A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
Those of us who live and work here on the island like to do the same things as those who come to visit. The problem is not the lack of ideas; the difficulty is in finding the time. With half of our commercial summer season behind us, there are still many days left to enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of Nantucket, provided we can sneak away for a few hours from our various enterprises.

In my spare time, there are some things I particularly like to do. I prefer to start my day really early, so there are a few extra solitary hours I can share with my dog for whatever task or outing is at hand before I head for the shop.

Junior, our Chessie, and I slip out at first light to take a walk down our dirt lane. This time of the summer there is a bonus along our route. There are two high-bush blueberry bushes that have been producing the succulent berries in abundance. One bush is more obviously located, the other is known only to me and a few lucky birds. This summer I have been harvesting in batches, because last year I waited for the primo picking time and by then, the birds had beaten me to it. Junior waits patiently while I clamber through the scrub to collect my prize. The blackberries can't be far behind.

Then we tour the gardens. Mind you, my gardens are nothing fancy, but they are a source of great pleasure to me. My garden beds have expanded as I have needed space for overflow from the shop and needed new homes for plants after dividing. Junior understands that he must exercise particular care around the foundation plantings and not meander off the paths through our courtyard garden.

In recent years I have become more and more interested in my plantings and I have an uncontrollable fascination with adding new plants. Unfortunately, both the deer and the rabbits like my plants too, so part of the reason for my daily stroll is to assess damage that has occurred overnight. Junior loves to accompany me on my rounds.

A couple times a week our early morning task is to collect flowers for the house. My flower gardens are modest, but they are finally coming into their own after some serious battles with wildlife earlier in the season. Junior is not supposed to be allowed into the fenced-in garden plot, so he dances around the perimeter while I snip my bouquet. He is thrilled when a mega-zucchini or yellow squash is tossed his way.

Of course, if you are here on vacation with your pet, you are no doubt enjoying a freedom from garden chores. If you have a car, getting around with your pet is easy, but you can also cover a lot of territory on a bicycle with a small pet in a basket or carrier. Just be sure to have lots of fresh water with you. Our Nantucket Regional Transportation Authority (NRTA) travels seasonally to the beaches and through much of the island. You can ride the bus with your leashed pet and also hang your bicycle on the racks provided.

A minimum of once a week I must visit Bartlett's Farm. Junior loves the prospect of a ride and the farm is a good destination, because on arrival we can open the windows and let the cooling breezes from the ocean keep the car comfortable while he waits for me. Their greenhouse tomatoes satisfy our cravings while we eagerly wait for our own to ripen. The first of their fresh and delicious farm-raised corn is now available. Of course, the goodies from their kitchen are hard to resist and the colorful bouquets of fresh-cut flowers are most tempting. I always have to tour their greenhouse and garden center, usually finding another wonderful growing thing to take home to add to my own plantings.

If we have time for another walk, I like to take Junior to the lower part of Sanford Farm. This lesser known access is a short walk from my house and it is away from the crowds that usually throng around the main entrance on Madaket Road. Located a little further down Madaket Road, go west past the intersection with Eel Point Road, just before Barrett Farm Road on the left, to a second parking lot. From here, there are several brush-cut passages to wander or you can cut across at several points to Barrett Farm Road, a dirt track, and make a loop back to your car.

Being on Nantucket usually means visits to the beach. Unlike years past, this year the Town has requested cooperation in keeping your pets off the beach, an unfortunate situation caused by the inconsiderate pet owners among us. Still, if you keep your pet away from beaches with lifeguards and restrict your visits to early morning or evening hours, you can find the perfect spot for a lovely walk to enjoy our fresh air and ocean. Just be sure to bring poop bags to clean up after your dog.

Although the clouds are rolling in, Junior and I have much left to do on this day off. Sharing some of my ideas for activities I like to do with my dog just might inspire you to try some new adventures of your own

with your pet. I

Jan Jaeger is owner of Geronimo's, Ltd., Nantucket's pet supply and gift shop, and is a member of DWAA and CWA (Dog and Cat Writer's Associations of America). Her pets at home are Junior, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and three cats. At the shop are the cats, Messrs. Fish and Chips, Flower bunny, Willie guinea pig and two budgies. Send email to jan@geronimos.com.