[PHOTOSTORY 2] A Day in the Dog Park

 By: Alexis Hampton

The Dog Park in Statesboro is full of dogs between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Since most people get off work around that time, they come to the dog park to give their pets some time to unwind.

The small dog area is occupied by a couple and their dog. The park is mostly full of large dogs and their owners, so the small dog area is vacant most of the time.

The entrance to the dog park offers a visual of the sponsors who helped to open the area to dogs in Statesboro. Aside from monetary assistance, some citizens of Statesboro volunteered to clear the area for the dog park to open.

A man is playing with a dog in the large dog area. He is not yet a dog owner, but loves to come to the park to educate himself of good dog breeds for first time owners.

The dogs swarm new people as they enter the gate. As dogs do, most of them get excited when they see new people.

The dogs also rush to the gate when another dog is on his way in. The owners use it as an opportunity to speak to new owners and set up play dates.

The dogs wait impatiently with high energy for the new do, Olive to enter. The owner can barely get the gate open with the dogs in the way.

They begin to play as soon as the new dog enters. Some of the dogs start a chase and growl to establish dominance.

The new dog Olive and dog park vet, Muhammad tug around with each other. Eventually, the fight for dominance creates a friendship.

The dog owners gather underneath the gazebo as their dogs play. They enjoy candid conversations about their work lives as well as exchange dog tips.

These two dog owners are taking a rest after playing with their dogs. They occasionally throw the frisby for their dogs to catch.

After a long game of catch, these dogs are taking a break. They are all headed to the water fountain.

Kelsey fills the water bowl before the dogs arrive. All of the dogs drink from the same bowl.

Muhammad beats the others to the bowl and laps the water for himself while the others wait. Muhammad is a little more aggressive than the other dogs, so they wait for him to finish.

Kelsey and her baby lean down to pet Cass. Cass doesn't like to run around very much, but she loves to be pat.

Cass gets a belly rub from another dog owner at the park. She hasn't had a bath in a few weeks, so after rolling around in the grass, she'll be given one soon.

The owners let their dogs play around with the toys in the grass. Most people will leave their toys in the park for everyone to play with.

Olive makes her rounds in the tunnel. She's making the most of the last few minutes at the park.

Muhammad's owner prepares the final throw of the night for their long game of catch. Muhammad did not catch the ball, but he did roll around with Olive again.