Dear Harley,
I got lost 2 months ago but like you I was lucky to be rescued. The vet says I’m a mixed up year-old Beagle. I like to play and go for long walks with my new Mommy. She is taking me to the parks where I have to be on a leash, but I’m learning to pay attention when she tells me to “sit” and “stay” because I’ve discovered that I get good treats when I do.
The other day we went to a place called the Sedona Dog Park.
This park is fenced all around so we can run off leash in total freedom, and there’s a separation between the BIG and small dog area.
April 1st – We get to the park around 8:30 am and are waiting for my Mom’s friend and his dogs to arrive.
We’re just outside the fence and see these 2 women standing inside the gate with 2 very BIG muscular dogs that don’t look too friendly, but the humans were scarier to me. I think they are pretending to be guarding the entrance into the BIG DOG area and trying to decide if we should be allowed to come in. They are telling Mom that we need to go into the small dog area. Hey no problem. Then they start saying that a small dog was mauled very badly in the BIG DOG section and the gravel part is for the BIG dogs, but I did see one senior-looking little dog in there. They were scaring the beejeezzus out of us.
I think they were looking for their sign that said “KEEP OUT”, you are not welcome. Can you imagine, Harley? This is my VERY first time at the Dog Park.
April 2nd – 8:00 am- All things considered that first day went OK after those brassy (I think that’s what she called them) women left, so Mom decided we could go again and meet up with my new friends.
Arriving a few minutes early we again see that lady with her 2 BIG dogs. Just like yesterday, she is standing inside the gate talking on her cell phone only now in the SMALL dog area. We’d better wait outside the fence again.
We are just sitting there minding our own business when this woman calls out to Mom, “Are you coming in?” Mom responds saying, “No, I’m waiting for you to leave.” She tells us she’s not leaving and that we need to use the BIG dog area. Hum! Mom tells her she is not into being commanded as to what she should do and wonders out loud, “Who died and put her in charge?” She’s saying the opposite of what she said yesterday but our friends arrive in the nick of time and we head into the upper part of the BIG dog area that’s more like a hiking trail.
We 3 dogs romp around for a bit and then I get side tracked and find myself down in the gravel area with allot of BIG dogs. Mom has lost sight of me, but I bark as loud as I can so she can find me. I think I must have freaked her out because I see her running toward me and she picks me up and sees that I am all mucked up with slimy spit from a BIG dog so we high tail it out of there. I got a good bath after we get home and I guess she found a small cut on my ankle from the gravel.
Mom has decided that we will NEVER go back to that Dog Park again. It seems there are a few people who hang out almost every day and chew the fat and openly smoke cigarettes and don’t like “outsiders”.
Harley, BEWARE if your Mom ever wants to take you to the SEDONA DOG PARK.
Love,
Your Pal Skipper
Dear Little Skipper:
As a pup mutt you have much to learn. People can be selfish and cruel. Some even believe that rules are made for everyone except them. I feel sad that you weren’t able to run free without it turning into a bad experience. However, take heart. As you continue to outgrow your youthful exuberance I’ll just bet you discover how to appreciate your mother’s caring love as she keeps you close to her on a leash.
I think grassy doggie “newspapers” are far more interesting than the gravel variety and most certainly easier on the paws. Just enjoy your new life and home with someone who truly cares. Maybe you might consider raising your leg on the next grumpy person you encounter. Oops – that idea didn’t come from me!
Lovingly,
Harley McGuire
Dear Harley,
We knew that you would want to read this and be informed.
WHAT PETS WRITE IN THEIR DIARIES
Excerpts from the Dog’s Diary:
8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm – Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm – Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm – Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
Excerpts from the Cat’s Daily Diary…
Day 983 of my captivity…
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet.I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. Bastards.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.
The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now………..
Thanks Harley,
You are so right on and I will take all your comments to heart and please know that Iam learning every day as to how lucky Iam
to be in such a good home with a wonderful loving new Mom. Iam so happy to be growing up in a place with someone who
gets me and appreciates my many terrific qualities.
For now I continue to love my walks and the leash ain’t so bad either. This new home has some very yummy chew bones too.
Stop over any time and we can swap stories of our new experiences.
Thanks again for being such a good pal,
Skipper
These are sooooooooooooo entertaining….love them.
Sent via Facebook: cool dog
Dear Skipper,
You’re very young, so let Me give You a little advice “We Dogs are Great, however some Humans can be Agressive”. Your Mom will have to learn to cope with Her species, so that You can go to the Park, make Friends and learn to be a Social Puppy. I was Very Scared when I first went to the Dog Park, all the dogs looked so scary. But as We continued to go, I made Friends, and My Mom made Friends, and now I race Her to the car for Our Dog Park trip in the morning.
Hang in there Skipper, and train Your Mom to make Friends. And ignore mean people on cell phones, that think They own the Park.
“Enjoy the lightheartedness of the column whilst the political gunbattles of the rest I can’t be bothered to read”
A Cottonwood no pet household
Amen to Peggy and many thanks to my pals, two and four legged, who take time to read this very, very serious column relating to other types and a variety of complex social issues.
Lovingly,
Harley McGuire