Local News

The dog days of summer, the day after Labor Day

As restrictions lift on Cape beaches, the dogs take over.

Roxie emerges from the ocean with her ball at West Dennis Beach, the day after Labor Day. Beth Treffeisen

September 3, 2024

2 minutes to read

Most Cape town beaches have strict restrictions: Dogs are prohibited from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

So, when the sun is shining and the weather is still warm, locals flock to the beaches to let their dogs enjoy the last summer rays as soon as the rules lift on the Tuesday following the holiday.

For many, it’s an annual countdown until they can bring their dog to the beach.

So, Boston.com went out to capture the moment at West Dennis Beach on Tuesday afternoon.

Jax poses for a photo on West Dennis Beach with his owner, Sherry Barr, of Yarmouth Port.

“This is a big day,” said Caryn Reardon of East Dennis, who brought her daughter’s dog Bromley to smell the salt air on Tuesday.

During the summer, she would bring Bromley to sit in the car, but today, he got to get out and stretch his legs.

Bromley poses for a photo on West Dennis Beach. *– Beth Treffeisen*

“She’s finally able to smell the seaweed,” said Mary Keefe of West Dennis, the owner of Sophie, on her walk along West Dennis Beach.

Mary Keefe of West Dennis walks her dog Sophie along West Dennis Beach. *– Beth Treffeisen*

Carly Giacchetti and Connell MacClean, who were visiting from Boston for the weekend, were glad to get their pup on the ocean.

“We were super excited,” said Giacchetti when they learned they could bring their dog Rudy to the beach.

Carly Giacchetti and Connell MacClean with their dog Rudy. – Beth Treffeisen

For Karen and Paul Healy of Dennis, their dog Roxie couldn’t get enough of the water.

“We don’t know who loves the beach more,” questioned Karen Healy as she tossed the ball for her dog to catch.

Stormy was having a blast. Covered in sand and enjoying his Kong beside his parents, Dawna and Nick Oliva, of Dennis Port, he was happy to finally set foot on the beach for the first time this summer.

“We were counting down the days,” Dawna Oliva said. “He loves the beach.”

Scroll down for more photos of dogs at the beach.