In creating this blog and having the opportunity to meet different types of dog owners, many people share many of the ways that their dog has changed their lives—big and small.
Back in June while visiting New York City, I learned about a very cute dog pack—Cody, Maggie and Jackson, and their special stories from their humans Jill and Randy. Both ladies were incredibly kind and enthusiastic about dogs, and I really enjoyed our conversation (and sharing our obsession together).
In Thompson Square Park in the East Village, I started chatted with Jill and Randy—two friends who frequently visit the park together with their canine companions.
I'll start with the youngest pup, Jackson. Jackson is a six-month-old Catahoola/Heeler mix. Randy had met Jackson's mom near StyeTown in Manhattan—and saw his mom having a hard time trying to get him to walk.
Randy offered her help to the woman who had never owned a dog before, and she was nice enough to teach Jackson and his mom the basics.
While Randy was helping out and walking him, Jackson's mom was just about to start a new job—and in going back to work full time was worried about Jackson having separation anxiety. So to help Jill out, Randy started walking Jackson with her own dog Maggie every day.
And this is absolutely okay with Randy—who is currently babysitting him for an extended period of time while his mom gets settled at her new job. She has grown to love him in all of his puppy glory:
"Jackson is hysterically funny! I call him, "Bobo", like "Bobo the Clown."
Randy also explained that Jackson has an, "insane Southern hunting dog" instinct, constantly wanting to chase animals down. I watched for the majority of our interview while he dug a ferociously large hole underneath the nearby bench. Randy joked he was, "digging his way to China."
Playing with Jackson was Cody, who was Jill's eight-year-old miniature Golden-doodle.
I bonded with Jill and Randy particularly about Retrievers, as I mentioned my family's dog Martin, and how smart he is. I love that Retrievers act like furry people, and I joked about how attached they get to their masters. Jill's response was:
"Cody's nickname is, 'Velcro'. He's completely attached to me."
Jill explained that Cody is a boy, "through and through", and loves to roll around in the dirt and go hiking. If you get down on his level he will give you lots of kisses too!
Cody was also described as, "hysterically funny. He's definitely a character! He loves belly rubs. He will sit right on top of your feet so you can rub his belly."
What I loved about Cody—was his absolutely adorable smile—one that reminded me of my family's dog, Martin. He has that, "dog smile" that sees through your soul, and he seemed like the happiest dog ever.
I had a lot of fun snapping pictures of the pups at Thompson Square Park, especially because of the large dog bone-shaped swimming pool I discovered in the corner. Cody jumped in enthusiastically after his orange rubber ball.
It was fun to watch the three pups play together.
While Cody and Jackson continued to chase each other around, I spoke with Jill and Randy on the park bench. A beautiful light Golden-Doodle laid with her leash, sitting calmly next to Randy.
Randy looked down at her and said, "She can sit all day and not play fetch, but just be happy she has her orange ball-y."
Her name is Maggie, and she is nine years old. I must confess that I really enjoyed her story the most—as she is the very first service dog that I have met while documenting Dog Park Diaries.
It's not just how dogs manage to touch the lives of people—but the way that they selflessly give themselves to their humans that makes me love dogs so endlessly. Maggie and Randy have been together a long time, and when she explained their relationship I was truly touched:
"Let me tell you about Maggie. Maggie is my service dog. Actually, she's been my service dog as long as I've had her. I have bi-polar disorder. She's my lifeline...she goes with me everywhere. She is amazing. I don't know how I would have functioned without her. I actually was in the hospital last November. I had trouble before Maggie—she really is a special dog."
It doesn't surprise me that a Golden-doodle was the perfect breed to be a service dog—with the brilliance of a Poodle and the loving nature of a Golden Retriever, it's easy to see why she is able to comfort Randy.
"Maggie actually understands me, she's freaky smart."
What's even more awesome—is that Randy recently registered Maggie to be not only a service dog—but a therapy dog as well!
It was easy to see just how much joy Maggie brings to Randy, and she is hoping to be able to spread that joy to those who need it:
"I just got clearance today to do a program at Beth Isreal Hospital in the Psych ward. That's my goal I've been working toward for a couple of months. They're sad places. People tend to avoid it, so there's nobody else who's going to go."
I want to thank Randy and Jill again for sharing their personal stories, I was deeply touched and I wish Maggie and Randy the best of luck in helping to ease the pain and help in healing the lives of those in need.
Names: Jackson, Cody and Maggie
Maggie's Favorite Toy: "Maggie loves her orange ball, it's her lifeline. That, and her leash! She likes to try and walk herself." Temperaments: "Maggie is extremely calm. Cody gets excited about everything! Jackson is still very much a puppy."
Outdoor Pups: After chatting with Jill and Randy, I learned that the dogs love to hike and be outside. They were actually going to Harriman State Park—close to my parents in New York with beautiful trails!
