A while back I replied to a post in a forum looking for a lost dog in the dunes. I came off as rather rude while making my case that dogs are better left at home and not subjected to the dangers of being at the dunes with all the noise, people and machines, etc.

Since then, a few things have changed. Most notably, my newest pet, a 2-1/2 month old male yellow lab named Gordon. Yes, Gordon. As in Gordon's Well sand dunes. I imagine I'll be taking him with me just about everywhere. Including, for now, to work.

Another thing that's changed is my feeling of security for my family and my toys while at the desert. While it is legal to have a firearm in your camper in Ca (it classifies as a dwelling), having a dynamic security device like a dog makes me a bit more comfortable.

So over time I've made a complete 180 on the subject of taking your dog to the desert. I've spent a lot of time with other families who bring theirs, and the dogs really seem to enjoy it. Especially with kids to play with.