When it comes to canines, nothing can stop them from a trip to the park and on that bitter-cold winter day, it was no exception. Temperatures were in the single-digits that day with frigid winds blowing at what felt like 60 miles an hour making the cold penetrate through to every last bone of the human body. The day originally started off sunny with glistening murky-grey waters from the ocean that surrounded a majority of the park. But as minutes passed, grey and ominous clouds began to roll in from the distance warning everyone of yet another snow storm to come. The edges of the ocean water were partially frozen over and the rocks were covered in snow but waves from afar could still be heard splashing amongst docked boats, buoys and the bridge.

The peaceful sounds of the ocean waves were soon drowned out by the industrial noises of the busy highway behind the park. Car engines revved and sirens from a police car could be heard not too far behind. Chains from the back of a large truck clanged as it swayed from side to side. Ba-bump, ba-bump went the vehicles as they drove over multiple potholes that were common on that highway. They were all headed to the busy city of Boston which could barely be distinguished just to the left-hand side of the park. The Prudential building peeked out above the other buildings and smoke could be seen rising above the city from a factory. The air above Boston was grey and dark but lightened and cleared as it reached the ocean. Across the water and seen to the right-hand side of the park were the beautiful houses of Quincy which were peering out from behind bare trees. A blanket of snow covered the roofs and lawns which made it look like an image from a holiday card.

Despite the beauty and variety of sights that could be seen from different sides of the park, the field itself was baron and covered in a foot of snow that had frozen over and crunched beneath the feet of pedestrians that struggled to walk through the park. Small hills and valleys gave the park character as the landscape dipped and rose in unique patterns. Tracks of paw prints stretched across the park making strange designs in the snow. There were small sections that revealed dirt and brown grass as a memento of the once-lush grass and fertilized soil that existed in the park before the cold took over. These were the most popular places to sniff for the many canines that were there that day alongside their owners who decided to brave the immense cold for their dogs.

A woman with a long, brown coat lined with fur could be seen walking her King Charles Cavalier. She had a wool hat and black gloves that matched alongside thick dark pants that were neatly tucked away into her heavy boots. She grasped onto her jacket tightly and followed her dog that led the way. The King Charles Cavalier was in a light brown jacket that had similar resemblances to the owner’s. Its long ears drooped to its side as it sniffed the ground for the “perfect” spot to pee. It noticed a large clump of dirt and began to inspect it with its nose. The woman jerked its leash back and cried, “No, Muffin, that’s dirty!” and the dog retreated before it noticed something else to discover and ran towards it, pulling her owner along happily.

Soon after, a mid-aged Black Labrador came bolting across the snow, followed by a man dressed in a black North Face jacket half-way zipped, with blue denim jeans that covered most of his light brown construction boots. Without second guessing, the Black Lab ran up to the King Charles and they instantly began to sniff each other, causing the leash to get tangled around their paws. “Sorry about that!” the man said as he pulled the collar of his Labrador away. The woman however, was not the least bit aggravated and replied “not a problem.” As they engaged in conversation, the Black Lab crouched down on its front legs insisting Muffin to play. Kicking up pebbles and creating a small cloud of dirt smoke, the King Charles raced towards the Black Lab and danced around until the owner let go of the collar so they could play.

A jogger wearing a vibrant pink sweatshirt and swishy blue pants, came into view, running alongside her Golden Retriever with a chewed up tennis ball in its mouth. Their quick-paced steps seemed to excite the other dogs as they grew closer. Approaching within feet, the Golden Retriever looked up at its owner waiting for an approval response, making sure it was okay to stop and sniff. The jogger removed her headphone from one ear, jogged in placed, and stated “you can say hi.” All three dogs grouped together and wagged their tails as a friendly sign to say hello. “Alright lets go” the runner said to her dog. They began to jog away when the Golden Retriever stopped to turn around, as if to say bye, then noticed the distance between its owner, so it picked up speed to catch up.

A day at the dog park resembles a getaway place that one can visit to not only bring joy to their dog but also to take time off from our rushed and busy lives. Dog owners feel that sense of relief and joy when they see their dog enjoying themselves with other canines after being cooped up inside. It doesn’t matter what the weather is, owners are willing to suck it up and bare it for that fulfillment of happiness. On the other hand, as for the dogs, they resemble their owners, from matching outfits to identical traits, but manage to stay friendly with every dog they meet. The bond between canines and humans are unique in the sense that canines need to be taken care of by humans and properly guided, however, little do people realize that in return, they provide their owners with unconditional emotional support, love, protection, loyalty and forgiveness.  Dogs have this kindness and loving nature that makes one wonder why we don’t live our lives like our companions.