Jun 30

2007

Otis and the Dog Park

I like to take Otis to the dog park at least once a week if I can, usually on the weekend. During the Summer, however, it’s a little hard getting the motivation to go out in near or over 100 degree temperatures. Even for as much enthusiasm as Otis displays on the way to the dog park, he poops out rather quickly once we get there. Last weekend, Eric and I thought we’d be smart and go in the evening. We left at 7:30pm and arrived at a completely empty dog park. Apparently no one else thinks evenings are a good time. I was sad that Otis would have no playmates, but at least he could burn off some energy. We let him loose in the large dog area. He ran around like crazy. He tried running faster than his short legs were designed for and ended up running kind of sideways as a result. He was happy, but I still hoped another dog would show up. Luckily enough, a girl and her large dog named Tally showed up. Otis and Tally played for a long time. He had never played for that long in the park before. usually, he burns off all his energy in the hot sun within the first ten minutes and spends the rest of the time sprawled out in the shade, guarding the water bowl.

The evening was nice, but there was little time before the sun went down and the mosquitoes came out to play. We were lucky to have Tally there, but I was afraid future evenings may not prove as fruitful. This weekend, I asked Eric if we could please not sleep in so late. We got up at 8am (as opposed to the usual 11am). After getting dressed and eating breakfast and watching TV for a spell, we left. It was around 10am and already 80 degrees. A lot better than 95 or 103, but still obnoxiously warm. Otis jumped into the car, all eager to go as usual. When we first got him, he was terrified of getting into the car. Now, he sits at the car door looking as though he’s going to try and open it himself if we don’t hurry up.

When we got to the dog park, there were no dogs in the small dog side. We let Otis in with the large dogs. He seems to do better with them anyway. His excessive hyperness and tendency to trample those smaller than himself do not go well with chihuahuas and miniature pinschers. He played a little longer than usual, but still tired earlier than he did in the evening. I guess we’ll have to get him there before 9am for the best results.

There is a small wading pool there for dogs to cool off in. Fortunately (for me), Otis is a little timid around water. Unfortunately, the dogs he plays with are not and they share all their muddy-wet dogness with him. One soggy golden retriever puppy in particular trampled all over Otis, sharing his wealth of grime. Otis just had a bath last weekend. I only take him in for a bath once a month at the most. If I wanted him clean, I’d have to do it myself. I havn’t tried to give him a bath since he was a much smaller puppy. Even then, it was a chore. His water shyness is of no benefit when it comes to bathing.

When I got home, I considered trying not to notice his less than sightly appearance, but it was to no avail. He had to be washed. Eric had long since abandoned me for a nap on account of a headache. I was left to deal with the little hooligan myself. I gathered up some towels, pet shampoo, and the mangy mess himself. I put all of them on the kitchen counter and attempted to prepare myself for the battle. I realized he’s a bit large for the sink now, but bathing him in the bath tub is even more difficult. He started to freak out as soon as I turned on the water, before I have even put him in it. He cannot jump from the counter, so there was little he could do about it except squirm around nervously. Once I got him in the sink, he put up a mighty fight. After much wrestling, soap flying, water splashing, and unheard cries for help from me, I got him all washed up. I went up to see Eric, proud of my accomplishments. He was still asleep. Apparently, he heard nothing of the commotion downstairs, but was pleasantly surprised to hear of it after the fact.

I think next time Otis gets grimy before his scheduled grooming appointment, I’m just going to let it be.

Comments

No comments have been posted.

Your Comments?





Textile Help


About

I am: Shelley Limegrover

Where: Laramie, Wyoming

What: A Princess

Married to the most wonderful husband ever.

Search

Archives

Recent Comments

In Catching Up'
By nicki on 2008 09 28

just wanted to know who you were because we have to be related

In Because of Eric'
By Eric on 2008 09 19

I love my Lovie!

Posted 07-27 4:02
Had my first night observing at the WIRO telescope last night. Hopefully another tonight if the weather holds up.

Follow me on Twitter

Flickr

Elsewhere