*Memorial Day Weekend *BASH* @ Findlay, OHIO Bark Park ~ *SUNDAY* MAY 30, 2010 ~

[Cataholic]

Some of you know I am long term fostering (very long, LOL) two puppies and a dog. I have decided to adopt the dog, and his name is Jasper. I want to bring him with me to the dog park this weekend. He needs more socialization.

The two puppies are, from what we can tell, "his". They are a lot less socialized than Jasper. In fact, the female- Bella spends most of her time hiding if anyone else is around- even Jonah. She has made great strides in the 6 weeks I have had her- great strides. But, she still hides. Rusty, the male, is much better. He is too much of a stinker to stay in the background- LOL.

I wonder if bringing the puppies is such a great idea. I don't think they will really become socialized from one interaction at a dog park, and is the 2.5 hour trip x 2, really 'worth it' to them. Bella would, most likely, stay crouched in a corner. She wouldn't interact with such a large crowd- I can nearly bet my life on it. Taking Rusty and leaving Bella would really seem unfair. I have a hard enough time walking Jasper alone...LOL, Rusty cries and cries. I can't imagine leaving Bella by herself all day.

I can get a neighbor to watch over them- they stay outside all day anyhow as it is right now.

What are other's opinions on this?

[MonicanHonda]

Hmm... Well, it's really up to you. I personally, would bring them. You don't have to spend all your time inside the dog park. We have the pavilion outside the dog park and people will stay in there and talk. You can also take a stroll through the park to give her a break. Although... I can understand how hard it is to take care of three dogs out in public! Lol But it's so much fun... and all the pet talk dogs are very sociable... so it would only be good meetings... can't speak much for some of the Findlay residents But most of them are good. And if you don't like one, you can just go to the pavilion for a bit! It's up to you.

[Cinder & Smoke]

I have decided to adopt the dog, and his name is Jasper.
I want to bring him with me to the dog park this weekend.
He needs more socialization.

I wonder if bringing the puppies is such a great idea.
I don't think they will really become socialized from one interaction at a dog park,
and is the 2.5 hour trip x 2, really 'worth it' to them.
Bella would, most likely, stay crouched in a corner.

I can get a neighbor to watch over them-
they stay outside all day anyhow as it is right now.

What are other's opinions on this?

Hmmmmm ...
I'd love to play with ALL of them ... but I'd bet the two Pups would
be a LOT happier left at the Homestead to be spoiled by the neighbor!

Bella sounds like she needs some gentle PEOPLE socialization, then some
small-crowd puppy play. Have you looked for a local Dog Park, or even a
Kids' Playground where folks can take well-behaved dogs? Break the Pups
in with a small crowd, then bring 'em on the Fourth of July or Labor Day
to meet The Mob and join The Gang for some fun!
You really want the Pups' first dog park expierence to be a low-stress, FUN
event that they remember as a pleasant time. Cowering in a corner
trying to avoid the rowdy hooligans might not be a good introduction to
the world of dog parks.

Jasper ought to be old enough to hold his own and enjoy the bigger crowd.

No matter if you bring one, two, or three - we'll try to make the Kids feel
welcome!

[Cataholic]

After more thought, I am going to bypass this weekend. It is going to be too much stress for Jasper (at this stage), with the car sickness, leaving the two pups all day (with my two neighbors both being gone all weekend long, so no real 'watchers' for them), no money, not sleeping cause of Minnie crying all night in the crate.

Just too much for me right now. I hope to make September's trip, though!!

[Cinder & Smoke]

[MonicanHonda]

Aww, alright... we hope to see you in September!

[k9krazee]

We're not going to make it Rich is moving into his apartment this weekend on the west coast of Michigan, and it would be a lot of driving for us. And I thought about just coming down by myself but then I wouldn't get to see Rich for another week (it's already been 3!) or help him move in. So it's a loose loose situation.

[Cinder & Smoke]

We're not going to make it

Awww, NUTZ !!

We're gonna *MISS* You Guys!