Bark Bark at the Dog Park

Buttercup in her favorite spot

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Every morning, I start my day with a walk in the neighborhood. And if I time it right, I pass Lincoln School when the dogs are playing. Monday through Friday, they gather on the field next to the playground at 7:15. It’s an informal meet-up – sometimes many dogs, sometimes few, depending on the weather and their owners’ schedules.

This morning was beautiful and clear, promising a sunny day, so quite a few were there. Usually I watch their activity from the sidewalk as I walk by, but today I hiked across the field to join the fun.

I arrived empty-handed and yet they all came to greet me anyway. Maybe they recognize a dog lover when they see one.

Charlie, Missy, Sweet Pea, Moki, Honey, London and Cypress as well as a beautiful Golden whom I haven’t yet met were there, as well as one of my favorites – Buttercup. Sometimes Gracie, Ruby and Bliss make an appearance, but they weren’t here today.

This is the spot where anything goes, and the dogs know it. They take full advantage of their brief freedom to do doggie things – race around, chase balls and each other, and frolic as dogs do. The owners stand around in groups, chatting away but keeping an eye on their pets as parents do their toddlers – ever ready to praise or scold as needed.

Charlie stole a blue ball from Sweet Pea then ran around playing keep-away. Cypress brought me a ball and was pleased when I threw it pretty far several times. I tried to time the bounce for a perfect catch. Sweet Pea came and leaned against me for moral support when she was tired of being treated as a chew toy by others. Buttercup, Moki and Missy raced around and around, back and forth across the field, somehow missing legs, soccer goals, and other dogs. It was amazing and a little terrifying to watch.

Then naughty Buttercup found a spot where something – possibly dead, certainly stinky – lay. She, Moki and Sweet Pea rolled in it until we eventually walked over and made them stop. Her favorite spot, though, is the big mud puddle in the middle of the field, which she loves to stand and lie in. She and Moki can’t help drinking from it despite frequent protests from their owners.

Usually well-behaved dogs ignore commands when they’re off-leash, and can you blame them? Their boundless joy rubs off on all of us.

When it’s almost time to go, the dogs gather for treats – a clever way to corral them and get their leashes on before they head for home.