The Dog-Park Trading Post

DOWN AT MY local dog park, the scene is one of constant frivolity

- Richard Glover

Everyone smiles. Everyone says hello.

Are dog owners nicer than other people? I can’t imagine that’s true, but sometimes it feels like it is. Certainly, perhaps due to the presence of their animals, the humans of the dog park find it easy to be friendly. When I take Clancy, my Australian kelpie, there, dogs are a magnet for humans and a lightning rod for conversations.

At the same time, I have to admit that I may have become too dependent on my fellow dog owners. Whenever a question forms in my mind, instead of turning to Google I think: “There’ll be an answer at the park.”

Not long ago, there was the grand swapping of recommendations for professional services. It started with an older fellow with a similarly elderly Labrador. “Does anyone know a good computer person?” he asked.

“I’ve got one,” said a lady sitting with her schnauzer, “but I’m slightly loath to share his details in case he gets booked up. I’d be willing to do so in return for a good dentist.”