At the dog park
peterdannock • 12 Sept 2026 •
With the sun shining, it felt like too good a day to stay inside. It was the perfect chance to take Louie and Otis to a nearby dog park for a run. Since it was our first visit, the number of cars in the lot showed that many others had the same idea. The boys didn’t hesitate to start exploring. Louie was entirely focused on his tennis ball, sprinting across the grass with boundless energy each time I threw it. Otis, on the other hand, had different priorities; his favourite activity was chasing other dogs and greeting every new friend. Watching them enjoy themselves in their own distinct ways reminded me how different their personalities are.
One of the great things about a dog park is that the dogs do most of the introductions, breaking the ice naturally. Dog owners are always happy to talk about their pets. Before long, I found myself chatting with people I had never met, discovering common interests and forming new connections. Conversations often started with the dogs but soon wandered onto all sorts of topics, from favourite breeds to hobbies and life experiences. By the time we headed home, the boys were tired, happy, and content, their tails wagging eagerly. An afternoon of simple pleasures. Good company, playful dogs, and friendly chats.