Community Update

It is so hard to decide where to begin....I guess I should tell you about myself and why I think dog talk is important. I have lived with dogs since my early childhood. ( I was born in 1960, so you can see how long dogs have been a part of my life.) I have rescued and owned dogs of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Currently, I have two Chihuahuas and a Great Dane. I am also a Crescenta Valley Dog Park volunteer. Now that I spend a good deal of time at the dog park, I see a need for friendly thoughts and advice. I have met people from all over the world at the dog park. I have lots of new friends that I met at the dog park. This brings me to a very important point: The dog park is a place for socialization. Not just for the dogs, but for the humans as well! When the Crescenta Valley Dog Park was only a notion, I was there getting petitions signed, working booths at parks and fairs, walking the dogs in the Montrose Christmas parade, and attending meetings with the members, including town council member, Cheryl Davis. Our group was then called "C.V. DOGS" which stood for "Community Volunteers for Dogs Off-leash Gathering."  Ha! You thought the C.V. was for Crescenta Valley, did you? What I wanted to point out was that the dog park creates a bond and enables humans to socialize; humans that may not have much of an opportunity to meet other humans in any other situation. Some people might be too busy, while some are shy or feel awkward around new people. At the dog park, we all have a common bond: the dogs! The initial focus or judgment is not on the person. It is on the dog. We get to know each other through our dogs! There are "regulars", "the morning crowd", "the evening crowd", "the newbies", "the week-enders", and "the know-it-alls." I might fit into all of those categories (except "the newbies.") I try to help people when I see a situation that could be handled in a more positive manner. I look forward to sharing experiences with the community. You might see yourself in some of the situations. You might even already know me! If you know Rudi, then you know who I am! I often walk Rudi or have him in the car and hear people call his name out as they walk or drive by: "Hi Rudi!!" He is somewhat of a celebrity in the area. Stay tuned for more dog talk!