by Thomas Redden

Created on: October 25, 2007

I'll admit it I was a bit skeptical at first. The fences were not high enough and they looked as if a proper gust of wind would fell the whole lot inward like a collapsible strainer. I tested tensile strength and the chain link walls seemed adequate. My Siberian Husky weighed less than 50 lbs wet so it seemed a worthy opponent if challenged but still I questioned the height. A bit hesitant I leaned over to my furry little mass's collar to set him free, counting on the golden lab trotting towards us to thwart his desire for a high jump escape. Backup was nearby as I eyed a very friendly Rottweiler, a Border Collie and a nice assortment of colored Labs. I felt like a uneasy parent dropping an only child off for their first day at kindergarten. Quickly I was relieved, learning this to be an extraordinary social setting, a grassy arena for both humans and canines to mix & meet.

Dog parks aren't the only places to meet people or dogs the only animals we love and care for. Some squiggle others wiggle, some have attitudes and some tentacles. Some have flowing manes and others have lengthy tongues. Whatever the animal, we cherish and love them and weep when they leave us. With pets you can forego the bar scene, with proper technique you just might find your next true love with a can of Alpo in your hand.

Let's face it, meeting new people can be awkward and a bit stressful. Suddenly under the spotlight, we tend to tense up and unable to relax we worry one wrong word or look will doom an initial exchange. Shift the focus off you and the awkwardness disappears and confidence is restored. Enter your favorite pooch here. A dog on leash is a furry wingman at your side, a ready warrior in the early stages of the dating game. Take advantage of your collared colleague and, although not a scientific law quite yet, I believe Steven Hawking is close to proving dogs exponentially increase the likeliness of finding love in yourself and with others. So get off the couch and go to the park or just for around the block with your furry bundle, the more you are out the greater your chance of meeting someone.

If you are approached by someone with a dog in tow at least you know both of you have at least one thing in common. Already you're one up on many of the married couples I know. With the dogs checking each other you have the perfect opportunity to do the same of a new acquaintance. Be subtle but be ready to chat. The clich of watching how a man treats his mom is evidence of the way he

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