The fragrant roses, herbs, the myriad of perennials and the showy colors of the annuals all call to me when I walk in the park in the summer. In the cooler months, the changing colors provide a different beauty. And, for me, even the wet snow clinging to branches offers a reason to walk in the park in the winter. However, I’ve noticed that in every season there is something else that brings much joy and energy to the park. Dogs!

Unfortunately, I developed a fear of dogs during childhood. This is not surprising because our mailman (now mail carrier) brought his dog with him on his rounds. I guess that was allowed in Wisconsin. His little black and white dog was vicious and anyone with a grain of sense was afraid of him. Our mailman was probably the only one for whom other dogs were never a threat. This dog was responsible for giving me a fear of dogs.

Fortunately, the Park of Roses enabled me to overcome my fear of dogs. It started with Fred, a mid-sized rescue with some herding instincts, a beautiful face and a wonderfully friendly personality. Fred became an honorary rose volunteer shortly after he arrived at the park with his human who was also a volunteer. I was also a volunteer, and was most pleased to see that Fred liked me. Well…actually Fred liked everyone… but I was included. He seemed to know just the right time (when I needed a break) to come to me, put his nose on my knee and seek attention. He wasn’t the least bit frightening. Fred doesn’t volunteer any more. Like many of us he has less energy and is less likely to stay with his volunteer group. I miss seeing him.

There are a couple other “regulars” that I miss. Jack and Annie visited the park every day with their human. It is pretty hard to be afraid of a pound and a half ball of fur…that’s Jack. He is very cute and has a tongue that is at least ten inches long and a bit reminiscent of an anteater’s tongue.

Jack was always ready to visit and be patted and admired. It is also impossible to be afraid of his friend Annie. She probably outweighs Jack by twenty pounds, but has overcome tremendous shyness (with the help of her human and Jack) to become a loving, friendly, calm dog. Jack and Annie moved this summer and I hope they are enjoying another lovely park, and helping other humans develop a love for dogs.

Like Annie, Penny came to the park with her four legged friend Zoe and her human.

Penny was a scared, jumpy, skinny pup. Her human worked very hard to make sure she felt loved and secure and that she got plenty of exercise with Zoe. Penny has put on a few pounds (some of us do as we age) and she is no longer shy, but friendly and well behaved. Zoe is still friendly and quiet as she is progresses through her days with cancer. They both bring joy to the park.

With my fear of dogs all but gone, I had a growing belief that I was rather gifted with befriending dogs. However it turns out I was just beginning to learn about them. One day I began to notice that the dogs who normally came to visit me while I was sweaty, dirty and tired instead were intent on finding another volunteer. They might offer a glance my way but were quick to pass me by. It seemed I was not longer their first choice! What was going on? What could this other volunteer offer that I couldn’t? He didn’t have a dog at home, didn’t seem to pat them or hug them any better than I…he didn’t even remember their names! Well, you may have guessed it; turns out that he had dog treats! And, not just run of the mill biscuits, but high-end organic non-gmo dog biscuits! My feelings were a bit hurt, but I learned that even “man’s best friend” can be bought. Still, the dogs didn’t forget me. They always came to visit me after their treat. And I didn’t have to offer a bribe.

Several of us who volunteer at the park fit into the elderly category (we would never use that word out loud) and like the aging dogs, we have aches, get stiff, and go to physical therapy. Tanis and Gem (both friendly dogs) also have regular physical therapy appointments which allow them to walk in water to limber up their aging legs. Like them, we don’t have quite as much pep in our step, but we keep moving and enjoy the park as much as they do.

I’m grateful for all the plants and trees in the park, and also very grateful for the happy, friendly loving dogs that have shown me that the mailman’s dog is not the norm.

Submitted by Liz Cabot, volunteer and Park of Roses Foundation Treasurer