Dog Park Dilemma
When COVID began, my Dad decided to work from home and stop socializing. When the dog park opened, he felt it was a safe way to get out of the house and see other people.
Initially, we went a couple of times a week and stayed for twenty minutes. Now we go four times a week for over an hour. My Dad has met several people whose company he enjoys.
I’m happy that he has found a safe social outlet. I am not happy however, being locked in with a bunch of rough and unruly dogs five hours a week. I am afraid of one dog, a boxer/ shepherd named Champ. He is a bully. Whenever I walk through the park gate, Champ is waiting for me.
My Dad thinks Champ is being friendly and wants to say hello. Little does my Dad know that Champ growls and bares his teeth at me when he is not looking. I feel it’s only a matter of time before he bites me. I’m a wreck. How can I let my Dad know how frightened I am when I’m at the park and don’t want to go anymore?
Grateful, Davy
Dear Davy,
You are not the first dog to write about their fear of dog parks. Many humans don’t understand that dog parks are not for every canine. Dogs who were not socialized with other dogs in their formative years or had a bad dog experience are not good dog park candidates. Then there are dogs like yourself who are dog friendly, only to discover that not all dogs can be trusted.
Living in fear for five hours a week is not good for your mental health. It frosts me when I see dog owners drinking their ice coffees, blabbing away with their friends, and not paying any attention to what’s going on in the park, that is until it’s too late and a dog gets hurt.
Here’s a few things you might do to show your Dad the park is not for you. When he parks the car and opens your door, refuse to get out. If he pulls your leash and says, come, look the other way and dig your nails into the upholstery. If by chance he does succeed in getting you through the gate, stay by his side and start gagging. Gagging never fails to get a human’s attention. If at this point, he doesn’t take you home, collapse, shake and screech like you are having a seizure.
Your goal is to alert as many dog owners as possible in hopes they will rush to your rescue. After this incident, if your Dad has the gall to take you back to the park; your only option is to repeat the above steps. Eventually, he will become so embarrassed by your behavior he will stop taking you to the park. Don’t worry that you are preventing him from socializing. There are oodles of outdoor cafés where he can meet up with his new friends.
Best, Frankie
© 2021 Geneva Woodruff
Comments and letters can be sent to Frankie at dearfrankiecolumn@gmail.com. The Fairhaven Neighborhood News publishes the Dear Frankie column. To receive a free online subscription, readers can email neighbnews@comcast.net, request their name be added to the email list or visit www.neighbnews.com to read the paper online or to download the latest issue.
•••
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal.
Click here to download the entire 4/15/21 issue: 04-15-21 PumpTrack
