@thedogpark : Sophia's rehabilitation is complete!

Sophia gets to really run at the dog park!


It's officially spring! The cherry trees are blossoming, the clematis is blooming (!?!) and all of the shrubs are ready to burst! We had another sunny day yesterday, altho it was only 50-55 degrees, still cold enough for a coat (for both of us).

Every day I try to take Sophia to a place she hasn't been in awhile, to give her (and me) variety in our walking locales. Since I fired myself from Common Ground a week ago (I decided they didn't really need me so did the right thing) I have time every day to take Sophia for a walk. In wracking my brain trying to think of something new, I asked my office friend Kelly if she wanted to meet us at Greenlake and walk. She either has an incredible social life or doesn't like me 8-} (I am told it's the former.) We've never been able to get together outside of the office yet. Sophia has never been to Greenlake, and I think I have only been there once in oh say the last 20 years and I don't think I have ever walked the path there. So, no Greenlake today!

So I thought, I know! I will take Sophia to the "small dog" area at the dog park at Sand Point/Magnuson (on Lake Washington). She hasn't been to "playtime" at her school since before Xmas (she just didn't look like she was having any fun anymore; those darn little terriers just like to bite). When it comes to the city of Seattle you really can't find a place further away from home to go to - it is diagonally across the entire city from West Seattle to the northeast area past the University of Washington. It took 35 minutes to get there (at 3:45-4:20 in the afternoon). But it's the only park of 8 off-leash dog parks in the city to have a separate area designated for small dogs. I doubt I'll ever be able to go to a normal dog park since big dogs scare me. Altho working with the dogs at the animal shelter has made me a lot more confident about communicating with them.

Sophia started whining once we pulled into the parking area, she knew where we were. The city has redone the fence there, now, making the small dog area permanent. There is a nice double-gate entry close to the small dog area and also into the small dog area. This is so you can go into the middle part and take their leash off. Because as soon as you walk in, all of the dogs rush up to greet the newcomer. Sophia was a little overwhelmed by ten little noses, but after about 20 seconds they began to disperse and she felt a little more comfortable.

There were 2 dachshunds (I had no idea they could run so fast...), a little 5# white Chihuahua named Greta that is developing some insecurities (a biting problem), a Toto-like terries, a Benji-like terrier, 2 small black Schipperkes (I had to look that one up), 2 pugs, and a few other various dogs during the hour we were there. Oh, and a couple of dogs that are still puppies and learning socialization skills. They were so cute.

Sophia spent quite a bit of time running and playing chase. She came back to me all the time, tho, and hung around me, until she would run off again for a little bit before coming back. She also greeted all of the humans - she is very interested in people, since visiting the convalescent center she has learned that other people also mean food. People get a real kick out her, altho she goes along and leaves a dirty paw print on everyone's pants (everyone knows to wear "dog park clothes" when coming to the dog park).

I brought her purple polar fleece jacket since 50 degrees is pretty chilly, even in the sun. After a little bit she looked really cold, so I put it on her. Then she builds up static under her jacket and is REALLY friendly with everyone because she wants people to scratch her back under her jacket. It's pretty funny.

From having so much fear the first time we came here that she jumped in the lap of a complete stranger and wouldn't get down to now behaving like a very well-adjusted and happy little dog, I would say Sophia's rehabilitation is complete. Her confidence and interest in people, other dogs, and everything going on around her proves she is comfortable in her own skin.

I have a feeling I am going to be spending a lot of time at the Magnuson small dog park from now on.