Love at the Dog Park

Valentine’s Day Tribute Part 6

On a recent trip to the local dog park, Mary didn’t expect to meet Dan. They started up a conversation around their dogs, and soon began making plans to meet again. “What I loved about meeting Dan here,” says Mary, “was that it’s a relaxed atmosphere. Our dogs got along and the conversation flowed.” The couple is planning to move in together.

Kelly Acree, co-founder of Unleashed Indoor Dog Parks, an indoor dog park based in Dallas, TX, sees a lot of romantic encounters. “A lot of folks start conversations that they normally would not,” she explains. “When another dog comes up to your dog, you immediately strike up a conversation. The dog park is a natural icebreaker. I’ve seen many friendships and romances form here.”

Kelly Lucas with pal of Unleashed Dog Park.

Unleashed Indoor Dog Parks host Valentine’s Day parties and other singles’ get-togethers. About 25,000 square feet is set aside for the dogs and their owners. The dogs are separated by size, temperament, and play style. The rest of the indoor climate controlled building houses a large pet supply store, a grooming area, restaurants, and offices.

Unleashed Dog Park

The staff is always on hand to make sure everyone gets along. The park is open seven days a week.  “It’s a great place to exercise and to meet other dog-friendly people,” says Kelly.

Letting One’s Guard Down

“Pets in a relationship are very similar to having a child,” says Sidney Williams, co-founder/marketing director of The Science of Dating, a dating information, advice, and guidance site.  “Having a pet must be stated very early in the relationship. If you are using an online dating site, mention that in your profile. This can quickly weed out compatibility issues. At the dog park, however, everyone you meet can tell that you care about your dog.”

The Key to a Successful Long Term Relationship

According to Mitch Frankenberg, owner of The Paw House Inns and Resorts, two intimate inns in Vermont that cater to dog owners and their dogs, “in our 9-plus years of experience here,” says Mitch, “we recognize that the key to a successful long term relationship has two critical components. The two humans should pay attention to the way in which the other treats his/her pet and accept that that will likely not change, and the two humans should also pay attention to the way in which your human friend treats you in relation to the way he/she treats his/her pet because this too will likely not change.”

If you have a story about meeting at the dog park or other romantic tale about you, your partner, and your pets, please share.