Dog Days

Since I moved, I've been finding where things are in my new home based on necessity. I go out and find things when I need them. The post office, a grocery story, a back way to work, etc. So out of necessity, I went in search for a dog park this weekend or at least a place where Ron and I could go and be one with nature. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Mecklenburg County has a ton of dog parks and walking trails.

Ron got pretty used to going to the park a few days a week back at school and we called them play dates thanks to the other 15 dogs involved on various days. I think the move to NC was equally as hard for him because with the exception of our afternoon runs, he wasn't getting nearly as much exercise and I was pretty sure he missed his K9 friends back in Harrisonburg. If I so much as say "Avery" or "Cooper" (his BFFs) he starts barking and running headfirst into the door.

We went to the park twice this weekend and he got to hang out with some other pooches. He was nervous the first day when a sheep dog sniffed him the wrong way but I think he got over it today when Madison showed up. She's a Brittany spaniel (just like Ron), equally as fast and with as much if not more energy. They ran around together for the duration of their visit and he even walked with her to the gate when she was leaving. I think he's in love.

It never ceases to amaze me how dog people relate to each other. It's always "Hi I'm so-and-so, what kinda dog is that?" Then it's story after story of what your dog does and how the other person's does something similar. I guess it's the same when you have kids or in any situation with strangers and you're looking for a common ground. Regardless, with true Southern hospitality, Ron and I were welcomed into the group.

Luckily enough, the dog park is part of a much larger park that's right on the lake. There's a place to launch boats, a few docks, some picnic tables and a bunch of walking trails through the woods. If I wasn't so deathly terrified of snakes we probably would have gone on a little hike through the woods but I refuse to come face to face with a snake alone. I would like to believe that Ron would protect me but he'd probably get distracted by a bird or a falling leaf and it would be game over.

For right now, the necessity part of exploring my new home is working. I plan to get in the car soon and just drive around until I know where everything is. I might wait until Ashley visits and I have a well thought out playlist before I commit to spending that much time in my car with no determined destination.