Lessons at the Park- #1

Dogs playing at the park.

I was at the dog park this morning and met a lady who was dog sitting her neighbor's dog. She was complaining that she "has to" watch him everyday because they work. In the next breath she said that her dog and the other dog play so well together. She heard that her neighbors might be getting another new puppy and then proceeded to complain that she would "have to" watch both of them if that happens. When I asked why she "had to" be so involved with her neighbor's pets, she responded that they would be alone all day if she didn't offer to take care of them. Lesson: Don't volunteer or agree to do something and then complain and resent doing it. If you can't do it with joy, then don't offer to do it in the first place. This story is an example of victim mentality. She really felt like she was being used and wanted others to feel bad for her.

Laura Barrette Shannon

"In life, you either hump, or get humped" Ken

At the park this morning, we talked with Ken about all kinds of things.
His closing statement to the many situations in life was:

"In life, you either hump, or get humped."

You either take control of a situation or are submissive and just 'take it.'

After LMAO, Ken said he does a little of both!

It's not so ruff to spread joy!

One of my favorite things in life; a simple pleasure I enjoy almost daily - is going to the dog park with my 2 year old dog, Karma.  She gets so excited when we leash up to head out for the park.  Her excitement mounts to peak when she spots George, another young dog she enjoys playing with.  The two lock eyes and slowly sneak forward until they finally meet and explode into a frenzy of slobber.  The pure joy exhibited by the dogs is contagious and causes me so much joy, also.  We love visiting our local dog park and enjoying life!

How the Dog Park Changed My Life

George with his friends at the park

Well, it started with a puppy. I wasn't looking to get a new puppy, but my 23 year old son had the idea that he wanted a dog and was ready for all the time, love, and attention that a puppy needs.  So, three months later, the new puppy George was mine. George was a very energetic pup, as most are, so I started taking him to the local dog park in the morning to let him run and play with the other crazy puppies.
After a few months George had made so many friends, and amazingly so had I. I had moved here from another state, and even though we had been here for a few years I hadn't really met anyone that I had clicked with enough to hang out with on a regular basis. I guess I wasn't looking in the right place! The dog park has brought so many good people into my life. I am amazed at how Life works sometimes.  You don't always get what you want, but you usually get what you need.  Without the puppy I never wanted in the first place, (don't worry he is the love of my life now!), I would have never met my best friends. I am eternally grateful for my wonderful friends, my puppy George, and the dog park that brought us together.
If you are looking to meet good people and a few crazy dogs, start going to your local dog park today. It just might change your life.  It changed mine!  :)

Laura Barrette Shannon