Based on everyone’s advice, I waited awhile before returning to the Dog Park. I’m happy to tell you that it was a success! Rumbles was such a good boy! He was super excited when we pulled into the park and we ran from the car to the dog area, which is way on the opposite side of the park from the parking lot. This was the longest distance he’s run since his surgery. I was thrilled that he was running again and that he was soooo happy.

There were about 6-8 big dogs in the Big Dog side of the fence. And one annoying bulldog that should have been on the Little Dog side. Thankfully, Rumbles chose to ignore the snippy little beastie and proceeded to greet each of the big dogs. I kept him on his leash and we just walked around, saying hi to the people and the dogs. He was content with that and didn’t try to engage anyone in playing chase or a wrestling match. Quite the opposite of his former Dog Park behavior, but kind of a relief to me.

I answered a lot of questions about his leg (or lack thereof). I understand everyone’s curiosity and concern, but saying the word ‘cancer’ over and over kind of took the wind out of my sails. You know what I mean?

After awhile, he started to look a little bit tired, so we headed back to the car. I knew he wasn’t going to make it all the way back without a rest stop, so we headed for a big tree and laid down in the shade for about 15 minutes. Then we got  up to go and he wanted to run again. I was shocked, but cautiously trotted along with him, until he plopped down in the grass for another rest. Then he was back up, making it almost all the way to the car. Then back down for another rest. Eventually we did get to the car, I boosted him in and he contentedly sat in the seat, eager to see where we were going next.

So, this is another lesson for me in our new normal. Running and resting. Go and stop. Up and down.