Time allows for few childhood moments as magical as the arrival of an ice cream truck, with its amplified, chimed song–perhaps “Pop Goes the Weasel”– discerned blocks away only by a child’s ear. Remember putting aside the hopscotch or jump rope or stick ball and scrambling home, excited, frenzied, begging for money to buy an ice cream bar or a popsicle?
Now imagine the excitement of my Labradoodle, Zorba, who takes me for a walk in nearby Condon Park each morning. Suddenly he hears the sound he’s been listening for, hoping for–the one picked up only by his dog’s ear–the far away rumble of one of the park maintenance carts.
OMG!!! IT’S HIM !!!
First, he gives a spirited tug on his leash. “Come,” he whines. “Come on, good Dad! Good boy! Come on! Faster!! Hurry!” Followed by the thrilling arrival of the treat man, who stops his cart, chuckles, tussles my dog’s head, and praises him by name: “Good boy, Zorba! Here you go, boy! “
Oh, what this simple act of kindness means for Zorba and the other dogs, the regulars of Condon Park.
Here’s looking at you, Don, for taking a few moments of your busy work schedule maintaining the park to bring joy and magic to the canine regulars of Condon Park.