The Human Factor
“Where’s Your Walker?”
“How’s Violet’s Ear?”
“Here, have a seat, I insist.”
“We missed you yesterday.”
“What does chronic pain mean?”
These are a few of the things I hear almost every day – no make that every TIME I go to the dog park because it is two to three times a day!
If I felt isolated in our last home, I definitely don’t feel it here. However, what happens in the dog park, stays in the dog park… in a good way. By this I mean you talk to people, catch up on this and that, have a few laughs, but then you leash up and go on about your day until the next trip.
When we first got this place I envisioned my summer days quite differently. I saw myself taking my laptop and/or Kindle and sitting under a shady tree reading or writing while Violet wandered around doing her own thing.
Reality Check!
You are never alone in the park for a very long time as people come and go constantly. There is always someone to talk to. I think I have brought the laptop once in two and a half months and I usually have my Kindle but may get a half a page read per trip.
As for Violet, she may wander a little, but spends most of her time at my feet or at those of any one of her adoring human fans.
To explain how this has helped me grow would take a whole blog in itself but I will try to summarize.
- The comment above “Where’s Your Walker?” has been stated several times since my fall on the way to the park a month ago. A few of my park friends were concerned because I was getting dizzy in the park and was walked home a couple of times. After the fall they and Hubby convinced me to use the walker when coming to the park. At the very least I have my own seat, and at best, I have something more stable than a cane to hold onto. I don’t take it if it is a short trip and I am feeling stronger, but I still get challenged on it, in a caring way.
- I get thinking about other people (and dogs) and am not always focused on what isn’t right in my life.
- I am easing into my age better. I was beginning to not like the fact that I am on the closer side of 60. But there are many people my age and older and I fit right in.
- I am getting exercise just walking to and from the park, plus any that Vi and I do inside. With the walker or the new wagon Hubby got for hauling groceries, I can see myself exploring the neighborhood (once the smoke from the wild fires clears).
- People know that I am not 100% healthy to the point where they will offer me a seat or will leash up Violet for me but unless they specifically ask it isn’t a topic of conversation so I get to live outside of it.
So maybe I don’t get any work done and I am there a few hours out of my day. I am getting OUT, I am meeting new people, I am learning to structure my time better around Violet and Hubby, and I am feeling like I really have a life for the first time in a very very long time. If that ain’t good medicine, I really don’t know what is!
I leave you with a blast from the past, “Itchycoo Park” by Small Faces (which later became Rod Stewart’s group, Faces). It isn’t exactly the dog park, but it is up beat and fun!
Lydia!
Good for you, Lydia! Enjoy life! ❤
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Thanks, Felicia, I am! I think it is really the first time in my 58+ years that I can honestly say that! I would say that sounds sad, but what would be sad is if I never learned to enjoy things like my parents.
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Going to the park is a great way to clear ones head and to just reset.
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Yes it is!
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The park has many things to recommend in : fresh air. other people, other dogs, and exercise! Good for you!
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Another thing, when we aren’t in the park, but enjoying a cup of tea or juice, we can watch the people and pups in the park! Very relaxing!
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I’m looking forward to going when it finally cools down here!
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