Ok, so I'm not original! :) When I found the post for the West Coast Lab lovers and their idea to get together when its warmer (and no white stuff on the ground), I'll admit, I was jealous. I wasn't going to do anything until GusJack PM'd me and thought it would be a good idea for us East Coaster's.

So, if there are any that would like to get together when its warmer, sunnier and temps get above 60 (we are in some horrible weather lately, -5 to 7 YUCK!) please let me know your thoughts, ideas, etc... I'm not sure how many of us there are and where we are all located, but I know there is a place in RI that hosts AKC shows, local Kennel Club shows etc.... and they let the dogs/owners come and stay etc...

You can pm here, or at my email address: katmatt1@blacklabrador.com

By the warmer weather, we'll have our new yellow baby (we get her on the 24th).

Look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks.

I'm going to reply to this to get it up front again. I've noticed that there are a few more East Coaster's that have recently joined the board.

If anyone is interested, please drop me a line.

I know a few people PMed me to discuss and I am sorry, I am not so great at keeping up with those messages, but Tucker and I would love to participate!

Pepper and I would love to meet other Lab people !

You can all come to NH - from the look of the map, I'm all alone here :-)

I wonder if we could meet half way someplace?

Spring is coming and that means nice weather. SO, thank you everyone who has replied so far. There are a lot more East Coaster's now (and New Englander's). Here's your chance to join in on a get-together (humans and furbabies alike). We need a place that would be "lab-friendly" and anyone with ideas/suggestions, please send me a PM. For those of you have already told me you would be interested, no problem - I've still got your names.

I'd like to have replies within the next couple of weeks so we can start really planning this.

Thanks for your interest and look forward to meeting everyone!

I'm game! Let me know the time and place...we'll be there.

Have fun! Our West-Coast get together is set for June. We will share our pictures if you post yours.;)

You know that I am game...can't wait...if only this weather up here would cooperate huh!

HunterBoozer for a minute there I was like "no way she's getting another pup" till I realized it was an older post! duh!

I'm in upstate NY, but depending on the location would love to bring the boys to meet everyone!

Originally posted by justloafing
I wonder if we could meet half way someplace?


Yes, I agree about meeting somewhere halfway. Please don't leave us southerners out. :(

Just tell us the date,time and place. If we're available, and I'm sure we're gonna try our best to be, we will be there. It will be great to meet everyone and their :angel:s

I had to hide this post from Roscoe. Last night me and the bw were talking about it and he started packing and asking if he should bring flip flops and sunglasses.............. :D

Flops and shades are the order of the day
No need to wait for warm days....It was 80 today in sunny Naples!
By the way...We found a Lab friendly resort in the keys right on Florida Bay and they encourage you to take the "kids"...anyone want more info ...let me know.

I will come if its not too far, I live off of I-81 in central-western Virginia. Did anyone say D.C. or Balitmore? :D

My puppy doesn't come home for 28 days though, and I have school til May 11.

Peace,
Craig

Baltimore sounds wonderful ! :)

My Ex- husband runs a hotel in Northern VA, I could ask him and see if he allows dogs and if he could offer discounts.

Me too! Me too!

I am still in Florida until the beginning of May and then start heading back to Maryland. I haven't been on too much since being down here, but I will keep checking to see if anything is set up.

Katie and I would love to meet everyone.

I am in NJ, but I would be happy to travel to Maryland! Tucker loves road trips!!

Baltimore is a hop skip and a jump away from me! As long as it's not planned during our vacation and/or I'm not working - I'll be there!! That is, if y'all can tolerate my wild woman Olive. ;) :D

Baltimore sounds great. It is about mid way. It is about 6 hrs from me.

So whose the planner ?
Are we gonna do a day thing or a weekend thing ?

There is a dog park in Annapolis that has a dog beach, and a regular area. ( It's always really crowded though)

I'll see what I can find for dog friendly things in the Baltimore vicinity.

We would love to get together - we are NJ-ites. Depends on location though. CC still gets car sick!!!!!!!!!!!! We are taking her for rides a few times a week. 3 days - so far so good.

Oooh, me too, me too! :p:

I'm in NC, but I'd go to Baltimore... my in-laws live there anyway, so I bet we could work it out. :)

I am in South Jersey (about 2 hrs or less from Baltimore) so that works well for me... pending the date, count me in.

I will also try to attend if possible. It depends on the dates etc.. I will do some looking around myself.

Here's a site to look for a place.
Some of the parks have water access.
http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/uscities/guides/us/cities/usonlinecityMDBaltimore.shtml

Sounds like fun...Delaware here...short drive

Okay so what day/weekend is good for everyone ?


If anyone is into camping I know a pretty nice park. They allow dogs in all the areas of the park, and it's on the Susquehanna river. It's Susquehanna State park.

There is also Patapsco State Park, But if you camp there you have to stay on the pet loop and it's not as nice as the rest of the loops. It is also pet friendly, and on a river, although it is more populated.

We could arrange a picnic at one of those parks, and Everyone could bring something. I know some of you are traveling and wouldn't be able to bring anything homemade or anything. But there are KFC's/ grocery stores/ delis.

I would be happy to bring coolers and ice, since I live pretty close and you all wouldn't want to have to lug the big stuff with ya.


Just an idea.

We would love it - but Maryland is quite a hike for us. Also Sierra still so so on the car sickness. Lucky she makes it to vet and back (30 mins)./

Keep me posted though.

Vikki, Thanks for the offer. That sounds great to me. I bet it is like 6 or so hours away if you could say the biggest town it is near I will look up hotels and motels to see what is dog friendly. Sounds like a plan.

Originally posted by Hitch
We would love it - but Maryland is quite a hike for us. Also Sierra still so so on the car sickness. Lucky she makes it to vet and back (30 mins)./

Keep me posted though.

We can plan something closer up this way...the East Coast New England thread kind of got the ball rolling for a meeting but for some of us up North we'll have to plan a different get together.

I didn't expect such a turn out. I'd have to do something more Northern East Coast. Maryland is a hike for me (approx. 10+ hours). Besides, I'm a chicken and I don't drive over bridges :confused: .

I agree with GusJack - I think we should do a split on the East Coast - (sorry for the example, but North & South).

I will check into pet friendly in the CT, RI, MA, NH, VT, ME area's.

Wow Brandie & Sierra look a lot alike.

We're right outside Boston.

I'll keep an eye on this thread - depends on date & place.

Camping!? Did someone say CAMPING!? I love camping! Olive's never been camping before so it could be a fun trip for us! Still, though, it depends on the date for us. I have no idea what my new work schedule is going to be like. I was told to expect extra hours in the summer due to "kitten season". :rolleyes: I'm glad for my new job but I'm not used to this "working on weekends" thing.

I love camping, too!! My boys have never been camping either.
The chance to meet some of the east coast members would be great!

We like to camp too. Oh my can you see us all at a campsite and we never get any sleep cause the dogs are too busy playing and checking out the smells...

Well, the only state in the Northeast that appears to be the most pet-friendliest is MA. The Cape has tons of places to go that are pet friendly. I tried to find campsites/grounds that were pet friendly, but no luck so far.

I DID find this awesome book on line that I'm going to try and pick up locally (see if its cheaper) - DogFriendly.com - web address: http://store.yahoo.com/dogfriendlycom-store/dounstandcad1.html

Anyone have any suggestions for dates etc???

Kathy,
Well, I haven't been up to the Cape much but I'm sure we could figure something out. Any holiday weekend is probably out due to the price they'd charge us. I'm pretty much open at this point.

Kris

We're packed, hooked up and ready to go
when ever you say!! Don't know if I'd want the
2 furbabes in my new trailer though??????
They've never been camping = they camp at the Deluxe
Kennel resort when we go away.
Most campgrounds say you have to tie your dog to a tree, etc.
And I refuse - they've never been tied all day to a tree!

soooo, When are we going?? I'd love to meet East Coast
labra-nuts!:floor:

SMITTY

http://www.shutterfly.com/jsp/proceserv.jsp?rostate=67b0de2196ae3795f4cd&co=-1&js=1083787310050&rx=304&ry=304&ps=1

Do you know of any local campgrounds within reasonable driving distance for all of us that will accept a "few" families and dogs? I've been trying to find something and the only places I've seen so far are on the Cape. That's a bit of a trek with multiple dogs, and people who have to travel from further points than RI/MA. Besides, we probably wouldn't even get good rates until after Labor day. It seems like most other parts of the country are willing to have a bunch of people and dogs get together. I feel bad because I started this thread and now I can't find a place for us all to meet. Maybe we should invade one of the casino's???

Anyone with thoughts/ideas/suggestions??????????

No suggestions - new to this dog thing! LOL. We are interested here in NJ. CC is doing well with the car sickness - it's been a few weeks and she is up to 1 1/2 hr in car - starting stopping, etc. Have to try non stop 1 hr and see how she does.

Hitch, we are just waiting on you. HEHEHEHEHEH:D

My wife has been bugging me to go here Normandy Farms (http://www.normandyfarms.com/) there located in Foxboro Ma. for a weekend stay. I'm not sure how the rates compare since I haven't been camping in awhile and the last time I went we camped with tents etc... She wants to go in her Parents new motor home and Ruff it with the microwave, tv, ac, etc.... I know the peaks times are just about booked solid. And they are pet friendly

Wow, NHLabaholic! That place looks very nice. I clicked on their "rates" button and it didn't look bad (although I haven't been camping in quite some time!).

Other NE'er's, what do you think?

We're in Connecticut, and would love to meet! Our town has a nice dog park, and we stay at a dog-friendly cottage community every August in Cape Cod, too.

I read through all the posts quickly, but has a date/time/place emerged yet?

By the way... Hitch: our greyhound was carsick *every ride* for the first year of his life and then grew out of it. We got a herbal spray from our vet that settled his tummy, and we also let him ride in the back seat (vs. the back of the station wagon). That seemed to help, too. And the big helper I think was making a point of driving him to pleasant destinations (dog park, beach, etc.). Now he makes it on our 2x year 8-9 hr car rides without so much as a burp.

Zen - thanks for sharing that!!!!!!!!! Hope that's our case. We go to the shore some weekends and prefer she come with us as opposed to staying home. Hope she can make it - we'll see. I'll check out that spray!

Car rides are too disgusting with my two! Especially Sadie:
she "foams & druels" have to put her on Motion Sickness pills
for any distance!

Normandy Farms is gorgeous. We've been there many times.

But what about East coaster's who don't camp?????

SMITTY
http://im1per.shutterfly.com/procserv?si=00006262429820040428173708551.JPG&cb=16318205&ph=65277&cr=0.068215966,0.14830784,0.93178403,0.8516921&r=0&sc=1&sar=1.2804641723632812&p=1&pa=0.5&b=363&bw=0.2&po=0&sa=0&ps=1&g=2.2&rx=304&ry=304

Okay SO no one has mentioned the MD meeting lately, The best park I can think of around here is Susqhehanna State Park, it's near Harve De Grace / Aberdeen, MD.

There are dog friendly hotels for those who don't like or want to camp.
http://www.pets-allowed-hotels.com/us/Maryland/ABERDEEN/index.html

This is the link for Susq. State park. This is such an easy place to get to also, it is right off 95.


http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/susquehanna.html
Or this is Elk Neck State Park, this park also allows pets and is much larger, it's where the Chesapeake Bay Begins, so it's a pretty interesting park. Dogs are allowed everywhere, except on the beach ( which kinda sucks)

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/elkneck.html

I think as far as dates, maybe we should wait till the Cicadas have left the area, so that would be late June.

So whens a good weekend for everyone ?

That campground that NHlab posted is awesome - it has cabins, which I'm sure must fill up early - but that is where *I* would want to stay. I haven't tented in years...

Why don't we just pick a date in August and try to get reservations somewhere ... the longer we wait the harder it will be.

Suzette

Peppers mom,
I beleive the concensus was to split the East coast into 2 meetings, north and south.


Thats is a nice campsite though, but incase ya didn't notice , no pets are allowed in the rental cabins or trailers. I believe most places like that that have rental cabins, don't allow pets in thier rentals.

Yes, I think we need to make a North/South thing of it due to the amount of distance between us all.


For the Northener's:

I like the idea of August/September myself. Brandie is tentatively scheduled to be spayed at the end of May and I want to make sure she's healed well enough to play with the other "kids". You are right about Normandy Farms - no pets allowed in the rentals. Too bad - it did look nice. We'll have to keep looking!

If the concensus is to split the East coast into 2 meetings, north and south, then where is the split?

It seems there's not too much interest down my way. :(

OOPS Vikki ... I didn't see that. I just saw CABIN and I thought ... I could do that !
I COULD do a real camping trip I suppose ... I had my hip replaced a year ago, so it's not as easy to get UP and DOWN as it used to be ... but for my Pepper ... I'd do it. She sure LOVES to play with other "kids" !!!

Hey Hunter, there's a bunch of campsites in CT along the shoreline that allows dogs. I know Hammonassett is one of them.
Here's a link:

http://dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/parks/hammonasset.htm

It says on the site that pets aren't allowed, but there's always been dogs staying in the campground area. I'll see if I can find out more information for you.

Here's a link to the East Lyme area, which is closer to RI:
http://dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/parks/rockyneck.htm

That is great...plus it is near me:D

Hey Mickey'sMommy I don't know if we "talked" or not..where abouts are you. I live in Uncasville...and work in NL

CT sounds good to us - when are you guys doing this?

I do not think we came up with a date...we were looking for a dog friendly location.

Originally posted by NHLabaholic
My wife has been bugging me to go here Normandy Farms (http://www.normandyfarms.com/) there located in Foxboro Ma. for a weekend stay. I'm not sure how the rates compare since I haven't been camping in awhile and the last time I went we camped with tents etc... She wants to go in her Parents new motor home and Ruff it with the microwave, tv, ac, etc.... I know the peaks times are just about booked solid. And they are pet friendly


Friends of ours go there every year and rave about it. We took Jackson camping waaaaaaay up in Vermont last year. I'm not sure of other places to go that are more centrally located, but I will ask around.

Connecticut sounds great to me. Have to confess I dread the thought of driving long distance in the summer around here.

It's the Traffic of Doom on all the highways with I-95 busted.

I'm going to keep an eye out on this site - Dave and I are going back to Maine at the end of July for 2 weeks. I would love to see some of you and your pups!

End of July-October is good for me. Brandie is getting spayed the 27th of May (not sure how long it takes to heal, I've never had a female pup). I'm going on vacation for 10 days in July. We are open to pretty much anytime. What would be some good dates for everyone? I can put a spreadsheet together to see where the majority falls and go from there.

As long as it is a weekend, I'm sure we will be fine with a date. I know 9/11 I have a baby shower and 9/28 is my bday.....other than that I'm pretty flexible. I do have to get the girls in to be spayed before the trip though :D

Originally posted by GusJack
Hey Mickey'sMommy I don't know if we "talked" or not..where abouts are you. I live in Uncasville...and work in NL

GusJack, sorry for the late reply, we were away for a while. We're in Clinton, which isn't too far from NL. We go to Hammonasset quite a lot, but we haven't gone further up to that one near NL yet.

Fall would be great for the meetup here, mainly because you can let your doggies go nuts on the beaches, parks and campgrounds then.

Originally posted by Mickey'sMommy
GusJack, sorry for the late reply, we were away for a while. We're in Clinton, which isn't too far from NL. We go to Hammonasset quite a lot, but we haven't gone further up to that one near NL yet.

Fall would be great for the meetup here, mainly because you can let your doggies go nuts on the beaches, parks and campgrounds then.

We will have to plan on meeting at Hammonasset in the fall. We have yet to take our gang there yet to swim. We usually go to Bluff Point, but since the girls are just 7 mos we stick to less populated areas until they get used to the walks and the water.

My angel is still very new to this world, 8 weeks on Saturday May 22nd, but in a couple of months I would love to meet all of you and your babies. I live on the east coast, specifically Long Island, NY. Looking foward to all our play dates. Baby boy Cassie and new mommy Pamela

Hi Pam,
Congratulations on your new addition. Hopefully, us NE coasters can come up with a date to meet up.

Originally posted by GusJack
We will have to plan on meeting at Hammonasset in the fall. We have yet to take our gang there yet to swim. We usually go to Bluff Point, but since the girls are just 7 mos we stick to less populated areas until they get used to the walks and the water.

Bluff Point you say? I have to check that out. Have you brought the kids to Chatfield Hollow? They have a doggie-swim area (only doggies) and Mickey loved it. He and his best friend Stitches had the beach to themselves! I forgot the camera, otherwise I'd have some shots.

Here's a look at Mickey at Hammonasset anyway. It'll be so great if we could get together there this fall, the furbabies will have a hoot!

Here's another: I'll get some shots of the area today and post them for everyone to check out.

Another...

Originally posted by Mickey'sMommy
Bluff Point you say? I have to check that out. Have you brought the kids to Chatfield Hollow? They have a doggie-swim area (only doggies) and Mickey loved it. He and his best friend Stitches had the beach to themselves! I forgot the camera, otherwise I'd have some shots.

Here's a look at Mickey at Hammonasset anyway. It'll be so great if we could get together there this fall, the furbabies will have a hoot!

Bluff Point in in Groton and is used for hikers, bikers, horse riders, dog walkers, fisherman, etc. It is about 3 1/2 miles around if you walk the entire island. We usually walk the main path to the beach and then walk up the beach for privacy with the dogs. I will have to search for Chatfield Hollow and yes we would love to met up. I can't remember how old Mickey is?

It sounds lovely! We're always looking for new adventures.

Mickey is seven months old and he's had all his major shots, but I'm still debating the safety of the Lyme shot. (if it was so safe, they'd be recommending it to all of us) vcI'm switching over his food from Innova to Sensible Choice at the moment, so he's got a bit of upset tummy. (the Innova wasn't sitting well with him, and his coat and skin were suffering) So we might have to wait a week or so for his tummy to settle down before we can meet up.

I have read a lot here about food not agreeing with their furbies tummy's, but can anyone tell me how you know when a food is not agreeing with you pups tummy?

Is this a silly question? Is it as simple as they throw it up or something else you should look for. My baby boy Cassie is coming home tomorrow (8 weeks old) and we have chosen our food. (wellness puppy mixed with some raw) and I want to make sure I know to figure out if it is not agreeing with him. Thanks Pamela :)

Mickey gets tremendous gas, diarrea, and generally acts like his tummy hurts when a food isn't agreeing with him. I can always tell when he's hurting now, even when he doesn't gas me out!

Originally posted by Mickey'sMommy
It sounds lovely! We're always looking for new adventures.

Mickey is seven months old and he's had all his major shots, but I'm still debating the safety of the Lyme shot. (if it was so safe, they'd be recommending it to all of us) vcI'm switching over his food from Innova to Sensible Choice at the moment, so he's got a bit of upset tummy. (the Innova wasn't sitting well with him, and his coat and skin were suffering) So we might have to wait a week or so for his tummy to settle down before we can meet up.

We do NOT do the lyme shot at all. When I adopted Gusty from the breeder, she gave me the scientific reasons (she has two science degrees) and why would I give a 7 yr old lab the shot when she has never had it. Jack did get lyme last year, when he was getting the diagnosis for his cancer, and we treated it with a 10 day doxycycline treatment and he has been fine. I would say stay away from it. Maybe we an arrange a meet up since the girls are 7 months old (born 10/21/03)..they'd probably have a ball.

Oh, man, I'm not giving it then. I was really suspect of the whole thing anyway, especially since he's using Frontline. He's actually only had exposure to ticks when he's gone into the city to see his cousin.

A meet-up would be awesome! I think they'd have a blast, he absolutely adores other labs, and two pals at once will blow his doors off! Let me know where and when would be convenient for you...

Originally posted by Mickey'sMommy

A meet-up would be awesome! I think they'd have a blast, he absolutely adores other labs, and two pals at once will blow his doors off! Let me know where and when would be convenient for you...

I would say starting June 12 we are free...I'd love to meet at Hammonassett since we haven't been there. The girls have not had much exposure to water yet...maybe a later in the afternoon meet up so we all won't be fried by the sun!

That sounds great, just let me know which day in June (if not the 12th) that's good for you!

What every happened with this!?

Did you all meet yet?

If not, where and when? I'd like to consider it!

We haven't set a date yet. Are you interested in meeting at Hammonasset?

I could do Hammonasset!

Are we thinking end of summer, or closer to now?

GusJack, sorry for the late reply, we were away for a while. We're in Clinton, which isn't too far from NL. We go to Hammonasset quite a lot, but we haven't gone further up to that one near NL yet.


GusJack & Mickey'sMom:
We will be camping at Riverdale Farm (111 Rver Road) in Clinton beginning Friday June 18 through Sunday, June 20th with friends
who have a seasonal there (they live in Stratford).

Sorry, we won't have furbabies with us BUT OH I'd love to
meet up with you "guys"!

SMITTY

We could probably also meet here as well. I just mapped it out and its just about 82 miles from my house to the beach (in Hammonasset). We've never been there, and its close enough where we could even make it a day trip!

If we try and meet the weekend Smitty is camping nearby, I'll have to see if my husband can have someone cover for him at work (he has to work every other Sat).

It sounds like fun!

Oh this would be great! If we could meet somewhere outside of the park, we could pile into my car and everyone would get in on my pass. The furbabies will have a ball, and the future parents of furbabies would get to enjoy the fun!

So, a tentative date is between the 18th and 20th...?

Ok I'm marking my calendar for that weekend.

Mia and I would need to make a day trip out of it. I mapped it and it says an hour and forty-five minutes from our house.

So let us know the date, time, and location, we'll gladly be there!
This will be a first for me, since we just got Mia three days ago, and I think you will all have to teach me some of your tricks :)

Looking forward to it!

Darn it, I can't make it!!! That is Father's Day weekend and I'm traveling - alone - to Philadelphia to surprise my dad.

Mickey's Mom, do you still want to try a get together this weekend? We took Riley to the river on Sunday and she had a blast with her bumper, so I know she'll have fun.

I don't think that weekend is set in stone per se.

We can always plan for something that isn't Father's Day Weekend. Especially because that place will be packed with families taking their dads out...

What do you all think?

I agree with the fact that it might be busy. I am pretty free the rest of the month!

Would anyone be opposed to planning something in mid-July perhaps?

That way we have more time to get everything settled and everyone's significant others/friends/kids/etc. of people in our lives can be a part of this if they would like?

I can go in June, but I was thinking maybe July 17 or 18, or July 24 or 25. Both are Saturday and Sunday.

That would actually be better for us too (the following weekend), as my husband doesn't have to work that one (he is scheduled to work Father's Day weekend). That will also give Brandie another couple of weeks to heal. So, if people would like to look at the weekend of the 25/26/27 etc.. it sounds good to me!

Those dates work for me as well, July 11th is the only day I have plans.
Oh and the last week in June (26/27) isn't good...forgot it is my goddaughters Christening...be bad if I wasn't there :D

Originally posted by HunterBoozer
That would actually be better for us too (the following weekend), as my husband doesn't have to work that one (he is scheduled to work Father's Day weekend). That will also give Brandie another couple of weeks to heal. So, if people would like to look at the weekend of the 25/26/27 etc.. it sounds good to me!

We posted at the same time..sorry! Hey we can plan two get togethers so every one can make one of them!

Originally posted by SarahandMark

but I was thinking maybe July 17 or 18, or July 24 or 25. Both are Saturday and Sunday.

Unfortunately, I won't be around then. I'm going on vacation the 11th and won't be back until the night of the 22nd. My mom, 4 cousins and I are going to Italy to the town were their parent's/grandparents came from. Its going to be a LONG 2 weeks without my furkids (oh, yeah, and my husband!! - he always teases me that I love the kids more than him!! :brow: )

I LOVE ITALY! One of the best vacations I have ever been on.
That is a long time to go without the pups, and your husband. But you'll love it! What part of Italy?

Ok, so why don't we aim to do one get together Sunday, June 27th and the other Saturday, July 17th?

That give people two separate weekends to try to make arrangements, plus one is a Sunday and one is a Saturday, which also gives people a choice of best days for them?

Great choices!

We are doing the typical touristy thing (1/2 of the people going have been before, but for some of us, its all new). We are doing Rome, Venice, Pompei, etc.. but the little town is called Petterano sul Gizio. Its at the base of the Abruzzi National Forest. We've got a lot of info from my great-grandparents (marriage license, passports etc...) and my grandmother is still alive (just turned 96), so we've been able to ask lots of questions about where the family came from. Then a cousin tracked down a tour group (that will be taking us to the town) and they also do research on your ancestors for you. So far, they've already sent us a ton of info about the family. I'm starting to get a little excited, but at the same time, I'm going to miss everyone terribly! I hate travelling for business (try to keep those trips down to a week, but this one..... :confused: ).

So, Kris (GusJack), guess we won't be meeting at the first one. Maybe we could all try again in the late summer/early fall (before its too cold).

Originally posted by HunterBoozer


So, Kris (GusJack), guess we won't be meeting at the first one. Maybe we could all try again in the late summer/early fall (before its too cold).

That would be great, too! That way us humans won't suffer from the heat every gathering :D

Kathy,
We saw all the same places, we took a 10 day tour and went to Milan, Rome, Pompei, Florence, Pisa, Bologna, and Venice. It was just awesome. Make sure you drink the table wine, it is better than anything you will pay big bucks for here!

Did you ever see Amelie , the french film that came out recently?
Maybe you can take one of the pups toys with you and take pictures of it from famous Italian landmarks, that way you have an excuse for posting your gorgeous Italy pictures on the board :D Just a thought.....;)

I'm lost... do we have a date/time yet? I can also make Hammonmssett (forgive the spelling; I live in CT too and figure it's always safe to add too many m's s's and t's). ;)

I think the plan right now is for two days so that people have an option.

Sunday, June 27th no time determined yet
Saturday, July 17th no time determined yet

I have never been there, so I don't know what times are good, etc.

Molly'sMom has been there..she should know what times are good. I know you can do a search as well for the park.

ZenCat where are you in CT?

I'm in Ridgefield. Where are you? Is the plan still Hammonasset?Do they allow dogs on the beach during the summer season?

Originally posted by ZenCat
I'm in Ridgefield. Where are you? Is the plan still Hammonasset?Do they allow dogs on the beach during the summer season?

This was on a CT State Dept website about parks for Hammonasset. I think that they can go swimming, just in a different area. NO point in taking them to the beach if they can't swim.
PETS:
Pets on a leash are permitted in picnic areas. Pets are not allowed on the beach or in the campground.

I live in Uncasville, which is in the town of Montville. I haven't heard of Ridgefield, where abouts is that?

We would love to get together and meet other lab owners.... have we missed it yet? Are you planning another??
Let us know,
PS-Where is this map??

I'll be in Clinton, CT next weekend from Firday 18th leaving Sun. 20th Camping at Riverdale Farm Campground. Sorry, Zach & Sadie won't be with us - they're camping at their Kennel with their friends!

ANYONE INTERESTED IN A QUICK HI & MEET ON THE 19TH?

Then from Fri. July 16th to Sund 25th we'll be camping at
Strawberry Park in Preston (Norwich) for 10 days. Again, Zach & Sadie camping at their kennel! BUT That's ok!

LET'S PLAN SOMETHING GusJack & others in that area???? iF JUST FOR A QUICK HI & maybe an ice cream or something!

SMITTY

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4da09b3127ccebde4100f00ba0000003610

Wish we could meet on the 19th, but Drum's got a dog show AND it's the last little league game of the season for our son. Going to be a crazy day.

OT GusJack: We are on the far western border, at the northern end of Fairfield County, about 5 miles from Westchester County, NY. Closest big towns are Danbury, and a bit north and east of Stamford. How is it living in a casino town? There's talk of one coming here... everyone is terrified at the prospect.

Hi all, we had guests, so I was away from my computer. I'm great with the 19th for Debbie, the 27th and July 17th. If we bring the pups on a Friday, or early on a Saturday, there should be no problem in having them swim, I've been up there with Mickey and other dogs and haven't had a single problem.

Now all we need is some times...

Originally posted by Mickey'sMommy
Hi all, we had guests, so I was away from my computer. I'm great with the 19th for Debbie, the 27th and July 17th. If we bring the pups on a Friday, or early on a Saturday, there should be no problem in having them swim, I've been up there with Mickey and other dogs and haven't had a single problem.

Now all we need is some times...

I'm up as early as 5:15 am every day so whatever time is decided is good for me. We could do like an 8am-Noon gathering. Just an idea!

OHH MY GOODNESSS
I'm getting excited, I think! Can some of us meet up for
a little bit THIS COMING SATURDAY: June 19th??????

Where - Hamonosett Park??? I'll have to get directions
from our friends how to get there from the camp ground!

Please keep me posted! This may work, ya think???????

Ohhh I'm getting excited to meet some of you!

SMITTY

Did we ever find out what Hammonassett's pet policy is?

I think we need to work the time out a little better, because I have an 1:45 minute drive so I can't exactly be there at 8am, unless you want to meet a grumpy Sarah ;)

Smitty, let me know what time on Saturday! We're pretty jazzed!

8:00 am is good for us, GusJack, but maybe we should go for a 10:00 am meeting for those who're coming from further away?

You can bring your pets (on leash) on the trails and in the campground, but it's been my experience that you can slip them onto the beach early for a swim. There's also a spot that they can swim freely that's a bit north of Meg's Point within the park, but there's no sand- it's all pebbles.

Things to consider:

Bring water, drinking water is interspersed between beach stations, but they're a bit far apart.

Check the parking rates on the site, anyone who wants to meet me ahead of time and catch a ride in (I have a season pass) is welcome to, just let me know

Hammonasset is off exit 62 on I-95. When you get off the exit, just follow the signs.


We're pretty jazzed here!!!

So maybe a headcount and a meeting place is in order. I won't be there since I am heading to Philadelphia...this time!

I would love details though :D and look forward to 7/17 for us

So this is going to work???? for SATURDAY?

I'll be there shortly after 10 am or so. I've kind of hinted this
meeting to hubby - let's see if he'll come along just for something to do at a nice park!

I'll be without Zach & Sadie (sorry) so I'll just look for you a bunch of HAPPY LABBY'S! :D:

I always have a camera with me in SUV when we camp - so we'll get an unsuspecting person (or me hubby) to take a group meeting of this labrador event!

I'll check here one more time on Thursday evening - we'll be leaving Friday late morning.

Can't wait to see you all and give all my LabraLOVEs hugs & kisses!

SMITTY
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4da09b3127ccebde4100f00ba0000003610

Rats! Raiden and parents will not be able to attend the June 19th get together. We have a high school graduation to attend for a family member. When is the next one? Did someone say July 17th???? Where???? PLEASE TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES!!!

Ok, I think we're good for 10:00 am on June 19th as the first date. Everyone who can make it, post a confirmation here...
I'm thinking we should meet at Meg's Point, just follow the signs once you get into the park. Anyone who needs/wants a ride in, let me know. I'll be checking pms.

We have July 17th for the second date, but no specific time as yet.

I am so excited to meet everyone, I could do a butt-tuck of my own!!

We also can't make this Saturday (Dog Show + Little League) :(

Looking forward to pictures though!

Anxiously awaiting news for the where and what time for July 17th though!!!

Meg's point - I'll find it

As I said, I won't have my 2 furbabies but I'll have a
white T-shirt on with a BLACK LAB on it AND if I can
convince hubby to come with me, he'll have on the
matching T-shirt with the CHOCOLATE LAB on it!

I'll check back here on Thursday (tomorrwo) evening one
last time!



SMITTY

Those of you getting together this weekend on the 19th - have a great time and be sure to post lots of pics!!! :D

My seven year old son is wondering if anyone else will be bringing their (human) kids to the get-together in July.

I'll be bringing my 2.5 year old, but I don't know how wonderful he'll think that is... :)

Ok - checked in Friday a.m. before leaving on camping trip.
We'll meet you at Meg's Pt in Hamonosett park soon after 10am
tomorrow a.m.
I'm doing a butt tuck too - I'm sooo excited to see some of you face to face and put my lips and arms around my labby loves
:D:

Safe driving to our meeting point all and I soo look forward to our little get together!

ta ta til tomorra-
SMITTY

Alrighty! We have Smitty and Myself there on Saturday at 10:00 am. Anyone else? Should we plan to barbeque lunch?

Have a great time everyone!!!!! And see you in July!!

See you guys in July!!!:party:

I couldn't find Smitty!!! :( We realized when we got there that there's Megs Point Nature Center, Megs Point Boat Launch, and Megs Point beach.

I was looking for the out of state plates, but I couldn't find hers!

Bummer :( I should've pmed my cell number.

Jack and I are in Philly PA and would love to attend something fun for him to get tired out at.... when and where is the next meeting??? :party:

Mickey's Mom: My hubby & I were at Meg's Point didn't get there til 10:30 - parking lot where boat launch & beach parking (beyond nature centr) We walked and walked all around. I asked a Park Ranger if he had seen anyone with lab dogs - NOPE - been here for about an hour he said.
GET THIS: I saw a woman standing in the parking lot (boat launch - nature area) with a black lab! So she looked at me & DH (we had matching lab shirts: choc/black on) She smiled at me and I said, "Hi - I'm Smitty" & I shake her hand. Well nice to meet you - this is Daisy! Then I said "Where's everyone else?" Then she said "WHO??" Then I said, "Aren't you from the Lab Forum?" NOPE, she said - I just came for a walk. Then I see a woman walking a chocolate lab on the main road - hubbby does a U turn & we park & get out. She looked at me and said "Nice shirt you guys have on". I said, "Are you with the chat foum?" "WHAT?"
These 2 women must have thought an IDIOT had descended upon them.
Well $14 and 20 minutes later we left! We were looking at cars that might have "labs" identifer's on them & nothing. But all went well after: In the campground I got to meet about 4 people who had LABBY"s with them walking around!

Well, sorry I missed you but we tried! Got bitten alive by mosquisto's walking through the Nture Tril on the rocks there!

SEE YA NEXT TIME ???

SMITTY

OH NO!! I'm going to kill my husband! He made me start driving from parking lot to parking lot looking for you guys! I knew we should've stayed put, but he was like; "What if they're lost, or what if they thought you meant the nature center...". I shouldv'e given you my cell number too, (hubby was right about that :brow:)

I am so SO sorry about that. You probably met some of Mickey's playmates too!

Next time, we'll meet at the rotary and exchange cell numbers, I hope you guys were able to enjoy the park at least. :(
Originally posted by Debbie Smith
Mickey's Mom: My hubby & I were at Meg's Point didn't get there til 10:30 - parking lot where boat launch & beach parking (beyond nature centr) We walked and walked all around. I asked a Park Ranger if he had seen anyone with lab dogs - NOPE - been here for about an hour he said.
GET THIS: I saw a woman standing in the parking lot (boat launch - nature area) with a black lab! So she looked at me & DH (we had matching lab shirts: choc/black on) She smiled at me and I said, "Hi - I'm Smitty" & I shake her hand. Well nice to meet you - this is Daisy! Then I said "Where's everyone else?" Then she said "WHO??" Then I said, "Aren't you from the Lab Forum?" NOPE, she said - I just came for a walk. Then I see a woman walking a chocolate lab on the main road - hubbby does a U turn & we park & get out. She looked at me and said "Nice shirt you guys have on". I said, "Are you with the chat foum?" "WHAT?"
These 2 women must have thought an IDIOT had descended upon them.
Well $14 and 20 minutes later we left! We were looking at cars that might have "labs" identifer's on them & nothing. But all went well after: In the campground I got to meet about 4 people who had LABBY"s with them walking around!

Well, sorry I missed you but we tried! Got bitten alive by mosquisto's walking through the Nture Tril on the rocks there!

SEE YA NEXT TIME ???

SMITTY :brow: :brow: :(

I just realized I am free this Saturday, 6/26 until 3pm if anyone wants to meet up either in CT or RI. I can only bring one labby because they are too strong for me to walk both...and they'd only get in trouble.

My hubby drove me nuts too - ewww the mosquitos are biting the daylights out of me. After 10 min - well, no one's here let's go! After a not so nice look from me, he quieted down and was looking for labs!

MEN!

GusJack - sorry, I'm pulling out a lounge chair, slapping oil on my body from head to toe and laying by the pool the entire weekend!
This is the first weekend (and the last I think) that we have posi-tooooot-ly not a darn thing on the calendar! Hubby wants to start working on building a new patio with cobblestones that are piled high in the corner of our yard.

SMITTY

Wish I could, GusJack, but till Grip's Zipper is removed, we are on R&R.

Well, I am now canceling on my own Saturday plans :D My grandmother is coming to town for the baby's christening and the "girls" are spending the day together.

Too bad about this weekend. My hubby actually has a day off! If anything changes, please let me know. After the week we are having, we sure could use lots of labs to ease the stress! Boy, do I hate end of quarters at work!

Im in florida:angel:

Do we have a place in mind for July 17th? We want to come but I am not sure if we will be around. I acutally have a 4 day weekend from work (thurs through sun) and we may be heading up to NH.

I was pretty sure it was the same place in CT unless someone else has an idea!

Originally posted by JackLab
Jack and I are in Philly PA and would love to attend something fun for him to get tired out at.... when and where is the next meeting??? :party:

I am in Levittown, PA, and my Hunter would sure like a playmate sometimes.

Interested?

Ok East Coasters,

I'm getting a little jealous of the Colorado Lab Fest. What is going on in our neck of the woods that we can't pull it together? We've got Miss Lisa driving to CO all the way from Vegas...that's spirit.

We have a date set July 17th. What do you all think of this date? What about locations? It's got to be somewhere they can be allowed to swim, wrestle, run like crazy, etc.

Should we start planning something serious, or should I keep dreaming?! :(

yes i would be interested... let me know.. tell me about your pooch..

You PA people should get together with all of us!

I'd love to have a get together. Already planning to make sure I have the day off from work.

Ok JenQuinn, I am doing some research and phone calls in Massachusetts for dog friendly reservations, or beaches, etc.

Can you look around the web for Rhode Island and make some calls?

We want a place that allows our dogs to swim, run around together, and lets us enjoy a barbecue, or whatnot.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Update or research:

This website I found looks like a great place for a get together. It's in Toronto, but I haven't seen anything like this in the East Coast area: http://dogpaddlingadventures.com/ I would love to go, but Toronto would really have to be a well planned thing!

I am going to call tomorrow morning the following places and get some info as to how dog-friendly they are:
Bear Cove Park in Weymouth, MA
Block Island in Rhode Island

Smitty, do you know anything about Block Island?

Does anyone else have any input or ideas?

I know a little bit about Block Island. You need to get there by ferry which costs about $15 per person roundtrip on the regular ferry (about 1 hour from Pt Judith) or about $30 per person roundtrip on the high speed ferry (about 1/2 hour from Pt Judith.) Ferrys also leave from New London. I think you also have to pay to park?? Dogs are allowed on the ferrys as long as they are on leashes. As far as once you are there, I think dogs are allowed on the beaches but they must be on leashes. Block Island is very popular in the summer so I don't know if there would be alot of room for the dogs to play. I am not sure what else is there is terms of places for the dogs to play. Unfortunately, I don't know too much more than that since I myself have only been there once (It was about 12 years ago on an Earth Science field trip and we were forced to identify different kinds of seaweed, an experience I try to forget. ;) )

Hmm..Block Island sounds a little expensive and the ferry may be too much work. I think it would be best to have it somewhere people can access their cars.

I'll look into that place Bear (or Bare, i've seen both) Cove Park. I was surfing around for places that are dog friendly and this looked like a good one. It's located in Hingham, MA and the information that one of the websites gave made it sound like a super dog friendly place. It sounded like there was a whole private area for dogs to go swimming, and they can run around un-leashed as long as they are in control, etc. Sounds pretty good I think!

My :2cents:

Block Island would be extremely difficult in the summer. Very expensive, sold out ferries and then finding transportation out of the town to some remote area where we could all let the dogs run. Somebody also mentioned Toronto? I sure couldn't make Toronto.

At this point, I'm not sure Grip and I can make this particular get-together anyway :( His staples only come out on the 1st, and then it's going to be a long, slow, steady process to get him fit and sturdy enough for a party. We might have to wait for the next.

*sob*

Block Island looks like too much of a hassle.

The Toronto thing was just a cool website I found that made me think, "I wish."

Tomorrow I'm looking into two places that seems ultra dog friendly.

We don't have to have the get-together in July. We can wait until August or even September. I'm asking for people's opinions so we can plan something as nice as what the Colorado gang has planned...

Maybe we should take a poll as to what is the best time to get together, and do it then.

Sarahandmark- kind of frustrating, Huh? How can we be so close to all this water and not find tons of places? I'm going to ask around next week when Bailey and I go to our drop in class. Looking at all the local beaches that say "dog friendly" Sure, friendly in October- but forget the summer. I'm also going to check with some friends- I belong to a diving club- and we go into the water in lots of little beaches- going to look into any offical dog rules. I'll let you know.

Thanks for the help, Jen. Much appreciated! Paws crossed over here that you find something good.

Tomorrow I'm calling Stodders Neck in Hingham, MA and Bare Cove Park in Hingham, MA also. A lot of websites have listed them as good places. Stodders Neck even has pictures up on their site of the doggy regulars who play there!

I think if we decide to wait, once we pass Labor Day and the season ends all the beachfront will be open, won't it? There's a huge state beach/park in Westport, CT... Sherwood Island... that would be ideal if we could wait that long. It's right smack off I-95 and on it's own peninsula.

I don't know of any beaches in CT that are open to dogs during the season, and we checked Cape Cod last year without success too.

It's a pretty big undertaking, isn't it? Kudos to Calley's Family for being able to host their get together at their home! I can hardly fit my own family into OUR home!

I am all set to get together on July 17th. In CT, there is a place near me called Bluff Point. We have taken many of our dogs there at different times. It is hiker, biker, horse rider, swimmer, fisherperson, and dog friendly. You can meet in the large parking lot and walk about 1 to 1 1/2 miles (if that) to a private beach. Once on the beach, you can walk back along the beach to where it is pretty private. The dogs can run and swim...plus you are not anywhere where they will run into bikes or other ppl. Dogs must be on a leash, but once you get to the beach, you can let them run. :D

http://dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/parks/bluffpoint.htm

No parking fees, no places to cook out, but you can bring blankets, food, etc as long as you take out what you bring it. Not to hard to find!

Great lead, GusJack. I'm still making some phone calls and seeing what I can find.

Bluff Point looks great, I went to the site. We can all bring picnics.

Now the main question I have is, who is planning on attending the July 17th get-together? Does Bluff Point (in New London, CT?) work well for everyone?

Unfortunately, I can't make the July 17th date (I'll be in Italy on vacation). Anytime after that would be perfect (I get home on the 22nd.). If we went in August, I'd have 3 labs to bring (we'll be watching my brother's chocolate - Buddy, for 2 weeks).

We can also plan one in August so that ZenCat and the rest of the gang that can't do July can make it!!!

I'm trying to get a head starts so we actually do something! Mia is dying for some Lab buddies. Frankie and Ellie are too frail ;)

I will be there with at least two of my labs..if I'm alone it won't be my two pups - just one and my 8 yr old labbie. I am willing to drive to meet up as long as it is under 90 min :-)

Ok I'll be there with Mia. Possibly Mark also.
But so far, one human one dog.

It's about 1h20min. for me, I think, but I have to go to at least one of these things!

Thanks SarahandMark for leading me here...

I have to talk to Greg and see what his deal is for that weekend, and he bailey and i will be there..

Why dont you put this in the general chat section or at least make a new message in the events section so that people dont have to fish through pages of replies to find the date. i totally missed all of this!!! And it is a great idea so we have to make sure the other east coasters see it!! :)

I meant to say i need to check with greg and MAYBE he, bailey and I will be there...

Dont want to mess up your count!! Gotta see what his schedule looks like...

:( Sob. I will ask the vet about Grip's Getting Back Into The Swing of Things but I don't think 2 weeks past unstapling will work. So maybe another one in Aug or Sept will work for us.

I'm so excited for those of you who CAN though!

The girls are getting spayed soon, but I will try to plan it AFTER July 17th :D
Zencat...where are you again??? I am always open to meet up so the girls understand how to behave and socialize with others..Kasey can be a bit snappy.

Ok well since it sounds like I'm the only one that can go in July...

Why don't we just cancel and plan it for August or September?

I'm good for the July 17th date. Bluff Point sounds awesome too, so you can count Mickey and I in! :)

Originally posted by Mickey'sMommy
I'm good for the July 17th date. Bluff Point sounds awesome too, so you can count Mickey and I in! :)

Good thing about Bluff Point is there is one big parking lot..so we won't miss one another. We can firm up a meeting time and place as it gets a little closer.

Ok I'm going to start a thread title "RSVP East Coast July 17th" that way we can keep track and plan meeting spot and time!

Originally posted by GusJack
Good thing about Bluff Point is there is one big parking lot..so we won't miss one another. We can firm up a meeting time and place as it gets a little closer.

That'll work for me, that, and I'll leave the hubby home. :brow:

Baltimore is a great location! I live there. Just let me know when and where and I'll be there.

Sandygirl, we are getting together in Bluff Point, CT.

Not too much further right? ;)

Sorry Sandy, there didn't seem to be any intrest from anyone to meet in Baltimore or any surrounding area in the vicinity.

I am back in Maryland and would love to meet with anyone in the area. I am in Columbia (at least until the house is sold).