Once upon a time

My favorite dog park story happened long before I had Gracie. Many years ago I would borrow my friend's Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix - a neurotic handful named Fergie, and head to the park for a game of ball. One day while I was there, an older couple were desparately trying to corral their dog and get him in the car. My memory conjures up some type of springer spaniel for this story, but I can't be sure. As the man chased the dog around the park trying to snap the leash on him, the woman stood dejectedly by the car. To anyone who would listen she said: "We wanted grandchildren, but our daughter gave this dog instead." I laughed out loud. Probably not the response she wanted.

The off leash park at Minto Brown is a the McDonald's playland of the dog world. While I don't necessarily believe dogs are small children in fur coats, it is my intention to provide Gracie with a meaningful dog life. So I appreciate this wonderland of open space. Dogs are, after all, pack animals and I think they appreciate the opportunity to be dogs.

Remind me to tell you about Gracie and a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Hunter.