Bark in the Park

     Today I drove to Huntersville to attend "Bark in the Park", which I have been told is one of the largest annual dog-friendly events in the Charlotte area.  The parking area is A HUGE field, with more cars than ants at a picnic.  Thank goodness there seem to be many people attentively and patiently directing the never-ending line of cars (myself included) to the area of field next chosen to be populated.

     Inside the main entrance dogs and people of all shapes and sizes were everywhere enjoying the smorgasbord of booths, demonstrations, and other spectators.  At the main stage, DJs from the local radio station KISS 95.1 beg the crowds to "Please clean up after your dogs!" sporadically.  Otherwise upbeat music lends a festive air to the park in between events.  There are two huge areas fenced in for competitions and demonstrations.  Fields on either side of the main fairway give plenty of space to canines and their companions to just catch their breath before diving back into the crowds, or enjoy some off-leash romps across ample acreage. 
     There are several rows of booths set up offering a wide array of services for humans and canines alike.  Training, treats, pictures and food were everywhere!  Great Danes, Border Collies, Chihuauas, Daschunds, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, all types of mixed breeds and many many more dogs wagged their way around the grounds excitedly.  I was encircled by voices laughing and talking, dogs sniffing and playing or practicing obedience or tricks.  A good time was obviously being had by all!
     After a casual lap around, I found who I came to see, Fara Robinson, at her Greater Charlotte SPCA booth.  It was nice to hide on the sidelines for a bit and play with the adorable and loving dogs she had available for rescue. 
     All in all, a fantastic day. Four paws up!

Stealth Cleanse

     My fiance loves our dogs, but hates their hair!  The all-wood flooring in our house showcases the tumbleweed-like fluffs and random tufts waft in the hallway.
     One thing he absolutely forbid was bathing the dogs in the house.  He was certain it would make the house stink, and get water and more hair everywhere.  However, early in the morning he has to go to work. I do not.  Just me and the pups home alone... I have a game plan!
     A good brushing OUTSIDE removes most of the loose, dead undercoat in the back yard instead of the living room.  During the baths I have conditioned  dogs to stand still and be patient, so no splashing water outside of the tub!  I then took them back outside to be powerdried and brushed lightly again.

     When Matthew got home that evening, I waited until after HE took a shower to point out how soft and clean the doggies were. He had no idea I bathed them inside! My fur-babies never tattle on me, I always tell on myself.

Dog hair in my coffee!

Grace helping with coffee!

I love how my pups let me sleep in. I lay in bed until 10:30am and not a peep! Large machines are tearing a chunk out of my front yard for a turn lane and my hound mix just stares out the window at them. He may believe he is supervising.

            When I finally start moving around, I check my email from bed – tip-tip-tip! Brutus taps down the hallway to check in. I hear Grace moving in the other room. Mommy’s up! A good morning stretch is always better with a dog kiss (or two).

            Everyone gets a potty break and time to stretch their legs while the coffee perks. My pups get a nutritious breakfast and I sit down with my sugary caffeine.

            There is a single dog hair in my cup, I fish it out and realize – I don’t care. I love my fur-babies!