It is 5 pm and we are approaching the Eastwood dog park located just east of the rink on 119 Ave and 85 St. For the last few months, I have referred to this as “the golden hour” as it seemed to be the peak time to meet other dogs here — thanks, I assume, to people taking their pups for a quick run as soon as they get home from work. But as winter closes in and the clocks change, the golden hour feels different. 

The sun has dropped below the horizon and we are now firmly into dusk. Still, we are approaching our favourite place in the world. It might feel different today, but the gate still swings open and, instantly, a symphony of barks, wagging tails, and joyful panting fills the air. It’s a cacophony of canine bliss.

I unleash Carl and watch him sprint across the field, his tongue lolling out, eyes sparkling with excitement. In these moments I am reminded of the simple pleasures in life, such as watching an awkwardly proportioned dog trying to keep pace with a Husky. One of the most heartwarming sights at the dog park is witnessing the affection and companionship between dogs. They don’t care about breed, size, or age. They just want to be friends.

For me, one of the greatest joys of the dog park is the sense of community it fosters. It’s a place where strangers quickly become friends, even if it might only be for the next half hour. While I watch my Basset Hound, Carl, race around with new and old four-legged acquaintances, I’ll strike up conversations with their owners. We’ll swap stories or advice, and pet our pups as they play. It’s a reminder that, in this moment, no matter how different our backgrounds or life stories may be, we’re all occupying the same patch of turf.

While dogs are the stars of the show at the park, it’s the humans who also reap the benefits. The dog park serves as a brief sanctuary, where the worries of work, bills, and life’s pressures melt away. We can’t help but live in the moment. The brisk dusk air and exercise invigorate our bodies, and the joy of being surrounded by such infectious enthusiasm uplifts our spirits.

The laughter and happiness that fill the air at the dog park are a stark contrast to the chaos and division in the world. It’s a microcosm of what the world could be. A place where differences are celebrated, where we connect with kindness and where pure, unfiltered joy is accessible to all who enter. Especially for those who bring treats.

As the last remnants of sunlight fade, I know it’s time to gather Carl and head home. He’s tired and content, and so am I. So until our next visit to this oasis of happiness, I hold onto the memories of a day well spent, both for Carl and for me. Our local community dog parks are not just places — they are a treasure trove of memories, love, and laughter. They are slices of life that remind us of the joy that comes when we embrace the world with open hearts, just like our furry friends do every day.