*Editors note: the author, Sacred Heart University student, Lauren Kalil, completed her internship with HamletHub today. As a 'grand finale' of the many stories she composed, Lauren wrote about her trip to Ridgefield's Bark Park today.
Doing anything for the first time can be nerve-racking. Going to the dog part is no different. Upon my arrival at Bark Park, the first thing I noticed were dog owners sitting on park benches proudly watching their dogs. As we approached I wondered, “Would we be welcomed? Would they accept us?” I was dog sitting Reggie, a mutt rescue puppy, and had no idea what to expect.
As soon as I let Reggie into the “all dogs area,” (as opposed to the “small dogs only” area) he was greeted by the wagging tails of Ferguson, Bear, Penny, and Bella. Their enthusiasm and excitement was almost overwhelming - barks and drool, and wagging tails!
The regulars had some advice for me right off the bat - it was important I take Reggie off his leash when entering the park to avoid having the other dogs feel superior to him. I did what they suggested and Reggie was off. I could relax; they loved us.
At first, the dogs were playing joyously around the field with each other, but within only a few moments, Penny became jealous of Reggie. It seemed as if Reggie and Bear were playing exclusively and Penny did not like this. She and Reggie began to jump on each other in the midst of the argument as Bella and Ferguson stood behind to watch how the event panned out, but within moments, they were all friends again.
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Always "clean up" after your dog. There are plastic bag containers around the park to assist you with the process. One local informed me that the plastic bags were empty yesterday, but they had been refilled today. The dog owners take pride in the park and it is by mutual agreement that the park stays clean for their doggie friends.
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Monitor your dogs behavior. If your dog is not getting along with the other dogs, it is your responsibility to either take them to the other side of the park or take them home. This keeps a positive environment for the park that allows all of the dogs to enjoy their playtime and run freely without being bullied.
It seems as if my lack of dog park experience started some drama in the dog world, but it was interesting to speak with some of the dog owners. As the weather becomes nicer they told me that more people and their dogs will come. "It really depends on the day and the weather," a local resident said. "Once it warms up and the sun comes out, there will be more activity in the park."
Reggie and I will be back.
Bark Park is located on Prospect Ridge and is supported by the Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue.
*Photo above shows Reggie, Lauren (author) and Kerry Anne (HH founder).