Every morning on my way to work I pass the Shelby Farms Dog Park with its acres of open fields, three lakes, and trails through wooded areas. It’s a magical place where dogs can run off-leash, socialize and just be dogs. You can always tell which cars are headed to the dog park by the canine ears flapping in the wind from the window or sunroof. This morning it was a pooch psychotically turning circles and barking in the back of the SUV in front of me. I thought to myself, I know how they must feel.

Yes, routine is safe and secure with familiar smells, people you love, your favorite comfy spot and an ordered schedule. But at the dog park there are no leashes. There are new smells, new friends and new experiences. If you feel like chasing your tail you are free to run in circles until you can’t stand. You can express yourself with a woof, yelp or a deep long bay. Or maybe you’re the silent type and enjoy a swim or a relaxing roll in the grass. At the dog park you are free to express yourself and just be you.

What can we learn from our canine companions? Everyone has responsibilities and commitments. It’s just part of life. But we also all have something inside us churning to be said, danced, shared, drawn…a self-expression of our creativity. Sharing your inner self is essential to being your own individual and fully knowing yourself. We all need to lose the leash from time to time and indulgently express ourselves. Everyone may not understand or even “”, but if they care they will appreciate the real you. After all being a remarkable person begins with being different.

Don’t get me wrong, leashes are important but sometimes you just need to be off leash.

by Darlene Cook