After years of calling them "Doggie Cops" we now call the man who has at least the north end of Playa la Ropa, our "Turtle Guardian."

When he started working in July, he told us the 8am rule. We grumbled and fussed then realized that at least we were being given time, not like in some years past when we couldn't be on the beach at all. So we have discovered the joy of being on the beach for sunrise. We usually get out there between 6 and 6:15. It's gorgeous!

Turtle Guardian??? He empties the trash cans. He actively monitors nests and if they are being exposed by the surf or were just plain dug in a place that will be destroyed he moves the eggs to one of a couple of hotel eggs enclosures. He does a large amount of public education and will watch over and talk about the late hatching turtles that are dashing to the water in the light. He also rakes the beach in the afternoons!!! He is amazing.

After ignoring us for a couple of weeks, he now realizes that we go by the rule and is now quite friendly always speaking and smiling when he sees us, with or without the dogs.

Would we like to be able to take the dogs out anytime without harassment??? Absolutely, but we are happy that there is a time for us that is allowed.

I have been told by a couple of people that dogs are allowed on Playa Madera, is that true?

I insist that dogs are allowed on ALL beaches. They certainly aren't any less clean than the humans who visit them. And if anyone tells you to get your dog off the beach simply walk down to the waterline where you are in the Zona Federal and where municipal "Eco-Guardianes" have no jurisdiction. Of course, if you have any spine you'll invite them to call the police and video-record the episode, adding Hollywood drama for effect if they dare touch you, and upload it to YouTube and send me the link and I'll make sure it gets a few thousand visits.