Sadie and Lily had a true playground adventure last night. Our usually happy go lucky late afternoon doggie play date turned a little dark as Sadie was dominated by one of the more aggressive dogs and Lily made the decision to cross Kelly Drive.
Let’s start with Lily’s adventure and back up to Sadie’s. There is no telling why Lily decided that she wanted to cross one of Philadelphia’s busiest streets. On the side across Kelly Drive from the playground is a walk/bike/roll/run path that is used by hundreds of exercisers each day. What happens on the path is always interesting to Lily. There are lots of people moving quickly on bikes and skates. Many dogs are running partners with their humans. Children are strolled. Lately, some artists have set up easels to paint the scenes and landscapes. Families and friends hold picnics. Couples take walks hand in hand.
We are always mindful of Lily’s interest in the activities of the path. Yesterday, something caught Lily’s attention and drew her in. She ran full throttle towards Kelly Drive. Everyone gasped as Lily sped closer to the edge of the road. It is not clear what she saw or why she stopped. Little Sadie was chasing with all her speed to catch up and coax Lily to rejoin the other dogs. Dillan chased Sadie. Mini chased Dillan. Lily finally did return when she finally heard her name called. She walked back slowly and lounged the rest of the evening with the other dogs.
Sadie’s adventure involved play with Mini, a mini-poodle/mini-schnauzer mix about her size and color. Sadie and Mini share something important in common. They both live with Boxers. Mini’s boxer is named Cassius. He is about a year old, cute as can be, and sparkly in personality. Like Sadie and Lily, Mini and Cassius are best buddies. They do everything together. They love Sadie and Lily. Sadie and Mini were playing with a beagle puppy when another dog busted onto the playground. He immediately went for Sadie and within seconds she was lying on her back, paws kicking, whimpering. The other dog had pinned her and had her in a neck choke with his mouth. Cassius and Mini were barking and trying to get the other dog to back down. The people ran from every direction to separate the dogs. Sadie was quickly freed and the other dog shooed away. Eventually Sadie and her attacker made up and played together for the rest of the evening. But Sadie’s vulnerability reminded us that even though her personality is large and her heart and spirit even larger, she is still a 13 pound squirt of a dog.
We are happy to report that little Sadie and Tiger Lily are safe and sound after the evening adventures.
Sadie relaxes after her adventure on the playground
MM and RY 2008
So glad to hear the adventure ended safely! My friend has a Sadie who looks remarkably like yours. Hers has more poodle in her, though, I believe. Your remarks about the playground reminded me of this funny book I gave my friend, Sadie’s “mom,” called Dog Park Diary. It tells the tale of Goody the beagle on her daily trips to the dog park, and how she interacts with all the other pooches there as they go about sniffing and playing. Very funny book — even non dog owners will like it.
Thank you Lizzieb56! We will have fun reading your book about Goody the Beagle. We love to hear the tales of other pups!