Park: Redondo Beach Dog Park
Location: Flagler Lane and 190th Street, Redondo Beach, CA
Directions: Take the 405 Freeway, exit 190th Street; head west. Dog park will be to your left.
Hours: From dawn till dusk.
Took Tico to Redondo Beach Dog Park again today. It's our go-to park whenever I don't have time to roam around and check out somewhere new. It's large, fairly clean; and the "gossip girls" aka old men cluttered about talking crap about other dogs and dog owners in the park, are no longer around - - or at least not around whenever I go; which is really early. Today actually is a great mix of locals, young and old; and single men and women with their dogs. It's a great dog-gone day in Redondo Beach.
The great thing about this place is that I won't have a hard time finding tennis balls to keep Tico entertained with. The park is a combination of mulch and grass, but mostly mulch; and is located under a bunch of power lines. You can see the streets up the hill; so you can't miss this place. There's a clear section for large dogs, and the small dogs section is next to it. There's also a little section in the back of the large dog area for timid dogs or dogs who are still being trained. There are two water fountains in the large dog park itself, and there are a handful of benches - but not entirely a lot. Pooper scoopers are around. Do be careful for poo; as some owners are not attentive to their dogs.
There's good parking all around; the dog park itself is 3 acres in size, in the north section of the 24 acres of Dominguez Park (200 Flagler Lane), and it's next to Heritage Court Museum (302 Flagler); which is a pretty place to roam around in with your (leashed) dogs. It houses the Queen Anne's Cottage; which is a cute Victorian in the middle of rose-laced garden, complete with white picket fences- - a good place to get married in, IMO. The landscaping is pretty, and it's museum is open on weekends from 1 to 4pm. There's also Baseball fields and picnic areas. Keep your dog leashed whenever you roam around outside of the dog park.
The caliber of dogs here are awesome. Today, I saw a St. Bernard who is a young'n and is still being trained by it's owner. The owner managed to keep the St. Bernard in one spot for a whole minute; until he let him know it's okay to move around. He later went up to me and I got to pat him; St. Bernards are adorable and docile. But I can imagine them when they're still a puppy. This one is about a good buck-fifty. Tico is around 90 pounds right now; and when he charges me - he usually topples me over. Tico's energy level is just insane; and he's already two years old. I was told by a bunch of dog owners that he'll mellow out when he gets older, which I half-look forward to.
Which brings me to Warren Eckstein's http://www.warreneckstein.com/ radio show yesterday. There was a caller, an old man; who sounded so sad and desperate because his wife refused to get another dog while he on the other hand; wants one. They've had two other dogs before, and each one has passed on and lived for 12 years under their care. So for about 24 years, this couple has had two dogs, enjoyed the dogs' companionship; and went through a bad time of grieving after the loss. The wife does not want to go through that again. Warren suggested that people always remember in the back of their heads that their dogs will only be with us for a short time; and to enjoy every moment of it while they are still around. Warren also told the caller to suggest fostering to his wife; that way, they get to enjoy the great experience of dog ownership again, but not really get attached until the wife is ready to take the next step. The caller is pretty happy about that suggestion.
Warren is a firm believer of shelters; and can't stand "puppy mills". My dog came from a breeder, so I have mixed feelings about shelters. I once chatted up with a PetSmart clerk who told me that she adopted a puppy who she later had to put down because apparently it contracted parvo, and she never knew. It gives me peace of mind to know where my dog's family came from; and their health background at birth. At the same time, my heart goes out to those dogs whose owners were way in over their heads about dog ownership; and so it overpopulates the shelters due to their irresponsibility. And with the recession; most owners have had to let their dogs go - - hence the overpopulation.
One day, as I was getting ready for work; I heard a commotion right outside my front door. When I got out on my way to the car, a couple of my neighbors were gathered around, calling on their cell phones, because there was a large GSD in the middle of the street. My first reaction was that she was pregnant; but my neighbor explained to me that the dog has tumor the size of a melon. The cop was already there waiting for the pound guys; but I felt so bad for that dog. Someone just dropped him off on the streets. And I could tell that the dog was an indoor dog; because he didn't move. He's utterly helpless; and HE DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I called him out, but he won't budge. That night, I hugged my dog for the longest time. I have about 10 more years with Tico, and I don't take that for granted.
I don't know how those owners who's had to let their dogs go to shelters; or in this case, this dog with tumor; but it's heartbreaking to know that dogs have no power whatsover to take charge of their lives; and they are at the mercy of those owners who may have the best interest at first, but failed in the end, under different circumstances; reasonably warranted or not. And then there's Warren Eckstein's caller; who would like to have a dog, but he can't easily have one. His comment, while in between controlled emotion; was somewhere along the line of "there's nothing like the experience and joy of having a dog; it's the most loyal companion you could ever have". It's true; and this old man just touched my heart.
"Don't You Forget About Me" is a song by an 80's band called Simple Minds, made famous by the movie "The Breakfast Club". The song is also featured in the movie that I am currently watching called "Easy A" by Emma Stone. Two good movies, one great song.
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