Last Sunday, Ty's big 30th birthday, we decided to take Parker to a dog park. The weather was perfect, I finally had a day off, and going to the park seemed like the perfect family time for the three of us. After getting all the equipment ready to go... Parker's water, "potty bags," leash, toys, etc we made a trip across town to try this out. I had already researched the park and we decided it was going to the calmest of them all. We should be fine, right????
The car trip was not to long, about 20 minutes, and Parker was ready to just get out and sniff. We walked over a bridge, past the soccer fields, past the playground, and through an open field to get to our destination. I really wish I would have taken a picture. I wanted to....but I was too nervous for Parker. We see right away that the gated area was separated, one side labeled big dogs and the other small. Already, Parker was a nervous wreck with me. What was I putting him through????
We let Parker in the gate and all the big dogs on the other side were just barking as he trotted by.I was beginning to wonder how this no leash zone was going to be. In the small dog side there was already one of those Whippet dogs. I understand how they are super skinny and may weigh as much as a little dog, BUT THEY ARE NOT LITTLE! This dog was towering over Parker. ( I totally understand that Parker is classified as a midget dog, says his vet, but I was picturing him with cocker spaniels and chihuahuas.) After the dogs calmed down, and stopped thinking of him as an afternoon snack, I was sure he would just run like he always does. Ty and I got his toy and were tossing it like normal, but it didnt work. The Whippet, and another dog that they thought was "small," kept getting Parker's toy. Poor little guy!!!! He would start to run, noticed them running behind, and just fell to the ground. He was playing dead!! These dogs would just stand over him, sniff, lick, and basically "dog molest." He was so scared, petrified, and ready to go after 5 minutes. Ty and I felt the same.
After about 25 minutes and half a bottle of water we gave up. The owner of the Whippet didn't seem to care if Parker could even move from her dog annoying him and it just wasn't good. We decided the track around the fields would be better. We did a little trail, took a couple pictures, and headed home. Parker was passed out after his "adventure" and we will try it again somewhere else.
What a trip!
