Every morning, Bonnie hops into the back of the car and we drive over to Jack Darling Park, west of Port Credit. At this park, against all odds, the most amazing and enormous leash-free area was created several years ago as part of the renovation of a water treatment facility. There are steep hills – one of them becomes a toboggan hill for the winter, plenty of trees and bushes, several trails and a huge sand pit at the south end, home of countless doggy wrestling matches.

Over the past year, Bonnie has made many friends at Jack Darling, both canine and human. Some of the dogs have become special friends and obviously delight in seeing and running and playing with one another.

Bonnie was quite shy when she first came to us and she seemed to have many fears. I think the daily routine along with lots of play, chase and wrestling, has helped her become way more confident and more comfortable around new people as well. She still hates fireworks and construction noise, but I’m not a fan of them either.

I think our morning trips are good for me too. It gets me out of bed and active, and I start the day with a nice walk and chit-chat with the other Jack Darling regulars. It turns out it’s a good way to begin the day.