A Leap Of Faith

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I have never let Guinness or Murphy off lead outside unless we were in a fenced in area. Today we went exploring, and we found a fantastic off leash dog park only 30 minutes away. It is 235 acres of State property on a beautiful river. When we got there we saw a couple of people with their dogs (about 10), but it was so huge you could easily find an area where there were no other dogs. We brought our 30 ft leads....I had planned to "walk them" on the long leads. Well, it was such a perfect place, I got up the nerve to let them go....and they did! They had the time of their Doodle lives, but they never let us get out of their sight, and they ran and just had a blast!. They came every time I called....I had lots of treats in my pockets. It was so awesome! Guinness found a dead frog....but he stopped just as he was about to "roll in it". We kept them away from the river this time...as I get more comfortable, we will probably let them try that too. Murph was so cute...he looked back about every 10 seconds just to make sure we were still in sight. Guinness was a little more adventurous, but still wanted to be sure he could see us. I'm just so glad I got up the nerve to do this...I tend to be a little overprotective of the guys. Now I can't wait to go back...and I'm sure they can't either.

[Claudia]

We're getting her from the same breeder that we got Jasper from. Pick-up is next weekend.....it should be interesting! The kids are away at sleepaway camp, so she'll have a few days to quietly transition into our house before they get home and chaos begins. I think we'll try to take Jasper to the dog park this weekend if the weather is nice. I cannot believe how BIG Murphy has gotten. How does Guinness feel about his bigger little brother now?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

That's so exciting that you're getting a Doodle puppy! I love the black ones....they are absolutely gorgeous. Where are you getting him? The off leash park is Nod Brook in Simsbury. Here are the details. Have fun, and keep me posted on your "new arrival".
Nod Brook. Water and no leash - Dogs run/swim. This area is designated as a Dog Training Area for the field trial enthusiasts, Please make sure to make sure that your dog does not interfere with the training that goes on there. Nice area. Avon/Simsbury. Location: Off Rt 10 In Simsbury/Avon line. By Chubb Insurance. Directions: Off 44 in Avon: Route 10 heading to Simsbury. RIGHT at light going into Chubb Insurance. RIGHT at 1st stop sign, just past the bike/walk path. Take bumpy road till it ends. The sign for Chubb Insurance is hard to see, but it is part of the Tower Business Park which is a big easy to spot entrance.

[Claudia]

Hi Jane,
Where is the off leash dog park that you found? We're always looking for a place to place to bring Jasper. Plus, Jasper is getting a little sister in a few weeks (black labradoodle), so it would be fun to find a place where they can both run free!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Jane...didn't it just bring tears to your eyes to see your Irish Brothers so happy and free? That is the way I feel when we go into the back country and let Gracie free to run. She just opens up and flies through the air with legs fully extended. She is so happy being a dog and not being told "no" to everything. I sure wish we had parks nearby with woods and trails for her to run through. We have to drive about an hour to get to the open country where it is safe for her to run. We usually do it with her two friends Sable and Genie. All three just take off and fly! My heart just fills up when I watch Gracie do this. It is gorgeous to watch!!! I am so glad the boys finally got to experience this!

[Lorraine Bromley]

Doodle dream come true!!

[Kathy Spyker]

It sounds like you had a great time, I love to watch my Lilly run free, they go sooo fast!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

"Aunt Karen, my Mom DID put a little video out of Murph and I "running free". Check it out!

[The Berry Oaks Doodle Ranch]

Hey Guinness & Murphy sounds like you had a great time off leash. I love the outdoors & run free when I can. Now I get to show it to Rosco!!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I wouldn't have to worry if it were a dog park because Lucy and Sophie would never leave our sides, but I've done this a couple times on my parents farm and because they are familiar with the place and with my parents dog they had a great time running in the field and playing in the pond ..... I however was a total mess. My heart was beating a mile a minute the entire time! I was just afraid they would get a little too adventuresome. Their "COME" is very selective based on what is going on around them. Sounds like Guinness and Murphy did great though.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Sounds like a doggy paradise, I wish we had a dog park that big! Good thing you caught Guinness before he rolled in that frog... ick!