Dog Days 

When it comes to vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard, bringing your dog doesn’t just make the trip more fun; it transforms the whole experience – for you and for your pet. Recently, I set out to meet a few of the dogs who travel here with their humans. Armed with my camera and a curiosity about how dogs experience the Island, I met four pups strolling through Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown and confirmed what I already knew: a Vineyard vacation gets high marks from canines and humans alike.

DJ and Frankie

In Oak Bluffs, I met DJ and Frankie, two mini bernedoodles from Delaware traveling with Deanna and Jeremy Irving. DJ, just three months old, is a wiggle-butted rookie with a nose for adventure. Frankie, age four, is the embodiment of chill, content to lounge quietly under café tables. They explored Inkwell Beach and the Edgartown Harbor Light, soaking in sea breezes and racking up compliments.

Frankie and DJ’s Yelp Review: “Five stars! So many treats, so many dogs to greet and so many places to walk and wiggle. Would paws-itively come again.”

Frank

In a serendipitous twist, I kept running into the same dog – Frank, a five-year-old golden retriever with a big personality and an even bigger fan base. Over three days and three towns, there was Frank: tail wagging, eyes smiling, soaking in attention like sunshine. His humans, Peter and Colleen Beecham of Needham, Mass., said it was Frank’s third Vineyard visit. “We got engaged here 32 years ago,” Peter shared. “It’s a special place for us, and bringing Frank just makes it even more meaningful.”

Frank’s ideal itinerary? Swimming, eating chicken and collecting admiration from every passerby. If elected to town council, Frank would propose open dog cafés on every corner. He’s a foodie who believes the more choices, the better.

Frank’s Yelp Review: “Island life is my style, being outside all day, swimming, walking around town and trying new food. Lobster in Menemsha was my favorite!”

Nova

Over in Edgartown, I met Nova, a seven-year-old, wooly Siberian husky, who was turning heads wherever she went. Her humans, Krista and Steve, bring her every year when they travel to the Island from their home in Melrose, Mass. “She’s part of the adventure,” Steve said. “We’ve had her since we started dating.” Nova is a ferry fan, wildlife watcher and dedicated bunny spotter. This year, she became enamored with a robot lawnmower, prompting Steve to joke they might need to buy one just to keep her entertained.

Nova’s Yelp Review: “Great sniffs, friendly people, top-notch treats. 10/10. I especially loved riding the ferry.”

Mindy Dutka is a photographer, dog advocate and founder of dogsImeet.com.