Time is a precious thing, and no one approaches life quite like a dog. Many know that dogs perceive time differently than we do. You may have even heard that to calculate your dog’s age you multiply their “human” age by seven. While this isn’t entirely accurate, the general idea is there; dogs process sensory information much faster than we do. So, if there’s one thing a dog can teach us, it is to live in the moment.
Though it might be just a brief pitstop in our ever-chaotic schedule, a visit to the park may just be the highlight of our dog’s day. Dogs, owners, and neighbors alike, gather in these green spaces throughout the day to socialize, unwind, relax, and disconnect. What’s more, the simple act of getting outside and moving our bodies has been proven to increase productivity and mood. So even on the longest of days when we come home exhausted and worn out, a walk in the park might just be what’s needed. These photos capture long exposure shots, emphasizing both the speed at which life moves and the immense joy that these dogs meet it with. This series is an exploration of a dog’s typical experience at the park and what the Salt Lake community can learn from it.
Let it Snow!
While maybe not every pup likes to prance around in freshly fallen snow, the winter season is typically a very exciting time for our canine friends. Because snow is a seasonal phenomenon, it is quite exhilarating whenfirst discovered. Snow offers a sensory experience; it is a cold, wet, and fluffy substance that calls for immediate investigation by our pets. This was evident when I took my two dogs up to the park after the first snowfall of this year. They pulled a little harder on the leashes as we got closer, and their tails wagged a bit more vigorously. It was excitement in its purest form.
As I documented all of the dogs playing in the park, I began to realize that the patches of snow, though scarce, were whispers of bigger things to come. Surely it was something to be grateful and excited about. As Utahns I think we often forget that not every place on Earth gets snow every year – if ever! And though it can be a nuisance to shovel the driveway and navigate the roads, our Utah snow is one of the greatest gifts we have. So even if you don’t partake in skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or any other winter sport, make no mistake – the snow is something to celebrate.
Creatures of the Moment
It dawned on me very quickly whilst collecting these photographs, that our dogs really do orient us to appreciate the little things in life. Whether it’s chasing the ball with all their might, or sniffing every last smell, dogs leave nothing undone. They teach us to get excited about the things we love, to be spontaneous, take risks, and to live life with gusto. Because to adopt this way of life is to be frantic and in motion, it is to go outside even in bad weather, to explore things unknown, and to savor every moment for what it is – a gift!
