Dog Parks and Social Networks

Despite the day starting off on the wrong foot, it was an excellent afternoon spent with friends old and new at the Dog Park at my end of town.

We have a wonderful online social network here for people who are animal advocates, pet owners, and all around animal lovers. This network was started by one of our local journalists who writes most of the animal articles in our local paper. There are many of us already on this network and it grows daily. Even though we all live (relatively)  in the same area, not many of us all have met one another. So Claudia organized an impromptu get together for everyone and their pooches at the dog park out at the shelter. 

Even though I couldn't take my crew (there might have been mayhem, and the little guy just doesn't do away from home very well) I went to meet everyone. 

What a collection of dogs! And they all had so much fun! There were a few that would get a bit growly, but then would play with each other. It was a wonderful time and I had fun being drooled on, stepped on, used as a springboard (by a pug cross) and cuddled with. We had a great time getting to meet each other in person, and meeting everyone's furkids. I was amazed though how quickly the dogs socialized and played and had fun.  

Someone caught a great picture of Max making off with Ben's (the journalist and our beloved mentor) bag. He brought books to give out and a couple t-shirts and goodies for the pooches. 

We had a great time, we talked a great range of subjects, behavior, foods, breeds and we watched a bit of dog dancing between Ben his dog Zach and Cindy's dog Tigger. We watched zooming little dogs, ball obsessed dogs, droolers, shy and doggies with springs in their feet. There was alot of smiling and laughter and many hugs going around. It was great fun, and I look forward to many more events like it. 

However, we never did figure out who was the biggest drooler, Yoda the Boxer, Zach the Sharpei mix, or Nita the champion heinz 57 doggie. They all did a great job so all were rewarded with treats. :)