Tag Archives: pets
The Ballad of Innis McNubbin
Occasionally I discover a few bizarre (that may not be a strong enough word) song lyrics floating around in my head and this morning I found myself singing an Irish ballad about the new puppy my wife and I brought home a couple weeks back.
“Innis,” as we named him, means “island,” or “isle” in Gaelic, and since my wife and I both have Irish/Scottish lineage, and because we live on an island in the Florida Keys, we figured the name Innis, the “Irish island dog,” would be a fitting title- even though he is an Australian Shepherd.
When we went to pick up Innis outside of Orlando (he was actually born in Apopka, Florida), one of the first things we noticed was that he didn’t have a tail. Apparently it is common practice to cut the tails off of Australian Shepherd puppies (I’m not sure why).
“McNubbin,” is a combination of my wife’s maiden name (McNulty) and the fact that he has but a nub for a tail- a joking last name of course.
The following Irish ballad parody (or whatever you want to call it), tells the story of Innis McNubbin and the need for Australian Shepherds to have daily jobs or tasks to satisfy their natural instincts to work and to herd.
Lucy is our friend’s dog (who was rescued from a pound in Fort Lauderdale) whom Innis seems to be in love with and tries to “mount” every time he sees her, despite the fact that she’s been spayed.
The Ballad of Innis McNubbin
Oh my name it is Innis McNubbin; I’m a sheep herder by trade.
I have come from the land of Apopka, where the Aussie pups were made.
I have traveled the southeast shoreline; to the Keys I did set sail.
On a search for the filthy vandal, who lopped off most my tail.
I live with two evil guardians, who at night lock me away.
In a crate inside the bedroom, is where I’m forced to lay.
I can’t wait until I am older, when much bigger I shall be.
I will herd them into cages, just as they did to me.
Oh my name it is Innis McNubbin; I’m a philanderer by trade.
I will chase after your women, even after they’ve been spayed.
I’m in love with the fair maid Lucy; she is a part skipper key.
Imprisoned on the mainland, from the pound she was set free.
I did try and follow after her, but my legs they would not keep up.
For I’ve eaten many Frosty Paws®, and I am a chubby pup.
I can’t wait until I am older, when much faster I shall be.
I will herd her into my bedroom, where she cannot run from me.
Oh my name it is Innis McNubbin; I’m a gardener by trade.
I will dig up all your flowers, and then bark in a tirade.
Through the day I gather palm frawns, and then bring them all inside,
Where I spend most of my evenings, chewing on some old rawhide.
I will pee on all your flooring, and will poop where I do choose,
I will chew on all your couches, and run off with all your shoes.
I can’t wait until I am older, when my parents will finally see,
That I am the alpha dominant, and this house belongs to me.
Dog Friendly Beaches in the Florida Keys
Welcome to FromTheYak.com, your source for everything Florida Keys!
Most people associate the Florida Keys with palm trees, warm weather, great fishing, Jimmy Buffett and frozen margaritas. A playground for outdoorsmen who come here to fish, dive and kayak; as well as the choice destination for snowbirds and middle-aged businessmen looking to cut back, don their favorite Hawaiian shirts, drink to their heart’s content, and request songs the locals have heard one too many times before.
But what most people don’t realize about the Florida Keys is that the islands From Key Largo to Key West are a tropical playground for dogs as well.
Brendi (my friend's boxer) and myself at the sandbar in Marathon.
It’s true! Unlike in some of the “classy” towns throughout the state Florida (see Boca Raton), where our four-legged companions are prohibited from enjoying the most natural of natural resources- the Florida Keys are extremely dog-friendly, and our pets may do as they please (to an extent) at ANY of the Monroe County parks or beaches.
So the next time you embark on your weekend getaway to Key West, or tow the flats skiff down for a week of stalking bonefish in Islamorada, bring the pooch along! There are so many places for them to explore and swim that they (and you) will have the time of your lives.
And when you’re ready for a cold beer or a mojito after a long day on the water, bring the dog along with you to the bar. Many Florida Keys restaurants have outdoor seating and actually don’t mind if you bring your dog along with you. Just pour a cool glass of water into his or her bowl, sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful sunset. Just remember to always keep your dog outside.
One of my favorite places to bring my pup is Sparky’s Landing in Key Colony Beach.
"Boca Bogey" enjoying Coco Plum Beach before heading back up to the not-so-dog-friendly town of Boca Raton.
My favorite Dog-Friendly Spots in the Keys
- Founders Park Dog Park – Islamorada, MM 87- Bay
- Anne’s Beach – Islamorada, MM 73- Ocean
- Coco Plum Beach – Marathon, Coco Plum Drive- Ocean (access limited during turtle nesting months April- October.)
- Sombrero Beach – Marathon, Sombrero Beach Road- Ocean (access limited during turtle nesting months April- October.)
- Events Field – (Hopefully soon to be Marathon Dog Park), Marathon, 98th-99th streets- Bay (behind City Hall.)
- Horseshoe – Lower Keys, MM 35-Bay (great place for dogs to swim while you snorkel!)
- Boca Chica Beach – Lower Keys, MM 10.8- Bay
- Higgs Beach Dog Park – Key West, South Roosevelt- Ocean
"Innis" my 8 1/2 week old Aussie getting ready for the dog park.
Note that all of the Florida Keys bridges (Long Key Bridge and the Seven-Mile Bridge are my favorites), or turnoffs along US-1, are great places to park the car and walk and/or let your dog go for a swim.
ALWAYS remember to try keep your dog from drinking saltwater. Too much saltwater can make your dog very ill, and worse, it could kill them. Always have enough fresh water on hand for your dog to drink when you take them to the beach, that way they won’t be as tempted to drink seawater.
