I was just walking Buddha and Stella in the dog park. As I do every day. As I have done every day, nearly twice a day, since I got them as small puppies. As you all know, our dog park has become a political hot bed of contrition. Dog lovers verses Non Dog Lovers, basically. I fought long and hard to find alternatives for the dogs of our fair city by the sea, but was thwarted at nearly every turn.
Today I ran into a ranger.
"You obviously know that your dogs are supposed to be on leash!," said the female ranger to me in a very agitated tone.
"Yes, I realize this, but I also know that to really be exercised properly, I need to allow them to chase a ball off leash. I have them under voice command. Buddha and Stella, come." Buddha and Stella immediately came to me, sat in front of me, and I put both on their leashes.
"You! You are the reason we are having all the problems we're having in this city!," exclaimed the ranger.
"Well," I said, "Then you'll be happy to know we're leaving town very shortly."
"You and your dogs can't leave Santa Cruz soon enough!"
Um, okay then. I suppose that is the answer. Did I mention we're moving? I promise, Santa Cruz, we're leaving. And we won't be back until the well-behaved dog citizens of this city by the sea and their owners are free to run off-leash.
