Paty's meeting about the dogs

Thank you for the report. I wrote an email to Paty as I was unable to be there. I do appreciate the collective effort and support in allowing those of us who call Zihuatanejo home, to include our pets on our walks on the beach.

I will leave it to the organizers to provide the details of what happened at the meeting. Thanks so much to Graham and Paty for organizing this, and especially to Paty (Owner of Paty's Marimar restaurant) for her very eloquent and passionate words to the government officials. She very clearly outlined the many problems facing Playa la Ropa, and very clearly explained why responsible dog owners walking their family pets on the beach is not a problem. She also told the officials quite forcefully that responsible dog owners will continue to walk their dogs on La Ropa. Bravo for Paty!!

Do you know where I can purchase one of the t-shirts. I haven't yet brought my dog to Zihua, but would like to do so in the future.

Thank you to the 30 or so people who attended the initial meeting at Paty's Yoga Studio, especially the doctor and veterinarian, where a general outlines of the Dogs on Beaches situation were discussed.
When it was mentioned that an official meeting of interested parties was being held at the Emporio in Ixtapa 12 attendees presented themselves at that meeting and were given the opportunity to state our case for the ability to walk our dogs on Zihua beaches. The officials and civil servants listened politely, but seemed surprised that some people wanted to take their dogs on the beach. As is the way with these departments, they are passed and agenda, and just think everyone will accede to it. Paty was very forceful and determined in her explanation that there are much more important civic and beach issues than that of families walking their dogs. Paty, Claudia Kipping ( wife of the Hotel Viceroy's Manager) and the very erudite veterinarian, were invited to sit in for the remainder of the official meeting. The upshot being that Paty Montufar was invited to become a permanent member of that committee.
12 people turning up at this meeting, all wearing "I love Zihuatanejo - but I love my dog more" tee shirts, a getting the full attention of these officials was a good outcome. Having a supportive business leader on that committee was more than we could have hoped for.
We have not achieved a full back-down on the issue of permitting domestic dogs on the beach - but it was stated quite clearly to this assembly that dog owners would continue to walk their dogs on the beaches - and just politely ignore the irritating beach inspectors. Or walk your dog before 8am and after 4pm. Be sure to have you dog on a leash during the day, and carry pick-up bags always.
Above mentioned tee shirts are available from Paty's for 50 pesos (no profit).

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Graham Felipe'