Owned by Pugs

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Doris Leeper Park

Henry

On a recent outing to our most nearby (and old standby and probably our favorite) park (City Center), we met a couple with a blind dog. This dog was an 8 year old female black lab named Roxy. We could not immediately tell that Roxy was blind (which now that Henry is blind we have greater tendency to notice this more). Roxy was walking a quickish pace and seemed confident (traits that have diminished in Henry since his loss of vision). Since Roxy was trotting along we were surprised to learn that she was blind.

This story, however, is not as much about meeting Roxy as it is about a secret place we learned about from Roxy's parents. By the way, Roxy's mom works at the pay booth for our local dog beach and we are glad she told us this since we knew we had seen her a few times before but could not place where we knew her from. Anyway, Roxy's parents told us of a nice walking path where Roxy regained much of her walking confidence. It is a park called Doris Leeper Park. It is not too far from our home but in an area where we don't usually frequent. We have driven by the sign but never really investigated. Well, after hearing about it from Roxy's parents we decided to give it a shot. And boy aren't we glad we did?!

The park is on the small side and it really is just a loop (with a handle). So, what made THIS park so special, though? It was perfect for Henry, that's what! It was the perfect type of terrain, well shaded in most areas and not too long (although we accidentally did make it a little too long by not looking at the map first and choosing the wrong way at the fork in the road, ugh). The fact that this park was not paved and yet was still relatively smooth made all the difference in the world! Henry was able to bob and weave without falling off the sidewalk (and thus not getting discouraged). At this park Henry built up quite a little trot (much like Henry of old). We were able to unleash him which made him feel empowered and proud. No wonder Roxy's parents loved this park! It built confidence in their blind dog and now it was doing the same for ours! HOW WONDERFUL!

Doris Leeper Trail

Doris Leeper Trail

Like I said, we did not initially look at the map, so when it came time to pick a way, we picked the wrong way (and we walked that way for a good distance). When we realized it was the wrong way, we turned around and went back to the split and chose the correct way. It was shortly after that when Henry was in need of being carried the rest of the way. That was fine, though, we are happy to carry him when he gets too tired. But we know that next time we will choose the right way and he for sure will be able to make it the whole distance and that will be an even bigger confidence builder to him.

Doris Leeper Trail

We were lucky to have met Roxy's parents and we are very appreciative to them for sharing their stories and insight. Henry & Roxy are very similar in their needs so to have an area where we can be meeting Henry's needs even better is a true gift for us. #HenryStrongAllDayLong


Comment Page 1 of 1 pages

sue wooding

03/16/2015

This is wonderful the park looks really nice

Melissa & Bosco

03/16/2015

I am so happy for Henry!! I love you buddy and you deserve to be happy and feel safe!!
#HenryStrongAllDayLong #HenryRocks!

Minnie, Mack and Mario

03/16/2015

What a great find.  I looked it up and not too far from our home!  So glad Henry found a spot so he could be “free”!

Sue VDB and Annie Fannie

03/16/2015

What a heartwarming find for Henry, and how great that he immediately felt more confident. Reading this has already made my day. 

This looks like a beautiful little park that Henry will be able to enjoy.  #GoHenryGo.

Heather

03/16/2015

Yiiippeeee an unleashed, trotting Hank is a picture of perfection! Nothing like a confident pug prance!

Love you Henry!!

#Henrythemiraclepug
#HenryStrong

chuckie

03/16/2015

Great story - looks like a really neat place!

They should call it Blind Dog Park

Martha

03/16/2015

Wow!  That’s really exciting, and I’m so happy for Henry!!  How lucky to have met them!

You know, for a dog with vision problems, the “same” park is probably always “different” because of the changes in smells each time.  It’s only us poor humans who can’t perceive all the many differences in an environment each time.

Sleighbelle

03/16/2015

#HenryAsExplorer

Sandra B.

03/16/2015

What a great find for you and Henry!

It looks beautiful and I bet there are a lot great smells to smell there too.

#TEAMHENRYRULES

Sue States

03/16/2015

How wonderful to hear of Henry’s confident building adventure. Way to go Team Henry! Pug hugs from pastor sue & the Colorado 2

Alayna

03/16/2015

What a wonderful story!  Enjoy your new park!

Pat

03/16/2015

How wonderful!!! Let the adventures begin!!  xo

Christie Sachde

03/16/2015

I don’t believe in coincidences…you were meant to run into Roxy…So happy to hear that Henry is getting his confidence back:)

pug mama - Jen C

03/16/2015

Go Henry!!!!  How exciting to find a park that is just up his alley.  #HenryStrongAllDayLong

Lily had a rather urgent visit to the vet last week, after she was hobbling on three legs.  She has very loose kneecaps (luxating patellas) apparently, and they acted up.  Vet gave us some rimadyl to try first, as of course, she was NOT walking three legged at the vet.  If she acts up again, she may need surgery.  Oh they also showed me how to get her to walk sideways, which will strengthen the ligaments.

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