Waiting for the man

Aside from maybe when the get fed, going to the ballpark is THE highlight of Bernie and Bear's day. The excitement starts building around 4:30pm every day. If I work late one or both of them will eventually make their way to my desk and just stare at me with eyes seeming to say "c'mon man, you're killing me". Bernie may jump up and put his paws on my shoulders.

I go upstairs and put my shoes on. Bear and Bernie start pacing. I get up and get the leashes. Bear starts barking at Bernie and nipping at his neck. He might even go into the kitchen, around the corner into the dining room, and then back into the living room, nervous with anticipation.

Leashes on, we head to the ballpark which is maybe a mile away. We turn into the parking lot, both Bernie and Bear are now standing up inside the cab of the truck - Bear on the passenger seat, Bernie in the back of the cab. Staring across the parking lot at the field.

I have a gate I made out of PVC pipe and plastic mesh fencing that I use to block an opening in the ballpark fence. I also have a shoulder bag to carry a gallon of water, a water bowl, and various dogs toys that we play with at the park everyday. I used to try to carry the gate and back while walking the dogs from the truck to the field, but it soon became apparent that that was asking for trouble. So, our ritual now is that I carry the gate and bag over first and leave them in the truck. Then I come back to get them and walk them over.

While Bernie waits patiently, Bear dies inside. We've been doing this almost daily for most of his life (he is 3 years old). He knows that I am coming right back to get him in what is really less than a minute. I believe that minute stretches out for Bear into an eternity. Poor guy.

When I finally get them inside the fence, I unleash them, and they sprint across the field with joy just radiating from them. Sometimes they'll run a few steps and then flip over onto their backs and just wriggle. When was the last time you felt so happy that you wanted to do that? : )

Noticed

Febrary 6, 2025