About twice a year, I am fortunate enough to get to go to my all time favourite restaurant, an upscale oyster bar located in downtown Toronto.  The anticipation that I feel before I get in the car, as I am driving down the D.V.P. practically drooling, and then finally enjoying an assortment of decadent oysters must be similar to the anticipation that Oscar and Zen experience every time I take them to the Off Leash Dog Park (OLDP). 
 

All I have to do to indicate that a visit to the OLDP is about to happen is open the cupboard door and grab some plastic bags.  Oscar and Zen then come running to the door spinning in circles and shaking with anticipation (my husband says I do the same thing).  I somehow manage to put on their leashes, grab my jacket and boots and get them in the car.  The ride up Yonge Street is a complete bark, whimper and drool fest.  When we pull into the parking lot, they are literally ready to burst out of the car; it takes all the strength I have to hold them back from running across the street directly to the park.  As we enter the gated area, I remove their leashes as quickly as I can, open the gate and off they go into their urban oasis.  I then stand in delight watching them enjoying their much anticipated and needed freedom.  Slowly their energy begins to subside and it's time for them to begin their contented journey home, so I round them up put back on their leashes and head to the car.  The drive home is much more relaxing; Oscar and Zen are now calm, quiet and very thirsty, just as I am when I am on my way home from eating a dozen or so salty oysters.

Luckily for them they will most likely get to visit the OLDP the next day, and without fail the minute I open that cupboard door and reach for a plastic bag, their anticipation will mount once again.  Fortunately for me Oscar and Zen are thrilled with simple pleasures; my husband, however, isn't so lucky.