Dog Parks Are the Third Space I Needed in These Polarizing Times | The Walrus
Briefly

After moving to an east Toronto neighbourhood for eighteen years, a person adopted a chihuahua-pug named Hobbes. This decision led to unexpected social interactions, as Hobbes quickly became a source of joy for strangers, evoking smiles and conversations in a previously withdrawn community. Encounters with people, including children and an emotional grandmother, opened discussions about shared experiences and concerns, showcasing how Hobbes facilitated connections that had been missing. The puppy changed not only the owner's life but also contributed to a newfound sense of community.
Having a dog has transformed my interactions with neighbours, as Hobbes attracts smiles and conversations, puncturing the long-standing silence of my neighbourhood.
My chihuahua-pug, Hobbes, is like a beacon of joy, effortlessly breaking the ice and sparking connections with other dog lovers and even those who seem distant.
Read at The Walrus
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