Dog parks are sacred to dogs and their owners. Our canine friends need socialization, exercise, and fun to have well-rounded lives.

These parks, leashed or not, are one of the few public spaces where dogs can just frolic and just be dogs. Of course, there are still rules in place for everyone’s safety, and for the most part, responsible dog owners are mindful of them.

It is not unusual to see families out and about in these dog parks. But showing up and turning the dog park into your event venue is an unusual sight indeed.

OP recently took his dog to the dog park after being cooped up for a while due to rain. Their local dog park isn’t big but it has enough space for the dogs to play and run around.

OP was there along with another dog owner for a scheduled play date. After an hour or so, two minivans pull up to the park.

Out comes two women and about seven children with the obvious absence of a dog. They then start unloading and installing party decorations inside the park.

One of the women asked OP how long they will be staying in the park. They were apparently throwing a birthday party and the child loves dogs.
The group of party-goers ignored the sign outside the park that specifically prohibits parties and outside events.

OP’s friend mentioned the rule to the ladies but they promptly ignored him. OP called the police’s non-emergency line to explain what happened.

Two police officers showed up not long after that. They told the ladies to pack up everything they brought and vacate the park.

On their way out, one of the ladies made sure to tell OP that he was an a**hole for ruining a kid’s birthday. OP’s partner agreed and told him that he should have left instead of making a big deal out of it.