As Jeff and I planned our Snowbird Adventure my biggest apprehension was life with our dogs in an RV park. My Facebook friends are privy to Astro’s proclivity for mayhem and Seri can be a barky old b*tch when faced with insubordination from “lesser” dogs. I expected that most of the dogs at the park would be small, yappy, timid lap dogs. Astro would undoubtedly overwhelm them with her enthusiasm and Seri would growl menacingly; both alarming the helicopter dog parents. I anticipated dirty looks and being labeled as “those” dog people with big dogs inappropriate in a 55+ community.

We started on reasonably good footing. The dogs had been traveling for days in the car and had become comfortable defecating while leashed and in less than natural surroundings. Our RV site was next to the largest dog run in the RV park. Now we just needed to manage our interactions with resident dogs and their parents. Astro loved everyone, quite enthusiastically. Seri disdained everyone, also enthusiastically.

Lesson 1: dog people in an RV park consider their dogs their children. As long as you treat their dogs as children, your neighbors will like you. Learn the dogs’ names and praise effusively. Humans are referred to as Dog Name’s mom or dad. RV Parkers don’t talk about their kids. They talk about their dogs. Instant lesson in making friends.

Lesson 2: pick up your dog’s poop. The poop bags provided are made of thin, biodegradable plastic. I never imagined I would stand around with a poop mitt on my hand holding soft, warm dog turds in my fingers waiting for my other dog to drop a load so I can use the same bag for both piles. This is done while carrying on a conversation with Fifi’s mom. RV Parkers talk about what activities they are planning for the day while waiting for their pooches to poop. Instant lesson on the power of fellowship.

Lesson 3: do not offend the humans belonging to the yappy little ankle biters unless you can ignore an endless supply of stink eye, tsking, and frantic dog protection evasive maneuvers whenever you are sighted. Of course, if you have a mischievous streak you might enjoy taunting the little monsters. Do not try this maneuver if Fifi’s mom is watching. Instant lesson on providing gossip fodder.

Lesson 4: do not stereotype dog breeds. Yes, it is true that you will see many miniature schnauzers, shi tzus, and Chihuahua mixes in an RV park. But you will also see Labradors, Goldens, and even Bernese Mountain Dogs. I was often surprised by which was playful, friendly, or grumpy. Be open minded and welcome each dog on its own terms. Instant lesson in diversity and tolerance.

Lesson 5: do not judge. The first time I saw an RV Parker pushing a dog in a stroller I had to pinch myself to keep from laughing out loud. Then I realized Seri needed help getting up and down the trailer steps. I had to take Seri and Astro on separate walks because Seri couldn’t keep up and couldn’t go the distance. I wished I had a stroller for Seri to avoid the look in her eyes when I took Astro and left her behind. Instant lesson on adapting for handicaps.

Lesson 6: be positive and learn from every experience. I learned to expect that good things would happen but to be on guard anyway. What I found was that if I just let Astro do her own thing, she charmed humans and dogs alike. She became a favorite of humans with her exuberant but respectful welcomes to all. Everyone knew her name and greeted her warmly. She became a favorite with dogs because she exhibited perfect social skills and engaged the dogs who wanted to be engaged and said only a polite hello to those who wanted their space. She shared her toys and introduced big and little dogs to the adventures you can have with a jolly ball. Even the dogs who feared big dogs learned to trust her and accept her. Seri took awhile to learn it wasn’t necessary to protect me. But she eventually decided it wasn’t necessary to bark at everyone. She was ever calm with the reticent dogs and taught the naughty dogs to respect their elders. Seniors loved her and respected her gentle warmth. Both dogs showed me their maturity and good manners and impressed others with their obedience and respect. Instant lesson on the power of consistent, positive training techniques.

We all enjoyed the dog park and are looking forward to seeing our friends there again next winter. It doesn’t matter whether you are big or small, human or canine, it’s nice to have a pack ready to chat and share.