A Dog Day Afternoon

Once again we had a perfect weather weekend. I got my mowing chores done Thursday evening, went to the farmers' market with Miss Chef Saturday morning, and did my vacuuming and dishes after she left for work. I sat outside in the back yard for a while with Rosie, enjoying the neat-looking garden and wonderfully cool air.

But I had plans for her, I did. I was taking her to every dog's dream--an off-leash dog park! Charlotte has 4 or 5 of these wonderfully generous places. The one closest to us is in the William R. Davie park. It's about a 20-minute drive, but I figured it would be worth it to give Rosie a deliriously exhausting good time.

After all, every time we see another dog on our walks about the neighborhood, Rosie becomes fixated. Every bit of diligent training flies out of her head as she strains at the leash or tries to drag me backwards where all the fun is going on, Moooommmm....

Fine--let's go; I'll let you off the leash and you can sniff all the dog butt you like, for as long as you like.

Guess what? It was kind of a bust. A few pictures are all I need to show you:


See all the dogs and people back by the picnic table? Notice which way Rosie is pointing?

" C'mon, Mom, let's get going."


"I don't know how to read, but I know this is how we got in here."

"It's hot! Turn on the AC, and let's hit the road already!"

Seriously?? This is what she does?? There were dozens of dogs of all sizes, colors and personalities. Some wanted to sniff butts, some wanted to play, one really really wanted to practice his puppy-making skills, but little Miss Asocial wanted none of it. She was more interested in what the dogs left behind than in the dogs themselves.

Plus, she was being fussy about water. There were buckets, bowls and even a kiddie pool throughout the park, but she turned up her nose at all of them. I could understand the brown water, but c'mon--you're a dog! And you're wearing a double-thick black fur coat. I know you're thirsty. I finally dumped out a bowl of water and refilled it fresh for her; she suffered to drink from it only while I was crouched down in front of her. When we got back to the car, she proceeded to down an entire bowl and a half. From her own, personal bowl.

However, I did achieve one goal: as soon as she got settled down back home, she sacked out in the living room. At least she won't be bugging me for anything tonight!

On the other hand, I kinda feel like sacking out, too. I guess walking around a 5-acre park is some kind of activity all by itself. We'll try again soon, and maybe I'll bring Miss Priss her own private water supply. Don't be surprised if the other dogs turn up their noses at you then, missy.