There is a small dog park near our home. It was built by the sheriff’s department and it is where they go to train their dogs. When they aren’t using it, the park is open to the public.

There are walls to jump of various sizes, barricades to hide behind, poles to weave through and only a few trees. It really needs more shade. We try and take the dogs there at least once a day. Before we actually leash the dogs and bring them into the park, I go and talk to anyone who is already using the area to find out if their dog(s) is/are friendly, would they mind two other dogs coming in, and also to meet their dogs myself, just to see how “friendly” they are. I believe that is only fair.

Today we started out with four dogs playing together. Suddenly a woman appeared with six dogs of various size- from dachsund to rottie. Without even introducing her dogs through the small introduction area to the dogs there, she opened the gate and let all six dogs in. They raced directly toward Lei and Kodiak. Thankfully, they were friendly (well sort of) One wolf-hybred wasn’t that friendly nor would she behave. Two males were intact. We left almost immediately because Kodiak hasn’t been fixed yet. Her appointment is next week.

I wish there were posted rules of etiquette for the park. I know that dogs are pack animals, but this sudden flooding of dogs was pretty disconcerting. Lei spent the majority of the time with her tail tucked under her legs so the dogs would leave her be.