Jenny Rutherford

Dogs on the beach could be a really real thing soon on Tybee!!!! Here is a letter from the Mayor… what do yall think? 🤔 Would it actually happen after 15 years of talking about this? 🐾 Saint Simon’s Island and Hilton Head Island’s both have reasonable pet rules that could be allowed in Tybee too. The same wild animals & birds that visit here visit there too.

Tybee City Council will be having a workshop on Wednesday 14 October at 3 pm at the Police Station on the issue of allowing dogs 🐕 on the beach. It is an open meeting . Please come and express your views.

“Hey there, neighbors!
Tybee is a beautiful place to call home.

Tybee Island Mayor, Brian West:
Paws on the Beach: Should Dogs Get a Spot in the Sand?

There’s something about the beach that makes almost everyone a little happier. The sun is shining, the waves are rolling in, and the sand is warm beneath your feet. For dog owners, there’s only one thing missing: their four-legged best friend.

Picture it: your dog racing down the shoreline, ears flapping in the breeze, chasing a tennis ball and splashing through the waves like they just won the canine Olympics. Sounds pretty great, right?

For plenty of dog lovers, it is. But before we hand every pup a beach towel and a pair of sunglasses, there are a few things to consider. Dogs on the beach can mean fun, exercise, and happy tails—but they can also mean hot paws, unhappy wildlife, and the occasional game of "Who Forgot the P**p Bag?"

So, should dogs be allowed on the beach? Let’s dig in.

The Case for Canines in the Sand

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!
Dogs have energy. Lots of it. And sometimes the backyard simply isn't going to cut it.

A beach gives dogs plenty of room to stretch their legs, chase a ball, dig impressive holes, and splash around in the water. Running on sand can be a great workout, while swimming gives many dogs a fun way to cool off and burn some energy.

And let’s be honest: a tired dog is often a happy dog—and a happy dog may be less interested in redecorating the living room with your favorite pair of shoes.

It's a Doggy Social Club
The beach can also be a fantastic place for dogs to experience new sights, sounds, smells, people, and fellow pups.

With responsible supervision, these encounters can help dogs become more comfortable in unfamiliar environments and improve their social skills. Instead of scrolling through a doggy version of social media, they get to meet their neighbors the old-fashioned way: sniffing, wagging, and occasionally doing a little awkward butt-sniff introduction.

Happy Dogs Can Mean Happy Businesses
Dog-friendly beaches can also bring benefits to the surrounding community.

People traveling with pets often look for destinations where their furry family members are welcome. A beach that accommodates dogs may attract visitors who spend money at nearby restaurants, shops, hotels, and other businesses.

In other words, a beach full of happy dogs could potentially mean a little extra tail-wagging for the local economy, too.

Quality Time With Your Best Friend
For many people, their dog isn't just a pet. They're family.

A beach day gives owners and their dogs the chance to enjoy the outdoors together. Whether it's taking a long walk, tossing a ball, watching the waves, or simply lounging in the shade, it's hard to beat some good old-fashioned bonding time.

And unlike a fancy vacation, your dog probably won't complain about the hotel room.

But Wait... There Are Some Ruff Spots
As fun as a beach day can be, it isn't always paradise for our four-legged friends.

Doggy Dangers
Dogs can also get into trouble by drinking too much saltwater, which can lead to vomiting, dehydration, and other serious health problems.

Then there's the sand itself. Some dogs seem determined to eat absolutely everything they encounter, and swallowing too much sand can potentially cause dangerous intestinal blockages.

And let's not forget the beach treasure hunt: sharp shells, broken glass, fishing hooks, and strong currents can turn a carefree outing into a trip to the veterinarian.

Wildlife Says, "Please Stay on the Path"
To a dog, a flock of shorebirds might look like the world's greatest game of chase.

To the birds, however, it can be a serious disruption.

Coastal beaches are home to wildlife that needs space to feed, rest, and raise young. Dogs running through nesting areas can disturb birds and other animals. They can also damage delicate dune vegetation when they wander where they're not supposed to go.

That means the beach isn't just a playground for dogs—it's also someone's home.

The Not-So-Fun Part: P**p
Let's talk about it.

Nobody wants to step in it. Nobody wants to see it floating in the water. And nobody wants to sit next to it while enjoying a beach day.
Dog waste left behind can create unpleasant and unsanitary conditions and may contribute bacteria to the surrounding environment and waterways. The solution is wonderfully simple: bring a bag, pick it up, and take it with you.

Your fellow beachgoers—and their shoes—will thank you.

Not Everyone Is a Dog Person
Here's another important consideration: not everyone loves dogs.
Some people are afraid of them. Some children may be nervous around unfamiliar animals. Others may simply want a quiet, dog-free day at the beach.

A friendly dog running up to say hello might be adorable to one person and terrifying to another. And an overly enthusiastic pup who jumps on a stranger probably isn't going to win "Beach Ambassador of the Year."

Keeping dogs under control can help prevent these encounters from becoming conflicts.

Can We Have the Best of Both Worlds?
Maybe the answer isn't simply "dogs: yes" or "dogs: absolutely not."

Communities could create designated dog-friendly sections, require leashes in certain areas, establish seasonal restrictions, or set aside protected zones for wildlife. Clear rules can give dog owners places to enjoy the beach while also protecting wildlife and respecting other visitors.

After all, there's room for compromise—and plenty of room on most beaches for a little common sense.

So, Should Dogs Get a Day at the Beach?
Dogs can bring plenty of joy to a beach day. They get exercise, fresh air, socialization, and precious time with their humans. Communities can also benefit when dog-loving visitors choose pet-friendly destinations.

But beach access comes with responsibilities. Owners need to watch for water hazards, wildlife, and other beachgoers—and, of course, remember the p**p bags.

At the end of the day, the real question may not be whether dogs belong on the beach. It may be whether we can create beach rules that let dogs enjoy the sand and surf without turning the place into a giant game of Fetch Gone Wild.

Because a beach where dogs can safely wag their tails, wildlife can peacefully do its thing, and humans can enjoy the sunshine sounds like a pretty good place to dig your toes in.

Thank you,
Mayor Brian West

Come see 132 Pelican Drive in Tybee Island this Sunday from 2–5PM! ☀️ $675K, 3BR/2BA + 1392 sqft with creek + marsh views in Spanish Hammock.

Listing details! https://bit.ly/3W1pylT

Inside, you’ll find hardwood floors + an updated kitchen with a large island. There’s also a game room downstairs & a fenced yard with room for a pool. Walk or bike to The Crab Shack or take the LSV to the beach. 🦀🌴

Stop by Sunday & see what you think! If you have any questions about the home or can’t make the open house, give our office Jenny Rutherford Real Estate a call at 912.388.2828 & we’ll set up a private showing.😁

Friends with pools!!! What type of pool do you have and do you like it? Is there anything that you would change about it? Do you have a zero entry or is it an organic shape or a rectangle? Spa? We just love to hear about everyone’s experience and what they would do differently. Also who do you use for your install?

I LOVE the Merritt and it’s one of my top picks for people looking for a low maintenance lifestyle close to downtown Savannah and Tybee Island! This 3BR/2BA 1426sqft Condo is in in the gated community of The Merritt at Whitemarsh which has resort-style amenities like a gorgeous pool! Priced at $300k, this move-in ready condo is hard to beat!🌴☀️

This second-floor condo features an open floor plan with wood flooring + tall ceilings. The kitchen includes granite countertops & stainless steel appliances. A split bedroom layout adds privacy while the screened porch offers a relaxing outdoor space. Community amenities include a pool + fitness center & clubhouse. HOA dues include water + pest control & flood insurance.

📍: 2124 Whitemarsh Way, Savannah, GA

📱Have questions about this property or buying a condo? Jenny Rutherford Real Estate can help you understand the details + guide you through the buying process from showing to closing. Call 912.388.2828 to learn more or schedule a private showing.

I’ve got some exploring to do! 👀🕺🍸☕️🖼️ So many new and coming-soon businesses are popping up around Savannah, and I’m ready to check them out. Which one are you most excited for?

1205 Lovell Avenue on Tybee Island is offered at $750K with an active STVR certificate plus 4BR/2BA + 1641 sqft. Known as “Blue Cat” this fully furnished 1935 cottage sits on the South End just two blocks from the 12th Street beach. The location puts the beach, restaurants + shopping all within an easy walk.

Inside you’ll find original hardwood floors + tongue-and-groove ceilings alongside two separate living areas and two full kitchens. The flexible floor plan can function as one home or separate living spaces. Out back there’s a private fenced yard with a stock tank pool, firepit, grill + hot/cold outdoor shower. Off-street parking accommodates up to four vehicles.

The existing STVR certificate will be eligible for a one-time transfer to a buyer beginning January 1 2027 subject to City requirements + approval. If you have questions about Tybee’s STVR rules, certificate transfers or what to consider when purchasing an investment property on the island call Jenny Rutherford Real Estate at 912.388.2828. We’re happy to help you understand the details or schedule a private showing.

City of Tybee is putting on a screening of Jaws tonight at the Pier! The event is free and starts around 6pm with the movie starting at 8PM! I am so excited this is one of my favorite movies and have been thinking how cool it would be to screen it at the beach. 🦈

Get ready for a night of thrills, chills and classic beach vibes as JAWS takes over the Tybee Pier & Pavilion on Saturday, September 26 at 8 PM! 🎬🍿

Come early for:
🦈 Costume contest — come dressed to impress… or scare!
🦷 Shark teeth displays
🍔 Food & drink specials
🌴 A movie under the stars on the pier
🎟️ FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
🪑 Bring your chairs and get ready for a fin-tastic night on Tybee!