Dog park success

Nothing smells better than success, and this afternoon, Bing took in a giant breath of it. Although thoroughly exhausted, she would like to sit next to my desk and dictate her story.

By Bing Fender

Just like the hot dog that falls from a stick, unsuspected surprises taste great and today, I felt as much victory in my playful afternoon as I feel when I snag the fallen wiener at a cook out.

On a snowy day last winter Mom took Clover and me to the dog park. This was not just the scariest day I have ever experienced, but I even have nightmares. That cold, winter day, Clover who knows all about dog parks and is every dog’s buddy, jumped into the fray and I followed not knowing what to expect.

I am the timid type and dogs – large or small – just frighten me to the bone. On that day, and please feel free to read my experience in the archives at “Dog Park Fright,” I learned the importance of security and the warmth of home, as I panicked with dogs coming at me from every which way. My bowels released and I yelped pitifully. Mom rushed me to the car as best she could, where I felt the safety and security of the familiar smells and sights of my own back seat.

Today, Mom announced that it was a beautiful day and we were going to the dog park. I don’t understand English very well, just happy tones, so I got very excited. I did hear the phrase “car ride,” so I pranced about the room as Mom leashed us. We drove into the parking lot of the dog park and Clover was over the moon. I latched on to her exuberance until we arrived at the familiar gate.

Oh, no. I hunched my shoulders in fear as Clover nearly pulled Mom’s arm out of the socket. A dog tried to sniff at me and I cowered against Mom’s leg. Because Mom wished to have future use of her left elbow and shoulder, she freed Clover from her leash and kept me by her side. Even though the dogs scare me, I feel safe next to Mom.

We entered the park with me on a leash and Clover nowhere on the radar screen, and I loosened up as dogs came up and sniffed. I found courage next to the safety of Mom, as she set off to find my errant sister dog. Yep, believe it or not, on this bright, sunny spring day, where the ground is dry, Clover found an 18-inch deep swamp of rancid muck deep in the woods and wallowed. So, as Mom pulled Cover out of the swampy mud and set her to run and dry a little, I gained hope for play at the dog park.

Clover is the leader of our two-pack and I always follow her cues, so with her forging full speed ahead, I gathered the courage to pull on my leash of security and Mom reluctantly released me. A little tentative at first, but soon, I gained confidence to tug on a Frisbee from a chocolate lab. Then I chased a beagle whose owner shrieked when she saw Clover.

Mom told us about the time when Elise was a toddler and she took her to the local pool while in the late stages of Chicken Pox. Mothers tugged on their babies until they could get a good grasp and politely pull them from the pool where the spotted unclean girl splashed. Mom knew Elise was not contagious, so they enjoyed an afternoon with the baby pool to themselves. She said she was reminded of that day so many years ago because the dog owners did not want Stinky Clover Swamp Thing near their clean pooches.
We continued to play together, since the other dog moms had issues with Clover’s reeking presence. A great big collie pranced toward us and I nosed her just like we had always been friends. Even the yapping Sheltie did not give me cause to cower – I found my bravery and wore it like a badge.

At the end of the day, as Mom fretted over how she was going to get muck dog home, I felt victorious over fear. Even though my shyness and fear of people and dogs has kept me away for a while, I now feel strong and empowered as I have conquered my anxiety – at least for today.

After a long session with two dogs and a bath tub, Mom sat me down and told me I should feel proud of myself in boldly playing with the other dogs at the park. I did. She also told me that whenever I feel afraid, to know that she is near to put me on a leash and keep me close to her side.
She said that people too have fears and feel weak and vulnerable at times, but when they know they have a safe place to fall, they can summon courage and conquer fear.

I am exhausted and so drippy from the bath; I think it is time to mosey over to my bed and take a breather while Mom and Dad eat. This nap will surely bring me good dreams.