No park for me

Did you see me at the park today? No? Well, thank Toby for that. We got there and with in 5 minutes Toby heard shots from the gun club near by (over a mile away) and ran back to the car. We didn't even get half way into the park before he turned around. I even brought the chuck-it and extra tennis balls but had no luck at all. On such a nice day too.

The only good thing about it is that I got to go home and watch the Sunday Morning Early show which I normally miss. Bill Geist had a unique segment on the process of adopting a dog for the first time. This wasn't the normal Geist segment where he goes out into the unknown parts of the US to find fun things on the fringe. This was much more personal and is able to point out some of the powerful, yet simple things about becoming a dog owner that we as dog owners know but those that aren't don't understand. It is one of the rare stories that Bill is just as much of the story as his dog and was nice to see. Check it out if you get a chance.

The star of the park

Irish Wolfhound, originally uploaded by phaird.

This Irish Wolfhound was the star of the park today. This big happy boy towered over all the other dogs and even some of the people. Everyone with a camera, even a cell phone camera had to take pictures of him. He is just a big softy who wanted all the other dogs to play chase him. That is him with his owners.

Even with this Wolfhound towering over everyone, today seemed to be about little dogs. There was between 10, 15 or even more smaller dogs. Terriers and pugs were everywhere. The energy was very different because of them. They were running and barking and stirring up all the other dogs at the park. That was easy to do because it go so busy today.

I kind of expect it to be a slower day because the weather was overcast in the morning. By 10 though, the sun was out and it was warming up. Toby and I were at the park for over an hour and even when we left, the parking lot was complete full.

Beautiful day

Ball stealer, originally uploaded by phaird.

Wow, I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. The sun was warm but the wind was cool. No bugs around and everyone was just happy and enjoying themselves. It was an average busy day but so nice.

Toby was being good too. I brought 2 balls today just in case. This dog ended up with one which I expected to happen. It's a rare day when I show up so prepared.

I was also being shadowed by a student from SESOP. She needed to photograph and interview a professional photographer. My ego got a big boost from that. When she first started taking photos it was while she was a dog walker. Now as a student she would like to find others making a go at it. It's not easy but, to me, there is no better subject matter (well, except my on family).

I'm heading back outside now. This day can't be spent in front of my computer, even if I do enjoy entertaining my blog followers.

PS. for those locals who want to see photos of Acton, MA, check out this Flickr group.

Dog park drama

Toby hiding under the car, originally uploaded by phaird.

There was much drama at the park this weekend. Well, as much as Toby can create. The week before, Toby got into a dominance match with a much larger dog. For some reason these two really want to put each other in their places. The problem for Toby is that the other dog is MUCH bigger. Poor Toby got nipped on the side of his face because, like a good terrier, he didn’t ever back down.

After that Toby just said “lets go!” and ran out to the parking lot till I followed. I found him just hiding under a car panting. I didn’t really know the extent of how shook up he was till after I got him home and found the bite. Toby stayed by my side the whole rest of the day. He normally wants to be around but Sunday, he never left my side, even when I was down in my basement office.

There is a unique energy when 2 dogs go at it. When that happens the whole park, people and dogs descend on the action. It takes some shouting and pushing to get the action to stop and just like that; it’s over.

I’m not going to the park this next weekend. It’s my son’s second birthday weekend so we’re going out to celebrate. I’ll find something new to write about though. There is always something going on in the world of dog parks.

Rest in peace Fenway

Fenway, originally uploaded by phaird.

I'm sadden to find out that Fenway, a beagle mix, who I've known since I first started coming to the Acton park has died. His owner sent out a email saying that there was some accident while they were at their vacation home. Fenway was a active fun loving dog who's family loved him very much. It must be extremely difficult to deal with such a sudden loss.

Scout, their other beagle mix, must be feeling pretty lost without his best friend right now. They were perfect for each other because for as high strung as Fenway could be, Scout is equally relaxed. I rarely saw one without the other.

I will miss seeing Fenway dragging his owner down the road on his roller blades who is barely holding on. My heart and sympathy goes out to Fenway's entire family at this difficult time.

A hot August day

close to home, originally uploaded by phaird.

Another week at the park with lots of the regulars. My official summer is coming to an end quickly but at least I always have the park to come to. It was another busy Sunday and everyone stayed close to the water.

In the photo, the dog by his owners legs just got a grooming which normally means, jump into the nearest mud hole and rub down on something gross. His dogs were being good and staying close to home. He also had a bag of treats for training.

Some people have said that bringing food to the dog park is a really bad idea but I'm not really against it. If socializing is part of the training, then treats are a good reward. I agree that it can get overwhelming quickly but, at least at this park, I've never really seen any problems. What is important is to be aware that you have treats and be sparing on giving them out. If you forget about them, a sneaky dog could put a hole in your pocket without you ever noticing.

Back at the park

Sunday dog day in Acton, originally uploaded by phaird.

Sunday was another nice weekend day. It was good to be back at the park, taking pictures and tossing the ball for Toby. Toby was even excited about being back in the park after 3 weeks. He got into a little scuffle but it was good for him to be put in his place. He really needed to be shown how big he is (or isn't).

Because Toby has been having issues with other dogs, We've been coming early, around 9:30 instead of 10. Some days, we are the first ones their and other days, like this week, it was already already busy. By the time we left around 10:30 there was another large group of people coming.

I talked with a guy who had his 2 goldens with him. He says he's been coming to this park for over 10 years. It's a trek for him to get to Acton but this park is the best thing for his dogs. I wonder how far people go to bring their dog(s) to a dog friendly park?