Coby had a treat on Saturday — he visited with his two friends, Lola and Mika, from his old neighbourhood.  They, and their ‘mom’, have moved to Liberty Village and since we live in Danforth Village, we don’t get to see them much anymore. After we all moved out of the old ‘hood, we alternate who visits who.  Saturday was our turn to head west and with the warmish spring temps, we all went to East Humber Park.  What a beautiful location — lots of great city views but yet feeling removed from the city.  And, lots of great places for the dogs to romp, including the lake!  Coby had a ball chasing rocks in the lake and checking out the swans and ducks swimming by. We even found an abandoned soccer ball to play with on the beach.  While we love the off-leash parks and beaches in the east end, it’s always nice to mix it up with new play locations.

Speaking of off-leash parks, here’s a warning to everyone in Toronto dog parks to be extra careful right now — the bylaw officers are out in full force. I personally was stopped by one last week when Coby and I wandered just outside the off-leash area of Monarch Park but was let go with a warning (PHEW!).  The officer also checked Coby’s city license — which was up-to-date — so be sure your dogs are licensed and on leash where regulated.  The cost of not doing so is just too great at approx $240 for each infraction, per dog.

Coby and his dog friends continue to love these chilly mornings but I can’t wait for it to feel like spring.  Another morning of ball and stick play at the park with Coby and his people friends.  When I first got Coby, I called him the “Walmart Greeter” at the park since he had to say hi to every dog who entered.  But somewhere along the way as he’s “matured”, he has turned his affection to the dogs’ owners and now greets them all with a nod of his ball (or sticks) and a strong lean against their legs.  Everyone finds him infectuous — such a goof.  He can’t help make you smile but good luck trying to kick a ball by him.  If anyone wants to practice their soccer foot work, I can lend you Coby, the ultimate ball defender.

Another morning at the Park with Coby’s furry and people friends.  Coby et al dogs were loving the cold weather and snow on the ground.  Same couldn’t be said for all us pet owners!

I am so fortunate to have such a sweet, loving and goofy dog. He is a Lab mix (probably with some Shepherd, Husky, Collie, etc.) — any breed that sheds. I adopted Coby from a rescue organization, Adopt-a-Dog, Save-a-Life, more than four years ago when he was 14 months and he’s been my best friend ever since.  I really can’t imagine my life without him.  I love our walks and play time — with a ball and/or sticks of course — the friends we’ve met, the parts of the city we’ve seen on foot that I would never have discovered without him, and the way he always brighten my day. So friends and family who always ask about Coby - here is a place you can catch up. For other dog lovers, add me to your blog roll and I will add you to mine and we can share our experiences.

Here are some photos of Coby: