By FRANCINE COUGHLIN
CPDT-KA, IAABC, Owner, Bark n’ Roll, LLC
NORTH READING — Having traveled around the world, I have observed the many perspectives humans have of dogs and the different roles dogs play in our human lives, within our communities, and across cultures. From the spoiled Parisian poodle dining on a plush bed at her owner’s feet inside a Michelin-rated restaurant, to the farm dogs without names working on the rural Irish farm. To the abandoned and confused pups in the seaside resort towns of the Italian coast, begging the tourists for their scraps outside cafes. To the unwelcome strays viewed as pests on some Caribbean islands. As a canine care professional, working daily in our beautiful little community for the past eight years, I would like to share my observations about our dog culture here in North Reading if you’ll indulge me.
BARK N ROLL says Charlie needs a home. (Courtesy Photo)
The dogs of North Reading are some of the luckiest of family pets. They are our beloved companions, often seen enjoying strolls throughout our beautiful parks and on our side streets and developments. They are adventurers, lucky to breathe fresh air and practice their hunting techniques on the abundance of squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits in our woodsy landscape – often failing miserably in the process, luckily for their prey. Hey, at least they had a good time and provided ample entertainment for the birds tweet-taunting them from above, in their lofty branches. They are the dogs that escape from their homes or yards, only to be found quickly thanks to the overwhelming support of our Facebook Community Page, who when called to action to help will do so at a moment’s notice. They were just having a little “them” time, guys. What’s the fuss all about? They are the snow and mud rollers, the rough and tumbly, the petite and polite, the boisterous and the reserved. They are the well-fed, well-trained and well-groomed family members, cherished since the moment they were brought home from the breeder or local rescue.
Pure bred or mixed breed, these dogs are viewed as equals when it comes to our love for them. We share a supernatural bond and an unspoken friendship that endures. Its special and specific nature is incomparable among other species. Sorry, kitties, while you are also revered by many humans around the world, we cannot help but feel that the canine to human bond is just…different.
These dogs are also the off-leash ball players in Ipswich River Park (Leash Law, ahem!), the persistent barking forces as you pass by their homes, and the rogue poopers on the neighbors’ lawns. Disclaimer that these pups are not to blame for any of the mentioned nuisance behaviors they are displaying. Those are all quite natural and acceptable from their perspectives, I assure you. Perhaps a dog park, in an appropriate spot in town, would help curb some of these behaviors?
While our dog culture is not perfect, it is pretty darn close. It gives me, and my team, much joy to be a part of the lives of these well-cared-for, well-exercised and well-loved canine citizens. They brighten even the darkest of days and are a connection to the wonderful humans that work hard to give them such charmed lives. If they only knew the lengths their people went to in order to ensure their safety, health and happiness well…they would likely continue to be as lovable and loyal towards us as they already are.
We hope this column will be a forum to share anecdotes, information and guidance to the dog lovers of North Reading. We ask that you contact us with any comments or questions at any time so that we may have ypor guidance on what to include as we share our stories, knowledge, and questions with you. With open minds and hopes for open dialogues we encourage you to reach out to us via email at amy@bark-n-roll.com. Rock on, fellow Hornets.
Peace, love and Bark n’ Roll.
