THE DOG PARK

Spring Hill, Florida recently opened a dog park where dogs may run free without a leash and meet other dogs (and owners). There are three areas for the dogs - a Big dog area, a Small dog area and a Working dog area. A wise degree of separation, in my opinion. I recently came to Florida from Los Angeles and I visited four different dog parks there in the Los Angeles basin out of ten that I had heard of. We frequented the one off Laurel Canyon, the most. By contrast, Ventura County, California had NO leash law and dogs were allowed to run and swim at the beaches. It was an hour drive north but the joy of seeing the dogs running and playing in the surf was worth it.

Here in Hernando County, Florida, the choices are much fewer. However, I am quite happy there is a place where Shadow can run free. He needs to run. He is a growing dog and I want him to exercise as often as possible. He has encountered the same Golden Retriever, Digby on several occasions and they play quite fiercely. Some of the owners watch in dismay as these two go at it, but its all in fun. Digby is bigger, but Shadow is quite capable and takes the initiative to instigate the rough housing. Then, as they tire out, they will scratch in the cool sand and rest right next together like the greatest of friends.

I'm glad Shadow gets some social interaction with other canines, sometimes, we humans must seem SO boring with our puny ability to smell and hear. Sometimes, I think the major advantage a human has over a dog is the ability to manipulate a can opener.