The Magical Dog Park

The dog park. A space for dogs. A place for those without the space in their own back yard. A place where dogs and owners go to socialize with others like them. A place where owners and dogs are judged on social politeness in the hierarchy of training and behavior. My pooch, far from the most behaved, but adorable enough to pull off the young excited untrained behavior.

On the way to finding her new training school, we pass a dog park I'd never knew existed. I checked maps on my phone and no park is labled or designated. The park appears to be a pristine example of a dog park. It's half grass, half wood chips. There is a section in the corner with an obstacle course for dogs, essentially a dog playground. On the opposite side from the obstacle course in the park is a patch of trees, providing a shady corner to rest. There are covered benches for owners around the perimeter near the fence. The fence itself is like nothing I have seen at other parks. It is the typical metal chain link design, but is coated in a white plastic coating, making it smooth and a highlight to the overall aesthetic of the park. There is a vending machine at the entrance of the park. The vending machine has toys, treats, food, water, and leashes. What a simple novel idea, I think to myself. I wonder why all parks don't have these. It even takes cards. I can forget an item and not feel like a horrible mother and instead purchase the forgotten item.

I park and walk to the front gate with my loveable dog. There seems to be no dogs inside. I decide to go in anyways. I open the gate and enter. There are three dogs, but no owners in site. They seem friendly, so I stay. My dog immediately goes about greeting the three dog, following dog procedure. The dogs touch noses, sniff butts, and sniff all over. They initiate play with friendly pounces. The dogs appear to be teaching my dog the obstacle course. I take a seat and watch her run with the other dogs. After ten minutes she is doing the obstacle course perfectly. I call my dog over. I throw the ball for my dog a couple times. The other three dogs sit and watch intently, but politely. The three dogs are the most polite, well trained dogs I have ever seen. I call one over and throw the ball for it. It plays fetch in the most ideal way possible. I go to the free dog fountain and give all the dogs water. Then I leave the park to purchase treats from the vending machine. When I enter, I notice another dog. I leave to get a few more treats. On entry, another dog. In fact everytime I enter and exit a new dog is present and another gone. Always three present, acting stewards of the park. I see no other exit or entry other than the one I'm using. Each dog is well behaved and showing knowledge of the obstacle course and park. After an hour and a half we leave. When I look back towards the park after exit, no dogs are visible. I put my dog in the car and go back in. No dogs are in the park. Unable to explain the situation I decide to let it go. I get in the car and drive home. I decide I will go back next week after training and investigate again.





Sent via the Samsung