A Day at the Park

Murphy is big. And energetic. And playful. The combination of these three traits can be overwhelming when he's been cooped up too long. So, in an effort to help provide him with an outlet for some of his energy and playfulness, Anastasia and I have started taking him to a dog park on the other side of Capital Hill. Our friends Nathalie and Abby and her dogs Roxy and Boston are regulars there, and joined us on our first visit last week. There were the usual doggy introductions, followed by some serious playing.





Anastasia got into the action, too, teasing Roxy with a stick for a long time.





The fact that Murphy is three times the size of either Roxy or Boston did not stop him from pouncing on the two little dogs like they were his size.





The dogs weren't the only ones having fun. Abby taught Anastasia a time honored tradition of writing your name in dirt with a stick.



After all this playing, the dogs were thirsty, so when I poured some water into an old cup, they all dove in.





We spent a little over an hour there, and throughout the whole time, I don't think Murphy ever put his tongue in his mouth. He was so amazingly happy!



When we came home, Murphy was a much more relaxed animal. Still happy and occasionally playful, but chill and relaxed. Sunday was very much the same. Considering the outcome, I think we've found a new Saturday morning activity.

Photos courtesy of Nathalie Rothert