Always nice to walk my dog on a nice day, down to the park, check out the neighborhood. And the neighbors. I've found that having a dog is a great way to meet folks, and today was a great example. I decided to take Jackson for a nice walk to the park. Maybe play some catch, enjoy the nice day. I noticed one of the women from the neighborhood was there with her dog. I had seen her there before, enough to nod, say "hi". About my age, looked cute and she at least said "hi" or nodded in return.
We exchanged nods and I let Jackson off the leash, tossed a ball out and he bolted for it. Like a good dog, he brought it back and was ready to go again. I threw it a little further out and he was off, but I noticed so was the other dog! They both arrived about the same time and began to tug on the ball , neither wanting to give it up. Both of us owners ran up and managed to free the ball and hold on to our respective pets. "Hi, I'm Jim. This is Jackson. Sorry about that." I said as I put the leash back on my four legged fiend.
"Nice to meet you. This is Evelyn. I'm Debbie. I think Evelyn was more at fault." My neighbor said.
"Great to meet you, I have seen you and Evelyn here at the park before. Guess you must live nearby. I'm just a block down." I offered. Jackson had calmed down and was introducing himself to Evelyn as dogs do, sniffing her behind. I wondered if Debbie would mind if I did that. She did seem to have a cute butt. Although it was a little hard to tell since it was still cold enough to require heavier pants.
Debbie had noticed the dogs introductions as well. "I see our pets have gotten introduced. Well, I have to run off, I'm sure I will see you here again."
I said "Good bye, I am sure we will." and started walking back home. I noticed that she headed for a blue Honda parked on the side street. Hmmm. Maybe she wasn't quite as close a neighbor as I had thought.
A week later at about the same time I took Jackson down to the park. It had warmed up a bit, and looked like we might actually be getting a nice Spring day. Dogs were funny. It seemed like it was "always or never" with them. We always go to the park on a Saturday at 10 a.m. Always. I saw Jackson perk up and sniff the air as we got to the edge of the park. He sniffed a bush and I undid the leash and got the ball out. Guess that was like Facebook for dogs. See who had posted something recently. I noticed a blue Honda parked off to the right. Looked like Debbie and Evelyn were here. Always or never. Just then Jackson bounded off and I took off following. Good exercise for both of us and I didn't want him to get too far off.
I followed him around some bushes and ran into Debbie. Almost literally. Evelyn had taken off as well and all four of us had converged at the same spot. "Well hello. Good to see you again, Debbie." I tried not to sound too out of breath. It is hard to try to hold ones' gut in while trying to catch your breath.
"Hi. Yes, nice to run into you again. Pretty day. I have plenty to do at home, but couldn't resist taking Ev out."
I noticed that she was wearing less than the last time. A baggy sweatshirt but good tight yoga pants. And I was right. She did have a good butt. "Yes, the chores can wait. Good weather like this should be taken advantage of."
Just then we heard the rustling from our two pets. As I turned, Jackson had just mounted Evelyn and was going to town on his new friend. "Oh shit," I said as I started to go to them, "No Jackson, bad dog!"
Debbie grabbed my arm and said "Wait, it is okay. Evelyn is spayed, and she deserves a little enjoyment. Looks like Jackson is having fun! It's okay, really!"
I stiffled a look and a laugh and returned to watching our dogs do what I hoped we might consider. Bet I didn't know if she was in a relationship, there was no ring, but who knows. As Jackson continued to hump Evelyn I commented "Well, they certainly have hit it off. I guess this makes us practically inlaws!" I glanced at Debbie and saw a smile cross her face. If I wasn't mistaken, it looked like one that meant she was a little envious of Evelyn. I know I was jealous of Jackson. It is sad when your dog is getting more than you are! I decided to take a bit of a chance. I turned to Debbie who still seemed mesmerized watching our two pets as they continued their frolicking "I taught Jackson everything he knows." It sounded cooler in my head.
"Oh. Really? And I thought it just came naturally to our animal friends. Wait. You aren't saying that you.... and Jackson..." Her look changed to more horrified than mesmerized.
"Oh, God no! I was just trying to be funny. No. I wasn't saying that!" Great. Now Debbie thought I was an animal abuser.