Sunday, May 02, 2010

Bear Goes To A Dog Park

Just down the street from where I grew up, the county has created a nice park that combines athletic fields, natural areas along a river, and A DOG PARK!

Now, you might think, "Well, Bear practically lives in Dog Disney world with woods, fields, and a pond, why would he need a dog park?"

And you would have a good point, except ... there are no other dogs his age to play with here at PFHQ, so I decided to go for it.

It was time for some socialization.

I had visions of me apologizing to every human (and some of the dogs) at the park as Bear alternately mated and fought with every dog in the park.

"No ma'am, I don't know where your miniature schnitzidoodle pup went. It was here a minute ago, playing with Bear ... uh oh."

or

" Whoa! It looks like Bear and your little Petunia are REALLY hitting it off. I guess we won't be leaving anytime soon."

I imagine all first time dog-parkers have similar trepidations.

No?

Just me?

Oh well ... that is life with Bear.


The first thing he did was mark everything as his.
This is where he met Elliot who was remarking everything Bear marked.


Elliot was a super friendly bouncy thing and a veteran of the dog park. In this picture, he's giving Bear the 411 on the other dogs.


There was the usual gossip around the water cooler. Bear got an earful.


It took a few minutes for Bear to cut loose, even with Elliot leading by example.



It was after they had a few drinks at the poolside bar that things really loosened up.


Once the drinks kicked in, it was madness and mayhem. I'm just glad there were no lampshades available.




After a while running in the mid-day sun, Bear was pooped and Elliot had to go watch the Lacrosse matches with his parents. So, they parted ways.
I let him romp in a ditch of cool water from the previous night's rain on the walk to the JEEP, after which, it was just a couple minutes ride to his grandmother's house.
There, he gulped more water and headed for the coolness of the living room oak floors to chill out and recharge.
None of my concerns came to be. He was a gentleman to all the dogs and did nothing to embarrass either one of us.
He is just full of surprises.



19 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm impressed!!! Miss you and Bearsy! Love you!

cinbad122 said...

He sure had fun. What a hard life!

Freste said...

Sure makes you wish you were a dog sometimes, doesn't it?

Pablo said...

Flike has now been to our local dog parks a half dozen times, and he's gotten over his fear of the other dogs. Mostly he ignores them and asks me to throw the tennis ball so he can go chasing it.

Cathy S. said...

Boys will be boys no matter what their species.

Caroline said...

The little schnitzidoodle lives here in the person of Jack Sparrow. Mini schnauzers have big mouths and think they are great danes, he would have been the one who started something!
Isn't it fun to watch dogs play and be goofy?

Anonymous said...

Hi FC,

That second pic really looks like he's getting the low down on the park fun.

Glad he was such a good boy!

P

jean said...

I love that second to last photo. He looks like he is having a blast. When we had a dog I use to dread going to the dog park. My guy was well behaved at home but was wild when he was around other dogs.

Julie Zickefoose said...

It's taken five years for Chet Baker to get even remotely civil around other dogs. Always up in their grilles. As long as everybody does things his way, he's cool. He's getting better, though...
Do I see jewels on the Bear?

h said...

I'm not surprised Bear was a good dog. He IS a good dog.

I tried to socialize my Akitas at Dog Parks. Some benefit.

Culinary Throwdown Friday!

robin andrea said...

Always a good thing when your dog is civil around other dogs. It enables you to expand their horizons and have a good time in new places and with new friends.

Dani said...

Bear is such a fine lookin' doggie!! I love how his pretty black coat just shines in the sunlight.

R.Powers said...

Emma,
You woulda been proud! Love you!

Cindy,
It's a dogs life.

Freste,
Yeah, except for that whole fixing thing.


Pablo,
He's got an agenda and is not to be distracted.


Cathy S,
True.
Words of wisdom.


Caroline,
It is and Schnauzers are especially fun to watch!



Patio,
I underestimated his savoir faire.


Jean,
I like that one too, ... pure dog joy.


Julie,
Bear is still packing, but not allowed to share the wealth.


Troll,
I have to agree wholeheartedly! Hope your horse won.


Robin,
Very true and since Bear is such a sweetie, I really was worried more about other dogs busting his chops, but it was all good.


Dani,
He had just had a bath so he would smell good for his grandma!

Carol said...

I used to scoff at them...but where else can a dog get to socialize and be a dog...

www.wildlifearoundus.blogspot.com

The Florida Blogger said...

I am the same way. I'm terrified our English Bulldog is going to start wrestling those little pugs.

Woodduck said...

You taught him well...or got lucky and got picked by a smart dog. ;~)
I enjoyed that!
(happy trails and puppy dog tails)

Just the Right Size said...

I don't mean to be rude for noticing, but has Bear, ummm...had his "boys" snipped? If not, is it a good idea to take him to a dog park?

Love you and Bear...I'm just being a friendly adovcate of doggy park etiquette. :-)

roger said...

good dog bear!!!

LaDivaCucina said...

Ah haha! Love it, they look like they were having a ball!