Dogland

We took our dog to a dog park (also known as a “bark park”) for the first time yesterday.  I couldn’t help but see the similarities to taking the kids to a park for play dates when they were younger…there are those dogs that “play nicely” and those that don’t, those in designer sweaters and those without, those that are overly obsessed with poop and privates…and “parents” sitting on park benches with goofy grins on their faces,  marveling over their dog’s behavior (“He’s never done that before!!”) and discussing such topics as age and discipline techniques.  Some had cameras to record their dog’s every move and of course one family even brought the requisite video camera…                                                                           

Our dog had a blast, and I must say, these dog parks post rules that human playgrounds should use.  Like, “If your dog acts aggressive toward other dogs, you must take it out of the park.” Substitute the word “dog” with “child”–wouldn’t that be great if parents of playground bullies would do the same?  Or how about, “You must clean up your own mess.” Not only are plastic bags provided at the dog park, but a special trash can as well! If they can do that for all those dogs, why not for diapers, too? And how about Rule #7,  “Children under 10 entering the park must be accompanied by a parent.” Gee, what a novel idea.  I once saw some kids at a McDonald’s Playland (too big to be sliding down tubes with 4-year-olds, I might add), who were dropped off there by their parents.  The parents drove up later to share some McNuggets…