I get to take in a lot of interesting and, quite frankly, surprising, sights while running in my city. Here recently I’ve seen some unique correspondence pattern between families and pets.
1. The Dog Park vs The Human Park:
On one of my routes I run through an area that has a couple of nice parks for kids as well as a large park for dogs. Without exception, when I run by the dog park it is full of people and dogs but when I run by the human parks they are empty or at least very scarcely populated.
Why is this? After all, I live in Omaha, Nebraska, not say, Washington D.C. But, the truth is, pet owners in our area come home and feel the obligation to take their dogs out for some exercise and socialization. However, many parents in the same community, do not.
This same observation is seen as I watch so many people walk their dogs (responsibly carrying their little baggies) while so few walk with their kids. Maybe this would change if dogs could play video games.
This drives me to buck the trend. I want to be a rebel and take my humans to the park to run, laugh, joke and even swing. I know it’s crazy talk.
2. The Dog Food Pantry
This was strange. I was running yesterday and saw a very large, purple truck that read, “Dog Food Pantry” and then it had a number for donations. Apparently dog hunger is a pretty big deal in Omaha. I had no idea. I guess I overlooked the pack of Irish Setters living under the bridge the other day when I was running and the German Shorthair begging on the corner for spare change.
This obviously speaks to the compassion and love for creation by people created in God’s image. It may be a bit skewed and somewhat overemphasized in some areas and underemphasized in others, but I see it. I guess.
3. The New School Year
One other enjoyable aspect of running through our neighborhoods is seeing all the kids back at school. In particular the elementary school kids are the best to watch. They are always good for a laugh as they goof around on their way in or out of school.
Another encouraging aspect of this is the number of parents walking their kids home from school or picking them up. I see many people talking to their kids and walking happily along the sidewalk or trail. Sadly, however, this is short-lived. I know from previous years that in a matter of weeks and months this parental involvement will die down. Those same kids that had their parents with them will be alone. Parental presence at the schools decreases as the leaves fall from the trees. It happens every year.
Without knowing everyone’s story, this reminds me of parents’ good intentions and love for their kids. It also shows the real-life implications of busy schedules and various accommodations. It teaches me that I need to establish what is truly important and revisit why it is so important, on a regular basis.