Dogs in Golf Carts

Woodlands Resident Charles Z with his dog Muffin

Dogs riding in golf carts:  What was once an unusual sight to me now brings a smile to my face.

The prevalence of dogs riding with their owners in golf carts at the Woodlands Country Club is evident by all the owners who decide not to leave home without their four-legged golfing partner. I don’t know why, but I love when I see a dog riding in a golf cart alongside its owner.

Besides the golfers, dogs also get the benefit of the cooler weather.  Here is South Florida; long hot summers turn into cooler, more pleasurable weather around November.  This is when dogs in the Woodlands get to take breezy, scenic rides while watching the action on the course.   Of course, by the 3rd or 4th hole, most dogs are happily sleeping on the seat.   I wouldn’t say the dogs are bored, more likely they’re just content being with their owners.  It’s the ultimate dog day out.

Resident Sara Jane Rose and the club mascot, Bogey, play golf

I thought my dog would be frightened by riding in the golf cart.   She’s not the kind of dog that likes to stick her head out of the window of a car so I wasn’t sure how she would react to the golf cart.   Well, it didn’t take her long at all to get used to riding shotgun while letting the wind hit her fur at a gusty 12 mph.    All I have to do is ask her if she wants to go for a “golf cart ride”, and she will start jumping up and down, crying with excitement.   If I delay the golf cart ride by getting my personal items together from around the house, her cries get even louder.

Roxy the Poodle campaigning at the election poll here in the Woodlands

Once outside, she will immediately hop on the seat sitting straight up beside me.   It’s almost comedic as she’s as big as a second passenger.    Now since my dog is so big and not as easy to manage as the little ones, I do have a hook on my cart to hold her leash.   God forbid, if we see a squirrel, her hunting instincts will kick in and she will cry for it until we pass.

The Woodlands has truly gone to the dogs with our many pet lovers here.  They are more than our pets; they are our family.