely do not fit the description which I have been given. A general note of truth should mention that construction is currently in the area.

[SlowMovin]

I don't know that I agree completely with you on this one. If I am a guest who has never been to the area, but have heard how relaxing it is in SoWal, and the rental page on VRBO suggests that I will enjoy my peace and quiet, I think I deserve not to be awakened at 0700 with the hammering and sawing noices. They definitely do not fit the description which I have been given. A general note of truth should mention that construction is currently in the area.

Joe, I love ya man, but you live here...you should know better. You know how quick construction starts and stops. Those places go up in 6 - 8 weeks. If a company is managing more than a handful of houses in a high-build area (I assume we're talking about Seacrest here...I haven't seen as much construction going on in Grayton) I don't understand how you can expect them to keep up with it all. If I stand anywhere in Seacrest I hear hammers and power saws from 6 am until 6 pm. And I don't mean a muted, muffled background sound.

[Smiling JOe]

Joe, I love ya man, but you live here...you should know better. You know how quick construction starts and stops. Those places go up in 6 - 8 weeks. If a company is managing more than a handful of houses in a high-build area (I assume we're talking about Seacrest here...I haven't seen as much construction going on in Grayton) I don't understand how you can expect them to keep up with it all. If I stand anywhere in Seacrest I hear hammers and power saws from 6 am until 6 pm. And I don't mean a muted, muffled background sound.

Exactly, that is why I think a general note should be made, not one for construction next door or across the street, but something simple that doesn't scare away people. Perhaps something like, "While growth in South Walton continues, please note that there may be construction in the general vicinity of our rental home. Construction hours are regulated and limited by Walton County."

***********

Underthebluemoon,

I am not sure where the rental home to which you are referring is located. Do you have an address?

[Miss Kitty]

Joe, I love ya man, but you live here...you should know better. You know how quick construction starts and stops. Those places go up in 6 - 8 weeks. If a company is managing more than a handful of houses in a high-build area (I assume we're talking about Seacrest here...I haven't seen as much construction going on in Grayton) I don't understand how you can expect them to keep up with it all. If I stand anywhere in Seacrest I hear hammers and power saws from 6 am until 6 pm. And I don't mean a muted, muffled background sound.

When you say "places go up in 6-8 weeks", do you mean framing?

[SlowMovin]

Exactly, that is why I think a general note should be made, not one for construction next door or across the street, but something simple that doesn't scare away people. Perhaps something like, "While growth in South Walton continues, please note that there may be construction in the general vicinity of our rental home. Construction hours are regulated and limited by Walton County."

You know that's probably a pretty good idea, now that I see what you mean.

When you say "places go up in 6-8 weeks", do you mean framing?

And most of the exterior--roofing, insulation, siding, etc. Interior trim and finish, exterior painting, landscaping, swimming pools, etc. not included. As always, YMMV--this won't always be the case...there are often delays due to weather, funding, too much work, not enough labor, etc. But I have seen some of these "McMansions" in Seacrest and parts of Seagrove go from land-clearing to interior in less than two months.

[Miss Kitty]

You know that's probably a pretty good idea, now that I see what you mean.



And most of the exterior--roofing, insulation, siding, etc. Interior trim and finish, exterior painting, landscaping, swimming pools, etc. not included. As always, YMMV--this won't always be the case...there are often delays due to weather, funding, too much work, not enough labor, etc. But I have seen some of these "McMansions" in Seacrest and parts of Seagrove go from land-clearing to interior in less than two months.

Would you consider this "quality" construction? Seems awfully fast to me.

[Mermaid]

[QUOTE=Smiling JOe

350ft is roughly the distance from Bud & Alley's to Sundog Bookstore in Seaside. FYI - 1 mile = 5,280ft
350ft is not close to a 1/4 mile.
I am not sure where the rental home to which you are referring is located. Do you have an address?[/QUOTE]

Okay, Smiling JOe, laugh all you want at my math skills but I googled this last night before I posted!!!

1760 yards = 1 mile
350 yards = 1/5 mile

I upped the ante to 1/4 mile from the beach because the beach is so wide in Grayton. By the time your toe hits the water, you've gone the full quarter.

But not to worry--you've simply mis-read the listing for Arcadia which says it's 350 yards not feet.

I'm in a pedantic mood today.

[Smiling JOe]

Okay, Smiling JOe, laugh all you want at my math skills but I googled this last night before I posted!!!

1760 yards = 1 mile
350 yards = 1/5 mile

I upped the ante to 1/4 mile from the beach because the beach is so wide in Grayton. By the time your toe hits the water, you've gone the full quarter.

But not to worry--you've simply mis-read the listing for Arcadia which says it's 350 yards not feet.

I'm in a pedantic mood today.

So sorry. My apologies. I misread and thought it was 350 ft, not 350 yards. My whole scenerio and gage for distance is totally wrong and I am going to immediately delete that part of my post to eliminate confusion. Thanks for the correction Mermaid. :oops:

350 yards is equivalent to about one lap around a track (running track).

[bluemtnfriend]

UndertheBlueMoon
If you are going to take Russell to the beach, you will have to have a dog permit from the Walton County Courthouse annex. I got stopped last time with my Jack Russell Minnie Pearl and warned. I'm not sure how much the permit costs, but I will get one my next trip down. There is also something about dogs only allowed on beach a certain times of the day.

Good luck with your search for a rental. We don't board Minnie unless absolutely necessary as she's a runner too. And at 13 years old, she gets so stressed.

[Paula]

There's a pet friendly cottage called Yellow Submarine at the Cottages at Camp Creek, a new community (2003) in Seacrest Beach. You can find Yellow Submarine and see photos at the Rivard website or at this VRBO link: http://www.vrbo.com/19035

They even have one of Kurt's virtual tours.

It's a 3 bedroom in a family-friendly community, about 200 yards from the beach (an easy 5 minute walk). There's a pool/hot tub in the community. We have rentals there (not pet friendly though) and are very happy with the community.

[Jdarg]

I just noticed too that to get a dog permit, the dog owner has to be a Walton County property owner as well.

[Mermaid]

I just noticed too that to get a dog permit, the dog owner has to be a Walton County property owner as well.

I read that in another thread, too. I think it would be a killer to bring your dog on vacation with you, stay at a house or condo on the beach, and then not be allowed to bring your dog to the beach with you! That would be torture.

[Paula]

Yes, I read that, too. And I do see the county trucks out on the beach, usually in the mornings, paroling the area. But there are plenty of places other than the beach to bring the dog and explore.

[Jdarg]

I bet Capture is the best thing that ever happened to pet-friendly rentals! Here's a big shout-out to BR and Mr. BR!!!

[Rita]

I bet Capture is the best thing that ever happened to pet-friendly rentals! Here's a big shout-out to BR and Mr. BR!!!

That's good, jdarg!
All pet-friendly rental owners need to read the "Capture" carpet cleaner threads.

http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.p...apture+cleaner
http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.p...apture+cleaner

[Paula]

Thanks for the info!

Paula -- the Yellow Submarine looks really nice. I'm gonna call to see if it's available. How are beach conditions there? We've driven by Rosemary, but have never gone onto the beaches that way.
Russell won't be going to the beach, so no worries about permitting.

I've been in Yellow Submarine cottage and it's very nice. Three bedroom, 1100 square feet. Nice porch with two Adirondack type chairs and a cafe table with four wicker chairs. Private parking for 2 cars. It's a great community. Small and friendly. The beach is in very good condition. It is quite wide. By the water it is gorgeous -- white sand, emerald water. If you look back toward the dunes, you can see that the dunes took a hit like everywhere else. Some people have rebuilt the dunes and they look fine (Personally, I was fine with the way the dunes looked without being rebuilt). There is one house that is hanging over the edge of the dune -- but it's quite the site to see when you're there - you can see right through the house!

There is a sea wall being built right at our beach access by an owner of gulf front property. I believe our stairs to the beach are in again (they were down for a few weeks). You should ask the owners of Yellow Submarine if the stairs to the beach are back and if our deeded beach access is available. If it is, it's quite close -- about 200 yards. If not, there's a public beach access about 1/4 mile away. I'll be there last week of February so I'll get a first-hand view! The pool is very large, not heated. Hot tub is great.

How many people do you have in your party? How many adults? Kids? I can let you know if I think the cottage will be just the right size (since our cottage is the same size).

Please let the owners of Yellow submarine know that Paula their next door neighbor recommended their cottage to you. Thanks!

[Paula]

Oh, Blue Moon, one thing I should mention is that the community that Yellow Submarine is in is very strict about dogs that aren't on leashes or that get loose because there are usually many children around and people who aren't as fond of dogs (the cottages are close to each other). So, if your dog really does tend to escape, that could be a problem for you and for the owners of the cottage who are renting it to you. I can pretty much guarantee that someone will complain. The bike path is right across the street for walking the dog and the community has a small road around it which is also good for strolling with the dog.

[Mermaid]

Oh, Blue Moon, one thing I should mention is that the community that Yellow Submarine is in is very strict about dogs that aren't on leashes or that get loose because there are usually many children around and people who aren't as fond of dogs (the cottages are close to each other). So, if your dog really does tend to escape, that could be a problem for you and for the owners of the cottage who are renting it to you. I can pretty much guarantee that someone will complain. The bike path is right across the street for walking the dog and the community has a small road around it which is also good for strolling with the dog.

Paula, I almost think I'd be more worried about that dog's incontinence, as noted in the thread Rita linked. As a property owner, I would not want to rent to people with a dog with a weak bladder, no matter how adorable. Sad, but the investment in property is too great to take the risk.

[Paula]

Thanks for raising this, Mermaid (You are always so thoughtful!). I agree. I'm not a pet owner and have never had dogs (well, not since I was 2 years old), so I'm not aware of some of the problems. Our rentals aren't pet friendly so that people with allergies can stay there comfortably and so that we don't have to worry about damage. But, there are many pet-friendly places I've seen on VRBO, so I hope the owners of the properties ask renters if their pets are "good guests" as well. I do know that people who rent to pets often charge more to cover any potential damage as well and they have security deposits if necessary. I figure there's some sort of etiquette among pet owners for taking care of each other's places.

I will say all this talk about dogs on this website have made me a bit interested in perhaps someday having a dog -- a small kind (a catdog) that doesn't cause allergy problems. I'd prefer a cat, but I don't think there are any that don't cause allergies.

[Jdarg]

Underthebluemoon- here's the deal so you know why the red flags were going up everywhere-

You want to bring your dog to the beach. That is great. We would all bring our dogs to the beach if the conditions were right for it. The person renting the house to you is probably not going to get excited when they read your post about Capture. You said yourself that Russell "has a traveling jones and frequently masterminds escapes". I guarantee that won't go over well with the neighbors. Or the neighborhood dogs, and I see several running around every day when I am there. For many years, the same dogs would come "visit" us-they are out there, but they are "locals", so what are ya gonna do?

The posts you disagree with were looking out for fellow property owners, and that is not a bad thing. You had given out enough information to cause some eyebrows to go up. There is a reason why there are not a kazillion pet-friendly rentals.

[Underthebluemoon]

[iwishiwasthere]

UBM, I understand your point. Having a highly neurotic dog (that goes through human contact withdrawals after I have been home for a while), I have the same problem. Most pet owners are responsible, and I watch my dogs more than most people watch their children on vacation. My dogs do not eat on the furniture or in the bedroom. My dogs do not throw their toys and break things. My dogs do not spill cherry or grape drink all over the place. They are bathed weekly and have no problemd with parasites. Yes they do pooh, but I clean up after them with tissue and a ziploc bag.

When I leave Maggie home, I get a housesitter. Staying boarded just causes her to chew and create long term problems. Keep looking and you will find a great place. VRBO seems to have some good choices. Enjoy your taking your four-legged family with you!

[Smiling JOe]

Underthebluemoon, I feel your pain. Most dog owners that love their dog enough to take them on a vacation probably have well behaved dogs. I can understand why some people would not want to allow pets in their rental homes. I happen to think that most dogs can be cleaner than many people. Afterall, they don't require a housekeeper to clean the bathroom and kitchen. Dog hair trapped in carpet would be a problem with my dogs. It stays in place very well. That is why I would not have carpet in a rental home I owned, and I would allow dogs. That does not get around the allergy issue, but I think there are few enough rentals down here, that one could rent to dog lovers only so that people know what they are getting.

I wish I had a long list of pet friendly rentals in the area, but I do not think there are that many. I would love to create a list to give to people, but so far, I have seen only a couple posted on this board. Have you tried googling pet friendly rentals and see what comes up?

[Jdarg]

And I'm not saying I don't feel her pain. I love my dogs, and working out their care while I am gone is the #1 priority, invovles a lot of work and money. This was a little bit different- many of us felt that she may have been asking a bit much considering the info she shared about her pet. The people on this board love to help people find places to stay, and I would say 98% have dogs. We started out by offering alternatives to bringing Russell to the beach- had she exhausted all the possibilites? That didn't go well either.


Last night around 11:30-ish, posts # 31 and #32 were actually posts by underthebluemoon- posts that were deleted by her at about 11:30. My last post was in response to these 2 last posts. Of course, my post made more sense when read after her 2, but

[Miss Kitty]

This thread has gone to the dogs.

[Paula]

Blue Moon: I think it's very hard for people to understand each other through these message boards because it's hard to read people's faces, ask questions quickly, get a sense of who the people are (for example, people would know what kind of pet owner you are if they knew you, but it's hard to tell on a message board). I personally am naive about dogs other than I like dogs whose owners manage them well and I don't like dogs whose owners don't manage them well. And that's why a message board is difficult for these types of recommendations (and other discussions as well sometimes).

I've seen people in rentals who have the most fantastic pets and who seem to be taking care of the property very well and others who make me ecstatic that I don't rent our property to pets. And, as I said, there's no way of knowing how you personally manage your dog (just like I can say I have kids, but people have no way of knowing how I manage my kids unless they know me or the kids). I think the "dog" threads can get a lot of diverse opinions because people have seen well-managed dogs and poorly managed dogs in the area.

By the way, go on VRBO and look at beach communities in this area (Seacrest, Seagrove, Grayton, and all the others) and they have a little "paw print" by the name of the rentals that are dog friendly.

Anyway, I hope you don't stop posting because you certainly asked your questions and made your comments with good-will and that's always of benefit to an online community!

[Underthebluemoon]

[Underthebluemoon]

[Underthebluemoon]

[Miss Kitty]

[QUOTE=Underthebluemoon][QUOTE=jdarg] We started out by offering alternatives to bringing Russell to the beach- had she exhausted all the possibilites? That didn't go well either.


I didn't ask for alternatives to bringing my dog to the beach, I asked for advice on where to stay.

"many of us felt that she may have been asking a bit much considering the info she shared about her pet."

How "many" of you are there???? I know that I don't have 4 bazillion posts on here, but why try to make me feel like the outsider?

under....please calm down for a minute. You may have taken offense when none was intended. No one here is an "outsider". This is a public board and all are welcome. I think you will agree that people here are very kind and helpful. I am not sure where this went wrong for you. I know you love your pet and I will tell you that I pass up all sorts of trips because I don't want to board my Molly. That's the price I pay for being a "worrywart" over my dog. For the record, I rent through WaterColor and I would not be able to allow pets because of my contract with them. I am not sure if others have the ability to allow dogs with their rental management. But, it is clear you have found some places that welcome dogs. BTW...no one loves dogs more than jdarg!!!

[Paula]

Blue Moon:

You have a point with kids. It's a problem when people who have dogs and don't pick up dog poop. It's also a problem when people let babies who aren't toilet trained in pools and do not put leakproof diapers on their babies. If a baby poops in a pool you have to close the pool for 24 or 48 hours which affects everybody. Whenever I worry about dogs, I hear the response about kids and I think it's a fair response. I had one guest who said in our cottage guest book, "Great news, our son was finally toilet trained while at your cottage!" Hmmm. And we still love renting to families and think that's cute.

I think it's the responsibility of owners of rental properties to let their guests know what is expected of them as pet owners/parents. Most people will live up to those expectations. This thread is reminding me to put up a note in the cottage reminding parents to put leakproof diapers/pants on non-toilet trained kids when they're at the pool.

So, let me say (since we can't read each other's faces or respond quickly to assumptions) that you sound like a great pet owner. And if I had a pet, I'd defend my pet as much as you defend your pet. Though I haven't had a dog and never wanted a dog, all this talk on these threads about how much people love their dogs is really tempting me to get a dog in a few years (a really small non-allergenic one)...

[iwishiwasthere]

Paula..I have just the breed for you! My children had serious allergies, and I had never considered an indoor pet. In a moment of weakness, I gave in and took a Bichon that a lady did not want....she said the dog did not bark enough. What a gift Maggie has been She came house broken and command trained. Doesn't shed but rather grooming is pricey if you want them to look good.

When and if you are ready, it is a good breed to consider....highly intelligent but very perky. Our second one does not have emotional issues, but I do believe she is ADD....cannot focus well....but still just precious.

[Paula]

Thanks. Several people have recommended the Bichon to me. So, perhaps I'll start thinking about that and figure out how a puppy/dog would fit in our lives. We do travel quite a lot because we have family we visit in California, Maine, Florida and Massachusetts -- and we like coming to FL, too, and I don't think we'd pay to bring the dog on all those flights. If I could figure out the travel, it would make the decision much easier. I was thinking about a year or two down the road, when the kids are still at home but old enough to help out with the dog and grow to love the dog. They'd be absolutely thrilled.

[iwishiwasthere]

Good points to think about when traveling. Most of our travels are by car, and the girls are very good riders. Pets are like children, they need to be wanted,not just a whim. And they do require quite a commitment. You will chose the right pet when you are ready..just let us know about it.

[Paula]

Yes, I'll definitely take my time on this decision (I'd guess about 2 years and maybe won't do it at all). But now I at least pay attention to people with little dogs and watch them as they walk them and play with them. Frankly, though, if there was a non-allergenic cat, I'd go for one of those right now -- we grew up with cats so I'm familiar with them as a pet.

[dbuck]

Dogs are definitely a commitment. We always had a dog when I was growing up, but it was an outside dog, and frankly I didn't pay much attention to it. So when my son wanted a dog, and I finally gave in to get one, everyone said get an inside dog so he will become part of the family. A dog in the house, but I forged ahead. Long story short, I love, love him. He truly is part of the family. Only one problem, he is a Boston Terrier, and they are so HYPER, he should be in a family with 4-6 boys.

[Beach Runner]

We like coming to FL, too, and I don't think we'd pay to bring the dog on all those flights. If I could figure out the travel, it would make the decision much easier.

My brother works for Delta. He says to avoid flying your dog unless there's absolutely no other alternative. When my sister moved from ATL to Dallas with her 3 dogs, he stayed with the dogs on the ramp until they closed up the baggage compartment. Then he had someone meet the dogs at DFW as soon as they opened the baggage compartment.

My sister still has 3 dogs and takes a private plane from Dallas to Ft. Walton so she can fly the dogs to the beach and not have to put them in the baggage compartment. Obviously, most people can't afford that alternative.

[Mermaid]

My brother works for Delta. He says to avoid flying your dog unless there's absolutely no other alternative. When my sister moved from ATL to Dallas with her 3 dogs, he stayed with the dogs on the ramp until they closed up the baggage compartment. Then he had someone meet the dogs at DFW as soon as they opened the baggage compartment.

My sister still has 3 dogs and takes a private plane from Dallas to Ft. Walton so she can fly the dogs to the beach and not have to put them in the baggage compartment. Obviously, most people can't afford that alternative.

You can avoid difficulties like the one you're mentioning by owning a dog small enough to fly up front with you. My friends have a second home in Tortola and they bring their King Charles spaniel with them all the time--and this is a trip involving 3 airplane rides. There is no way on earth that their fur baby has ever ridden baggage! Although she, like them, does ride commercial.

[Unplugged]

Point taken. But I have explained my situation with my dog. I'm not an irresponsible pet owner. I would NOT let my dog pee all over someone else's home. So to discuss me as though I'm not here, mentioning "that dog" and bringing my past post into it as tho i were trying to pull one over on some unsuspecting owner, that's just plain rude. Just ask me. Don't write about me like I'm not here reading and posting on the thread that I started.

Honestly, I don't know why I bothered. I simply came for some advice. Forget I asked. I'll find my own rental.

Underthebluemoon: you're right, things got a bit impersonal and off-track, as I've seen happen so often. I received the same treatment in an earlier thread a while back.

Back to the original question... I have PM'd you with some options.

Please accept my apologies for the tone in some of these posts. SJ has just summarized quite nicely (in post #34) mine - and I suspect those feelings of many others, who enjoy traveling with their pets. As Paula also stated, there is a unique etiquette among traveling pet owners and those who rent to them. You asked a simple question, and some proceeded to explain why you should instead, board your pet, which was not what you had originally asked.

Our experience as owners of pet-friendly rentals has been wonderful. I would even go so far as to say that our properties are in better condition than many other properties I've seen that are not pet-friendly. Maintenance issues have been non-existent for the most part, and certainly LESS then those times when small children are part of the equation. We love chidren too - and accept normal wear and tear as the cost of doing business.

I consider it a high compliment when pet owners rent with us. Those who travel with their pets and care enough to search out the very best accomodations possible so they can share the vacation with the 'entire' family are very special people indeed. These individuals have ALWAYS treated our properties with the utmost care - and certainly respect the beach ordinances that we communicate to them.

Mermaid: thanks for the mention in your earlier post. Underthebluemoon: best of luck to you!