Dan's Papers - June 20, 2008 - Local Shih Tzu Shows You How to Walk a Dog

The life of a Sag Harbor shih tzu is a life of leisure most people would love to call their own. Strolls through the neighborhood, curbside visits with canine neighbors, hours-long naps on a velvet cushioned bed and chicken-flavored treats galore are all part of a typical day's work. Some days, there's window-shopping in East Hampton or hanging with the family in Bridgehampton. Most days, though, there's just a lot of lounging. This is why - every now and then - the parents of a Sag Harbor shih tzu need to get the paws moving.

That was the plan when we took Murphy, our cute-as-a-button pampered puffball, to the Springs Dog Park recently. It was a gloriously sunny day, and even though we had a variety of holiday activities to choose from (mostly involving barbequed hot dogs or hamburgers, of which Murph is a fan), we decided to kick it up a notch. Take it to the next level. Go outward bound.

We'd heard about the Springs Dog Park and knew it was a hot spot for local pooches and their parents. I'd even read a few weeks before that it was where East Hampton resident Philip Schultz first learned he'd won the Pulitzer for poetry, as he was spending some QT with pup Penelope. Now, we figured that Murph, having experienced more varieties of sidewalk than grass, was going to be easily impressed. Given the buzz, and as his parents, we had pretty high expectations. And much like Schultz must've felt on the day the good news was delivered, we were not disappointed.

Things got off to a bumpy start - literally. After turning onto the park entrance off of Three Mile Harbor Road, our trusty Prius navigated a veritable minefield of crater-sized potholes. (Be forewarned: If you don't have 4WD, you'll want to take your time upon approach. The good news is that the road is slated to be repaired, thanks to the CPF.) Fortunately, the destination was worth the challenging journey. Successfully reaching the gate sans flat tire, ample parking awaited us. Murph leapt out of the car, and booked it to the park gate. (At this point it should be noted that despite his little legs and luxe lifestyle, the Sag Harbor shih tzu can run. He may not get as far as quickly as bigger breeds, but it's certainly not for lack of energy or enthusiasm).

Curly tail flapping and tiny nose pointed skyward, Murphy sprinted down the dirt path, stopping only for quick sniffs. Unwilling to lose sight of him in patches of taller flora and fauna, we kept him on a long leash, but parents of bigger dogs will be thrilled to know that perhaps the park's best feature is that it's completely fenced in. It's a playground of open field, flowers and trees, offering pets - and owners - the chance to run and play without restraint. And even if, like us, you don't venture from the wide dirt trail, you'll still get a good dose of the great outdoors. The trail makes a long, 30-minute loop, which offers lovely, New England-esque scenery, and connects where it begins, at the parking area gate.

In addition to unabashed freedom in a pretty, natural setting, the park offers several other perks. User-friendly waste stations, consisting of metal scoopers and plastic barrels, line the trail. A long "Dog Log," carved with "Molly," "Rusty," and dozens of other names, marks the trail's halfway point, and serves as a testament to the park's many happy visitors. For parents, a picnic table by the trail's entrance provides a nice snacking spot. The park also welcomes hikers, bikers, runners, birdwatchers, photographers, and stargazers, whether they're accompanied by dogs or not.

A few tips. Temperatures neared 80 degrees during our visit, and it was hot. The trail's return trip is shaded, but the first half is in direct sunlight, so lather on the SPF and bring enough water for everyone. Also, depending on where you let your dog play, you'll want to take all the precautions you normally would when hanging outside on the tick-thick East End - light-colored clothing, socks, etc. - and thoroughly check you and yours over upon departure. Lastly, be sure to clean off the car's backseat for the long ride home - regardless of how much energy he comes with, your pooch will be pooped by the time you leave.

That is, if the Sag Harbor shih tzu's any indication, anyway.

Springs Park is located on Three Mile Harbor Road, just past East Hampton Point. For more information, call (631) 324-2417.