If the dog days of summer are meant to bring negativity, the merchants of Carmel aren’t buying it. By turning mythology upside down, canine-inclusion makes this upscale shopping and dining destination next level.

Along with Rasputin/aka Raspy (named for surviving too much before he found us) and senior citizen Beazley (spry for 13, but mostly deaf and somewhat blind), my husband and I weren’t sure what to expect. Don’t get me wrong; our SPCA specials are ideal mixed-breeds, but Beazley’s latest sundowning and Raspy’s Prozac addiction don’t exactly qualify them as National Dog Show competitors. 

Yet they were greeted like celebrities in Carmel, just as were we for being their human affiliates. This was despite Raspy’s incessant pulling and Beazley’s inattention to objects directly in front of him. Now I know what it’s like to travel first class!   

Before our day-trip, I connected with a helpful Instagrammer for Thinker Toys, a play-scape with an enormous collection of games, puzzles, and other thrills. Yet with so many items on display, especially at footstool level, I couldn’t imagine our munchkins were welcome. The store didn’t understand why I’d think otherwise. Find them at 7th Ave. & San Carlos St.

Carmel boasts about as many art galleries as water bowls and Raspy’s favorite was Classic Art Gallery on San Carlos St. between 5th and 6th. He commanded the viewing sofa while Beazley remained focused on the blank canvass wall. zzzzz…  

Then we saw a squirrel. 

Boy Girl Boy—a fashion boutique I’ll never stop chasing—is at the corner of Mission & 7th Ave (sister store, Paloosh, is on Ocean Ave. at Dolores St.). With show-stopping inventory, this place is a beehive of activity, the way stores used to be. A word to the wise, however: the extensive selection could over-serve even the most experienced shopper, so take my advice and let them work with you! And if you get the chance, say hello to Owner, Sweet Pea, a woman I admire for her label procurement and staff training. What a force! I can’t wait to share my fall purchases with you!!!

By lunch (and after my bender at Boy Girl Boy), we dug in at Seventh & Dolores—both the location and the restaurant’s name. I went for the BLT Salad: prosciutto wrapped romaine hearts, heirloom tomatoes, sourdough crisps, green goddess dressing, and citrus vinaigrette. Peter chose The Burger (deserving of all caps), a house blend of Niman Ranch dry aged beef, filet mignon & brisket whipped with bone marrow and finished with cognac, roasted onions, Comté, roasted tomato & aioli on a toasted brioche. 

The dogs had a little of each.

The French have a saying that means to lick the windows. It’s an artful expression because their window-shopping is captivating and pleasurable. On Dolores between Ocean and Seventh Ave., Jan de Luz is lickable from the inside out…just ask Raspy. Custom embroidered French linens and home goods aren’t sent out; the magic happens right in front of you. Be sure to meet the engaging owner, Brigitte, who makes patronage a celebration.

I didn’t want to leave, but my dogs were tired (canines too) so we left knowing we’ll be back soon. After all, the best dog days are year-round in Carmel.