Dog Park!

So because it was nice out, I took Murphy and Belle to the dog park along with John, owner of Maggie, and Eric, owner of Clifford. John and Eric both attend my church and Maggie and Clifford came from the same animal shelter as did Belle. In fact, Maggie and Belle were cellmates for a while. Now they're just fun-loving, spoiled dogs in good homes.

Off they go!

Cifford's a mellow little fellow.

And here's Maggie taunting Belle.

Next, Maggie started to screw with with Murphy, but Belle decided that was not going to happen.

Nobody messes with Murphy except her.

No biting--just tumbling.

At one point, Clifford started feeling his oats too, and Belle shut him down pretty much the same way, using the minimum coercion necessary. The four dogs got on great with each other, but Belle made sure that everyone knew their place.

And then John brought out the treat bag, and had the dogs' undivided attention.

Best attempt at a group shot. (Just try to get four dogs to stand still and pose while waiting for a digital camera to grab the shot.)

It was a nice time out, even if there was a layer of ice on the ground that retarded the dogs' ability to really run full out. They still had fun and got wore out.

Shelter dogs make great pets, folks. Get one today. You'll save a life and improve the quality of your own.