Poodle Perfect in Carmel!      

Story and photos by Barbara Beckley

Carmel-by-the-Sea is charming anytime. But even more so in October, when, since 2008, the picturesque hamlet welcomes more than 500 carefully, and often whimsically, coifed poodles – parading down the streets, posing for pics, frolicking on Carmel Beach, and sipping water “cocktails” at private parties while their people enjoy wine, cocktails and dinners.   

Oodles of Poodles!

This is Poodle Day! Organized by the NorCal Poodle Rescue association as a fundraiser for its poodle rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming services. While the name is Poodle “Day” (this year was Saturday, October 1) – in honor of the main events – The Poodle Parade, followed by off-leash beach play and later cocktail, wine and dinner parties – it’s ballooned into a weekend extravaganza, with poodle lovers coming from as far as Florida, Vermont, Canada and, yes, even Greater Palm Springs, strutting their best from Friday night to Sunday evening.

As the proud “auntie” to my longtime Glendale girlfriend’s standard poodle, Polly, I’ve been attending Poodle Day with Polly and my friend, Lesley, for seven years. Another friend drives down from Medford, Oregon with her poodle mix, Nutmeg. We enjoy parading, partying and catching up with other Poodle Regulars. As Poodle Day organizer Sue Rose told me at the Friday Night Benefit Cocktail Party, “Poodle Day unites poodle owners and lovers—and their furry companions—for a fun-filled time. NorCal’s philosophy is to help poodles while also enriching the lives of the people who adopt them.”   

Poodle love is everywhere.

Dressing to the Nines

Costumes – from elegant to wild – are a highlight of the Poodle Parade, held at Carmel’s Crossroads shopping complex. Both for us and our poodles of all sizes and poodle mixes. This year, I went all out, in a poodle skirt, poodle sweater, poodle earrings, poodle scarf and pink rhinestone glasses. In good company I think, with the likes of the lady in a yellow feathered Big Bird costume, the rainbow-hued poodles and their rainbow-hued person, the elegant My Fair Lady couple and oh so stylish Cruella deville. Hundreds of onlookers set up chairs along the two-block parade route, cheering and snapping photos. Afterward, the judges award coveted prizes.  

Poodle couture isn’t limited to The Parade. Like many regulars, we have fun coordinating with our canine at the parties, too.  For Friday night’s fundraiser I was dressed in black and white, matching Polly’s black bows and white pearls. Polly was in pink bows and a pink rhinestone collar for The Parade and I was poodle pink to match.  

Poodle Pals

It’s amazing how the poodles all get along. No barking. Just friendly sniffing and play. Saturday evening, we enjoyed the Poodle Day Dinner of tri-tip and wine at The Crossroads Barbecue Restaurant Poodle Party, while Polly schmoozed with fellow poodles on the patio. Other friends were next door, at the Poodle Day Wine & Food Pairing at The Annex by Industry Outlaw (Mana + Pua) and Polly worked their event, too. Then napped beside Lesley’s chair. 

Sunday, everyone is on their own. But we all gather in downtown Carmel. Lesley, Mindy and I joined poodle lovers for lattes and omelets at the Village Corner California Bistro and later for cocktails at the legendary Cypress Inn. Polly (and others who made an appointment) had her portrait taken by the Poodle Day official photographer, Liz Stavrinides, at the Diggidy Dog, A Dog & Cat Boutique in the heart of town on Ocean Avenue.

Why Carmel?

“In addition to being a premier vacation destination, Carmel consistently ranks as one of Dog Fancy’s top 10 most dog-friendly cities in America,” Rose told me.  

If you have a poodle – or not – visit here and mark your calendar for Poodle Day October 2023. Take it from me –it’s Poodle Perfect!!

Meeting & greeting in downtown Carmel.

Where to Stay

There’s no lack of doggie friendly accommodations in Carmel, Pacific Grove and nearby Monterey. For the last several years we stay at the Monterey Peninsula Inn, a hidden gem at a great value in Pacific Grove. We book a stand-alone, two-bedroom one bath cottage. The layout is perfect for three women and two poodles, since the shower and toilet are in one room; the sink in another ideal for make-up; and the larger bedroom has two queen beds: one for me and one for Lesley and Polly. Although one evening – to my delight – Polly abandoned Lesley and snuggled with me for the night. 

For more on Carmel, visit here.