When I first make people’s acquaintance, they are generally surprised to learn I have a Pomeranian. Apparently, I don’t strike people as the “soft and fluffy” kind of dog person. It probably doesn’t help that I am 6’2” and tip the scales at 240 pounds, sporting a plethora of tattoos and piercings.
But looks can really be deceiving.
My Pomeranian, “Precious,“ is five fluffy, adorable pounds of terror, or at least so she thinks. When my wife Morgan first brought her home, I was assuming she was your standard run-of-the-mill ankle biter. Yes, she’s noisy and yappy and can be a little skittish around anything big, loud, or unexpected. But when I started to get to know her, I found she was at her calmest, happiest, best self when outdoors. After taking a few short hikes and seeing how she held up, I knew we had a new hiking partner. After Morgan and I discovered the Arboretum, it wasn’t long before we decided to see how Precious would like it. It was a resounding success.
The Arboretum is an important resource for so many more reasons than people realize. It is a place where all creatures, both human and otherwise, great and small, can stretch their muscles, their awareness, and their imagination. Together, my dog and I explored nature and that subtle, often underestimated, human to non-human relationship. And I was able to work on staying in shape while identifying the Arboretum’s countless trees and plants and a myriad of bird life.
Precious? She does what dog’s do: sniff here, roll there, walk through the mud here and there. She loves exploring – and encouraging me to do the same. I was also able to encourage Precious to be a little more sociable with other dogs. As long as the other dog owners are on board, it’s a great opportunity to see how your dog acts around other furry friends.
Landis has always welcomed well-behaved, leashed dogs and their people. With the exception of just a few times a year (plant sales and the 5K races), you can bring your dog for a short romp or a long walk on our trails. It is important to pick up your pet’s waste. Please use the waste collection stations located near the parking lot kiosk and the Meeting House.
Plant people? Dog people? People people? Come to the Arboretum, stretch your legs, your leashes, and your mind!