Savoring Summer at the Dog Park

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Every once and awhile I feel compelled to talk about Eva. Eva is our six year old “puppy”, and I use the term puppy loosely because often people thinks she is a puppy when in actuality she is a full grown dog, and to her credit she actually does still act very much like a puppy.. I am thankful to say she no longer chews our shoes though, but instead she now enjoys her dog toys and her Purina® Pro Plan® Savor® Shredded Blend which keeps her satisfied and provides her with the nutrition she needs. Eva appreciates the real lamb found in Purina® Pro Plan®. I give credit to Purina® Pro Plan® Savor® Shredded Blend for helping her maintain her optimal weight which just might play a role in keeping her looking youthful and making everyone think she's a puppy.

She's determined to get the squeaker out of that octopus!

When we moved last year, not only did we go through the changes of the move, but Eva did also.  She went from having a larger indoor space to run around,  a backyard to chase balls, and front yard to sunbathe to now living in an apartment without the luxury of hanging outdoors whenever she wants.  This change has caused me to be more intentional not only does Eva get 3 to 4 nice lengthy walks each day, but I also make it a point to sit out on the porch with her so she can soak in the sun and savor the moments of summer.  With summer now being basically here in Tennessee we are finding more ways to enjoy the warm weather like spending time at the dog park. 

Since we will be savoring many days at our local dog park, I thought it would be a good idea to share with other dog owners the ways we prepare for our outing.  Since we never know who will be there or what Eva will feel up to doing on her excursion I make it a point to not leave home without these three items.

Three Things You Need to be a Dog Park-Boss

Toys

Eva loves to chase balls.  The first time we went to our local dog park I didn’t take any toys.  We simply went to explore the new environment.  After going several times, I remembered that Eva loved when I play tug of war and threw balls to her so I now make it a point to bring her favorite toys with us to the park.  Toys are also great to have when there aren’t any other dogs at the park for your pup to run, chase, and have fun with during the visit.

Water and Dish

Our dog park does have a fountain and every now and then someone may leave a dish behind, but I find it important to be prepared with your own water and dish.  A few months ago when we visited the dog park, the water was actually turned off so if we didn’t have our own water Miss Eva would have been really thirsty.  Don’t leave home without water!

Patience and Peace

The dog park is just like any other public place people and dogs can come and go as they choose.  Some dogs may have never visited the park before while others may come regularly.  Dogs are different just like people so make sure you bring a dose of patience and some peace with you especially if you have never taken your dog before because our dogs really do pick up on our tension.  If you are tense because of a certain dog is at the park then your dog will also become tense.  Tension and dogs do not mix well. 

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Share with us the ways you will be savoring summer with your pet.