Every weekend, Summer comes over for playgroup, which is a very important event. Mom, Dad, and Uncle Anthony may think it is just two golden retrievers running around the backyard, acting ridiculous. Still, Bear and Summer would like everyone to understand that there are official rules involved.
First of all, whoever steals the ball first wins; this is the most important rule of all. It does not matter whose ball it originally was. Once the game begins, ownership becomes extremely complicated.
This leads directly to Rule Number Two. Summer’s ball is automatically Bear’s ball. Bear feels this is only fair because Summer runs faster when she is chasing her ball. Summer does not agree with this rule, but apparently, participation in a playgroup means accepting some injustice.
Mom and Dad must also clap and say “good boy” and “good girl” frequently. This is necessary for morale. Bear and Summer work very hard during playgroup activities and feel their efforts should be acknowledged with enthusiastic praise and occasional snacks.
Water breaks are mandatory. Usually, this means drinking water politely from the bowl. However, Bear recently decided that jumping directly into the swimming pool was an even better cooling strategy. Mom informed him this was absolutely not part of the official playgroup rules. Bear respectfully disagreed.
Zoomies are serious athletic events and should never be interrupted unnecessarily. Sudden high-speed laps around the backyard are important for conditioning, emotional expression, and showing off. Mom and Dad often laugh during Zoomies, but Bear and Summer remain completely professional.
Mom’s treats are also serious business. Playgroup participants must report immediately to the kitchen whenever snack bags crinkle or freezer doors open. Delayed response times are unacceptable.
At the end of the day, after all the running, wrestling, splashing, stealing, barking, and treat inspections are complete, Bear and Summer usually sit together looking very proud of themselves. They may be tired, but they also know something important.
Playgroup is not just about games.
It is about friendship.
It is about making people smile.
And sometimes, without even realizing it, it is about helping hearts heal a little, too. ❤️🐾
