Our Dog Park Adventure
There is a neighborhood near my house where just about every household has at least one dog. Many households even have two and three dogs. As a result, not only is the neighborhood very noisy, but it is also very dog friendly.
Most of my neighbors are getting on in age. The dogs around here seem to fall into two categories - lap dogs or barely old enough to climb up and down their front steps. I know my dog is rather lonely and bored.
Awhile ago, as I was walking my dog through the next neighborhood, I started thinking, “wouldn’t it be nice if I could introduce my dog to some of these dogs?” Then, just as I turned the corner, I was pleasantly surprised to find a brand new, roped off dog park.
On the inside of the fence surrounding this dog park, there were about a dozen dogs running free from their dog leashes with one another. The dogs were jumping and playing and having a good old time.
I took my dog to the gate and he just couldn’t contain his excitement. I let him off his leash and he ran to the middle of the pack. I huddled around the fence with the other doggy parents as we watched our pups play with their dog toys.
I started making friends with the other “regular” dog owners after about a week of taking my dog to the dog park. Friendships were struck, and we started planning “people activities”, like coffee and shopping, where we could include our dog pals..
Now our activities regularly include gathering at the dog park and then walking to the local coffee shops. We take outings with the dogs, like to the river, and spend time with other dogs in the park. Dog walking has turned out to be a great way for me to find new friends and develop several long term friendships.
When I go dog walking without the other dogs, I can tell my dog wonders where they are and looks for them. As soon as I take him off the leash, he runs as fast as he can to the doggy park! We feel so lucky to be in such a dog-friendly neighborhood where there are so many like-minded families.
