City Dogs

I thought having dogs in Manhattan would be problematic. We purposefully chose an apartment near Central Park for easy access to the trails and green spaces. We’ve been here for six weeks now, and let me assure you: there are plenty of dogs in the city. Thousands of dogs roam the park on any given day, many of them off-leash.

Our two fellas have never been the most cordial during interactions with other dogs. I recall a few instances of canine bedlam when meeting other dogs walking down a crowded dock from our boat. Yet here, the dogs we meet must give off a calming vibe. Our dogs rarely react to the most aggressive sniffing. It’s like they’re different dogs.

We often visit the same quiet section of the Park for our last walk in the evening. Except for the muffled sound of traffic, we might think we’re back on rural Vashon Island. Until we come around a bend and the sky opens up.

My breath usually catches at the sight, which feels like it must be computer-generated from some science fiction movie. A photo doesn’t capture it.

While the dogs pursue all the intricate scents on the ground, I am looking up and out. We are all living our best lives. What a city.