I started this blog as a spring board to creating a printed photography book on the lives and stories from the dog parks I’ve visited. There is a strong community that comes together for the sole purpose of letting their dogs play. This community comes together in very organic forms that can’t be created or organized. The people I meet come from all kinds of backgrounds and interests and might never meet up in any other forum. They are all bound together by the love for their dogs.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Early at the park
Wow, has it really been almost a month since I last posted to my blog. So sorry about that. It's been kinda crazy and I don't even know what happened to my summer.
For the past few weeks, I have been coming but just extra early. Two weeks ago, I met Carmin and her owner and we had a good talk about dog parks. It was great being early and not being overwhelmed with the mass of dogs (who I love) that comes after 10am. I've just been so busy that I can't seem to get everything together each weekend to get to the park and then come home and write a post.
Last Sunday, I came early again and it was even more quiet. I think most people who were there came for a walk in the woods. I wasn't there long because Toby heard gun shots so as I was trying to walk in, Toby was heading to the car. That was another short trip to the park.
Hey, (a bit off topic but still related) I wanted to let you know about a photo project I'm doing. I'm offering a special photo shoot for this month to support a group called Smile for a Cure which raises money for canine cancer research. $125 of the shooting fee from any photos this month will go towards the group. Check out my website for more details and feel free to spread the word.
For the past few weeks, I have been coming but just extra early. Two weeks ago, I met Carmin and her owner and we had a good talk about dog parks. It was great being early and not being overwhelmed with the mass of dogs (who I love) that comes after 10am. I've just been so busy that I can't seem to get everything together each weekend to get to the park and then come home and write a post.
Last Sunday, I came early again and it was even more quiet. I think most people who were there came for a walk in the woods. I wasn't there long because Toby heard gun shots so as I was trying to walk in, Toby was heading to the car. That was another short trip to the park.
Hey, (a bit off topic but still related) I wanted to let you know about a photo project I'm doing. I'm offering a special photo shoot for this month to support a group called Smile for a Cure which raises money for canine cancer research. $125 of the shooting fee from any photos this month will go towards the group. Check out my website for more details and feel free to spread the word.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Puppy Love
I showed up a little early to the park just to get out before it got to hot. Well, that didn't work because it was already hot before the day even started.
That was okay though. I brought my boy Isaac today with Toby and the three of us had a good time.
We got to meet two puppies this week which I was really excited about. I saw the Dachshund last week but didn't get a chance to say hello. Today, another person brought her puppy. This American Mastiff experienced all kinds of firsts today. He got to run and play with lots of different dogs. He learned was it was like to play in water and he got to meet this Dachshund who was the smallest dog he'd ever seen. It was a really cute little meeting and the Dachshund made sure to be the top dog. Both are really cute and I hope they keep coming to the park. I'd like to see how big this Mastiff gets.
That was okay though. I brought my boy Isaac today with Toby and the three of us had a good time.
We got to meet two puppies this week which I was really excited about. I saw the Dachshund last week but didn't get a chance to say hello. Today, another person brought her puppy. This American Mastiff experienced all kinds of firsts today. He got to run and play with lots of different dogs. He learned was it was like to play in water and he got to meet this Dachshund who was the smallest dog he'd ever seen. It was a really cute little meeting and the Dachshund made sure to be the top dog. Both are really cute and I hope they keep coming to the park. I'd like to see how big this Mastiff gets.
Monday, July 30, 2012
It's good to be back
It feels like I've missed out on the park for weeks when in reality, it's only been a few weeks. I just got back from a week in TN where it was so hot and humid. This weekend weather was cool and overcast. Such a nice change and it felt so good to be back in MA.
The Aussie families were out in force on Sunday. This dog here I don't know very well but the other Aussie parents spotted them from the other side of the field and even remembered their names (which of corse, escapes me). They live a ways out but must come to this park because it's so popular among Aussie owners.
I'm really glad to be back at the park and letting Toby run around and play. He was a little agressive with a few dogs but over all, has been very good at the park. We bought him a Thunder Shirt and though I didn't make him wear it at the park, it has been helpful for him with thunder storms or the Maynard gun club. It's not a cure all but sure helps.
Check out my other photos from this weekend by clicking on the image to get back to my Flickr page.
The Aussie families were out in force on Sunday. This dog here I don't know very well but the other Aussie parents spotted them from the other side of the field and even remembered their names (which of corse, escapes me). They live a ways out but must come to this park because it's so popular among Aussie owners.
I'm really glad to be back at the park and letting Toby run around and play. He was a little agressive with a few dogs but over all, has been very good at the park. We bought him a Thunder Shirt and though I didn't make him wear it at the park, it has been helpful for him with thunder storms or the Maynard gun club. It's not a cure all but sure helps.
Check out my other photos from this weekend by clicking on the image to get back to my Flickr page.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Maynard goes to the dogs and goes green.
Last night the Town of Maynard, MA got the whole town together to vote on the proposal to convert the old covered land fill into a solar pannel farm and off leash dog park.
Sustainable energy and dogs go great together. I don't think it will stop me from going to Acton on Sunday's because it's right next to the Rod and Gun Club. Toby can't deal with gun shots from our house so going right next store will be a bit much.
I also wanted to write that I'm sorry I've not been at the park the past few weeks. This month has been really busy. I shot at Whisker Walk last week. I'll be in NYC doing a shoot this weekend and next weekend I'll be at Bark in the Park. My next chance to get to the park is June 24th so don't think I forgot about you. I want to come shoot more and meet all the new dogs and people but this time of year gets really busy. Keep up with what I'm doing on my Facebook page if you want to come find me at these events.
"...the large scale photovoltaic facility developer shall construct an off leash dog park on 16,000 square feet, more or less, may only fence in six acres encompassing the actual photovoltaic facility and shall at the end of the term of temporary lease, provide access to and improve the top six acres of the top of the landfill for passive recreational opportunities..."This is great for the May Dog group who have been requesting for a few years to get a dog park in Maynard. I remember going to the first meeting with the City and they were very resistant to the idea. The group putting in the solar panels though saw the opportunity and knew it could be done with little effort on their side.
Sustainable energy and dogs go great together. I don't think it will stop me from going to Acton on Sunday's because it's right next to the Rod and Gun Club. Toby can't deal with gun shots from our house so going right next store will be a bit much.
I also wanted to write that I'm sorry I've not been at the park the past few weeks. This month has been really busy. I shot at Whisker Walk last week. I'll be in NYC doing a shoot this weekend and next weekend I'll be at Bark in the Park. My next chance to get to the park is June 24th so don't think I forgot about you. I want to come shoot more and meet all the new dogs and people but this time of year gets really busy. Keep up with what I'm doing on my Facebook page if you want to come find me at these events.
Monday, May 21, 2012
An advantage of being early.
Sunday was beautiful at the park. I had to come early to the park but I wasn't the only one with that idea. Coming early has a few advantages. It can start off really quiet being one of the first few at the park. My dog, Toby, likes that because it's not overwhelming with all the dogs and people yet. As people start to show up, it's not as jarring and he can deal with the transition much better. It also gives me a chance to talk with a few people or just take photos of the dogs running around. Toby can also get his nervous energy out and calm down as well before the crowds show up. Best of all, once it get's too busy, we can leave and feel we got a good day at the park. Staggering dogs at the park can really work do our advantage.
These two dogs are family and were loving the water and chasing the tennis ball. They would chase anything so even the small stick ended up being a tug-of-war between them. They were super cute and had a great time. I hope to see more of them next week.
These two dogs are family and were loving the water and chasing the tennis ball. They would chase anything so even the small stick ended up being a tug-of-war between them. They were super cute and had a great time. I hope to see more of them next week.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Bella and the crowd.
Another great weekend at the park. This Sunday was family day. Lots of people have been bringing their kids to the park. There has even been a few strollers coming. All the dogs are always so good with all the kids around too.
Some people get really upset when dogs scare their child in the past but everyone has to remember that this park time is scheduled for dogs. It is pretty rare though that a conflict comes up that isn't quickly resolved. With all these different breeds running around, some might think that it would lead to problems all the time. It's just not the case. Many dogs just love being off leash but will check in with their owners when they wonder too far away. These people love their dogs as family so the dogs expect love from everyone. That is just was dogs do. That is why I love coming to the park every Sunday. I get all kinds of love and I don't even have to have treats with me (though that would help).
Some people get really upset when dogs scare their child in the past but everyone has to remember that this park time is scheduled for dogs. It is pretty rare though that a conflict comes up that isn't quickly resolved. With all these different breeds running around, some might think that it would lead to problems all the time. It's just not the case. Many dogs just love being off leash but will check in with their owners when they wonder too far away. These people love their dogs as family so the dogs expect love from everyone. That is just was dogs do. That is why I love coming to the park every Sunday. I get all kinds of love and I don't even have to have treats with me (though that would help).
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Last Sunday was kinda strange because it was the calm before the Hurricane Sandy storm. It was overcast and really calm. Now with Sandy passed, I've heard there was some down trees but not too much damage. I hope all my readers got through without any issues.
Now I'm just trying to get ready for winter to start and am looking forward to seeing the regulars who come to the park on even the worst days. It's great what we do for our dogs. Even if we don't like going out but our dogs do, we brave the cold for them. The aussie and husky dog owners know best. My little Toby isn't so wild about snow and cold but once he's out and gets going, he's pretty happy. I just need to get some of that Mushers for his paws to keep his paws safe.
Hey fans, I wanted to also let you know that I'm working on growing my email list for my photo business to let people know what is going on in the world of fred levy art photography. Please sign up to my email list and at the end of the month, I'll be raffling off a photo shoot of your dog worth $300. You can sign up to my private email list (never to be sold) at my Mailchip address. I've also gotten Pawsh Boston Dog Boutique to offer a gift certificate for their store (off Newbury St. in Boston) to a runner up. Please sign up and get a chance to get some amazing photos of your pets and find out more about getting photos for your whole family.