Dogs and Civic Engagement

You used to be said that the best way to initiate a romantic encounter is to get a dog, because dogs always attract attention and interest, and once you have that it's just a short step to going out for a dinner and a movie.

The same can be said for civic engagement. If you want to connect with your community, to get to know people in your neighborhood, and to start doing something worthwhile with others, the best thing you can do is start walking your dog regularly. You'll meet lots of people who love dogs and want to hang out with them, and before you know it, they'll be hanging out with you as well. And, hey, while you're at it make your first project together a public dog run so that while all the doggies are running and jumping at each other you can be hatching all sorts of interesting plans to improve the community. Before you know it, you'll have more community projects to follow through on than you can handle, and more than anyone you'll have that wonderful dog of yours to thank.