Summer Days

I got rejected from a hospital in Princeton. No other calls. Still applying like crazy. Still trying to feel hopeful. I really haven't been back in the grind all that long, but already I can see that this is going to be one of the more difficult things I've ever done.

I took a break on Saturday from my full time job of finding a job by hanging out with a group of friends. (Some I haven't seen in years) We went to Thomson Park, a long sprawling property in Monroe, and tried cooling off in the shade in spite of the sweltering heat. (Sorry, so pictures to speak of, because my camera is as dead as a doornail at the moment.)

I took my Little Sprout with us, despite his protests, and brought him into the dog section where he could burn off some energy. (before you say "But in the heat?" I came well prepared by bringing three bottles of water in a mini cooler, and doggy ice cream) As soon as I unhooked Noah, he was in his glory, bolting from one side of the park to the other, occasionally zooming back to me for his cooling off needs. Us humans got to sit in the shade and talk, until Gus came into the picture.

Gus was a giant, dopey looking dog, with hair covering his face. He actually looked like a springy, breathing carpet. This high energy ball of hair was very friendly to all of us...perhaps a little too friendly. Gus immedately bounced on me, placing muddy paws on my shirt as he did so. I laughed. "Hey buddy! Don't you want to play?" I asked. Like magic, as soon as he noticed Noah, he rushed over and began...to hump. Now, keep in mind I know dogs are dogs. I'm not like some owners at the dog park who hover over little FiFi's every move. I try and restrain myself from stepping in. Gus however, was well over 30 pounds, while Noah was a measly 13. I don't think that's fair do you?

I glanced over at Gus's owner, who was intently talking on her cell phone, so I decided to take matters into my own human paws. "Here Gus!" Gus amazingly had excellent recall, and gallopped over to me. Only Noah's pride was hurt. We petted our new furry friend as Noah went back to rolling in the dirt and relaxed. Until, with no warning...Gus got up...walked over to my friend Jason, lifted his leg...and peed all over Jason's leg. "Whoa! What?" He gasped jumping back. "Are you kidding dog?" Gus didn't look the least bit embarassed as he promptly walked off. I started feeling bad for bringing my friends to the dog park, until Karissa broke out into a fit of laughter. "You got a hose to wash that off Jason?" He made a face in reply, then went off to find a pulley. I made the dogs take water and doggy ice cream breaks to cool off, which the dogs were greatful for. As for Gus's owner? She left the park for 20 minutes (with no warning) while we baby-sat Gus. Gus began jumping on Noah's back, until Noah decided he'd had enough. He snapped at Gus ("Whoaaa now" replied Jason) and jumped in my lap, where he stayed until Gus's "mom" returned.

"Come on Gus!" she said cheerfully, "Let's go!" Gus lay down in the dirt. "Agustussss." I couldn't beleive my eyes. He responded to BOTH names. Just jumped up and took off. We didn't stay in the dog section too much longer and left for the main area of the park, where I set up drinks and snacks. I tied Noah's leash to a picnic table and gave him water and a bone. We sat and chatted till 7pm, then went to an outdoor cafe for dinner.

I tied Noah up again, then sat down on the cafe bench. "OH MY GOD KATIE!" Karissa shreked. I slowly sat up. I had sat down in poop. Leaky diaper poop. (you don't want to know how I drew up that conclusion.) I glanced to my right. Noah's lead had just enough lengenth to reach underneith a grill, and my dog took full advantage. He was covered in soot. I decided to burst out laughing. "I don't think any of us are outdoor people." I said.

"I think you're right." Jason replied.