To the dog park!

After my class got out early today, I hopped in the car to meet up with Ben and Abby at Centennial dog park. On the way I questioned why I would choose to spend an afternoon where I didn't have to be surrounded by a pack of dogs at work, surrounded by a pack of dogs at the park. Thankfully, the dog park offers a more expansive off leash space and today seemed to be rather calm despite the nice weather. (Generally it is PACKED if there is sunshine and a nice breeze.)

  

If you've never been there (or struggled to find it like I did the first time) it's at the corner of 31st Ave. and Parthenon Ave, right next to Centennial Park. There are actually two separate parks, one for small dogs and one for big dogs. Since Abby has never weighed less than 30 pounds on any visit to a dog park, she's always been a member of the "big dog" pack. The park is set on a semi-steep hill with most of the incline happening behind a small retaining wall made of hay and stone. A concrete path links both of the entrance gates and stretches the width of the park, making it easy to keep an eye on your dog without having to venture into the grassy/dusty areas. And, if you're not a worrier (like me) you can set up camp on a nice bench and enjoy the weather while your dog plays.

This park isn't usually my favorite around town (it's too easy to lose sight of Abby!) but today there was a nice mix of dogs. Some were a little too rambunctious, but their owners were definitely watching to make sure it didn't go too far. It's one of the few trips to the dog park I've taken where I didn't follow Abby around to make sure she wasn't being mounted by an overly dominant dog. It's definitely worth a visit if you've never been, especially if your dog likes to climb and jump, since there is plenty of natural terrain to experience. Your four legged friend might be a big fan and you'll never know unless you go! Nashville Metro Government has managed to make some interesting rules regarding who can be there though, so make sure your dog will be accepted lovingly. And make sure to close the gates behind you when you enter!!

Abby had a great time playing with some dogs and it seemed an even better time sticking her nose into a hole full of dirty water (despite the bowl of clean water right next to it.) And by sticking her nose in, I mean completely submerging her face and her front paws. The result was half of a very dirty dog. Ben tried to rinse her off before getting in the car, but she didn't seem to like the water bottle being poured over her face. And of course, when he got her home, she went right to her bed to take a nap. Now that she's awake again, a bath is definitely in order.

Here's a quick pic of the small dog park, in case you wanted to see. It's much sunnier than the shady hill enclosed for big dogs.