. . . is that dogs are allowed on the beach.  Every morning, my wife gets up, decides which of her many running outfits to put on, fools with her hair a few minutes, applies a bit of mascara and lipstick and she and the dog are out the door.  They're off for the beach.  They run a mile and then walk back, frolicking in the water, collecting sea shells.  I join them when I can, but this is a daily ritual for them.  Because this is a dog friendly island, life is enhanced for all of us. I'm one of those people who believes that life is a better place and people live longer with four legged friends around.  Mimi a big dog, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, but she has short hair, which makes life more comfortable in summer for her.

Small dogs, of course, don't have as much trouble finding shade.

For Vacationers:  Of the big resorts, the Casa Playa is pet friendly.  The Lighthouse accepts small pets only. As for motels and inns, there are the Surf and Us, Wild Wave, the Gulf Motel, the Periwinkle Motel and also the Anchor Inn, which are cottages. There are many priviate houes and cottages for rent that also welcome pets.

The current housing market has not left our beautiful Island untouched. Values and Prices have come down. However, I have been receivinmg more calls and emails than ever before, as this may be the best time to actually purchase a home on a Beach Island.  Whether we're talking charming beach cottage or beach front home.  Fort Myers Beach is an unusual Island, seven miles long with seven miles of white sand, but with such easy access to the mainland, unlike The Keys and other island communities.  And, of course, there is the dog friendly environment.

The Author and his dog, Mimi