At the Dog Park

Big applause to all the people who plan and develop dog parks!!! We are blessed to live in an area where there are plenty of lovely parks that include fenced in areas specifically for dog romping and chasing ... the equivalent of dog Disney World!

The Pest and the Passive One took me to a brand new dog park the other day. It received a Grand Opening ribbon cutting ceremony over the weekend, so we felt that three days later we should pay our respects. Once out of the car, they pulled at my arms like cart oxen tugging me to go faster, not because they knew where we were going. They get excited to go anywhere. Pulling and straining at their leashes, demanding speedier progress. But they have four legs each. That's eight legs to my two. No way can I keep up!

We arrive at the gate, and pause in awe. Silent in wonder. This park has grass. Green, soft, mown grass. A far cry from the worn down, moon surface bare dirt dog park we usually go to. And sparkling, new doggie water fountains with buttons that actually work! And lot's of outlying trees ripe for pee marking. The dogs both look up at me with dreamy tear-filled eyes. "Is this Heaven?", they whisper.

The best thing about dog parks is socializing with new playmates. The variety of sizes, shapes, colors, heritage make for a festive Dog Party. The Pest and the Passive One lope into the park and head for the pack with their heads lowered and their sniffer working overtime. Everybody has to be sniffed and sorted out. "Hello. What's that fragrance you're wearing?" "Have we met before?" "Hey cut that out! I don't even know you!"

And the toys, like Christmas morning, are scattered everywhere. Dirty, war torn, disfigured and abandoned -- all the better to play with, my dear. The Passive One grabs the weather beaten rope remains and shakes it whipping against his sides, flinging nasty grit everywhere boasting of his treasure. The Pest just runs with the pack, showing off, doing his best to be noticed and accepted. His popularity is short lived once he starts nipping at other dogs legs and latching on to the back of their necks, being a general nuisance. What he lacks in manners he makes up for in charm.

The walk back to the van is effortless for me but they are begging to be carried. They whine "I'm too tired. Please pick me up. Can you lift me up? I want to hug you." But Ha! I've heard it all before and am unmoved by their tongues dragging along the sidewalk and heads hanging low seemingly too heavy to be held up by their chunky necks. "C'mon guys," I tell them. "There's water dishes in the van." And the hope of refreshment spurs them on. Once in the van laying on their comfy seats with the A/C blowing and the hushed sound of the tires against the road, it gets very calm. Their heads are up but their eyes are closed and they pant softly through a contented smile. I can see that it's going to be a very quiet afternoon at our house.