I always look forward to Mondays; a welcome break from the quiet of the den with treats to eat and pets to sniff. But today was a day like no other. Today was the first day of the rest of my life. Today I got to sniff the future, and I have to bark that the future smells great!

Bea and I and my parents were invited to a ground breaking ceremony at the new North Port Dog Park! Every dog who was any dog was there, of course none as nicely dressed as me or Bea. The site was absolutely beautiful, with green as far as the eye could see. There weren’t a lot of good smells there yet, but judging by the furry attendees it won’t take long to make it smell as good as it looks. Of course Bea didn’t waste any time laying down her mark!

There were cookies to eat for both the humans and the dogs, and lots of people with the flashing machines. The humans were busy talking about what the place would be: separate large yards for the big and little dogs, shady trees and fences to keep everyone safe. Bea and I instinctively knew what the place already was; a taste of freedom.

Mother says it’s scheduled to be completed by September 1st. I hope that’s soon because I cannot wait to make my mark. Well -- to make another mark.