Last fall Mrs. T, I and Baron the GSD, had gone on a short fall camping trip to Glacial Lakes State Park in North Central Minnesota. After several days of hiking, we drove up towards Fargo-Moorhead to check out Maplewood State Park. It was a wonderful day and after some backroads touring, we stopped at the park's picnic area for lunch.
There was some sort of a festival going on but other than having a hard time finding a picnic table, we didn't pay too much attention to it.
It was after sitting down to eat that we noted the other picnicers were mainly of Asian extraction and speaking something other than English. I wasn't sure what it was. Then curious people began to stop and look at Baron. Taking a chance, I spoke up in English, inviting anyone to feel free to pet the dog. Tentatively, at first, a few tried it, until eventually they came over by the dozens.
Cameras were everywhere. The opportunity had opened up after some chitchat about my "big boy" to say, "so where are you folks from.?" It turned out they were all teachers, students and family on an outing from North Dakota State University in Fargo. And all were on exchange programs from The Peoples Republic of China. What a fun picnic that was....
Last fall Mrs. T, I and Baron the GSD, had gone on a short fall camping trip to Glacial Lakes State Park in North Central Minnesota. After several days of hiking, we drove up towards Fargo-Moorhead to check out Maplewood State Park. It was a wonderful day and after some backroads touring, we stopped at the park's picnic area for lunch.
There was some sort of a festival going on but other than having a hard time finding a picnic table, we didn't pay too much attention to it.
It was after sitting down to eat that we noted the other picnicers were mainly of Asian extraction and speaking something other than English. I wasn't sure what it was. Then curious people began to stop and look at Baron. Taking a chance, I spoke up in English, inviting anyone to feel free to pet the dog. Tentatively, at first, a few tried it, until eventually they came over by the dozens. 
Cameras were everywhere. The opportunity had opened up after some chitchat about my "big boy" to say, "so where are you folks from.?" It turned out they were all teachers, students and family on an outing from North Dakota State University in Fargo. And all were on exchange programs from The Peoples Republic of China. What a fun picnic that was.... 
You can always tell when people are away from their pets, they always flock over. We ran into that riding bikes across the state.
ReplyDeleteMy local bird feed store owner has a dog that could be Baron's brother. Although he looks intimidating, he is fun to pet for someone who is a little afraid of big dogs. I'll bet it was the same for these folks! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh what fun! How nice Baron was there to "break the ice" and initiate a contact that otherwise might not have been.
ReplyDeleteGood Boy!
(Glad he is the friendly type!)
That would have been a great experience. When we travel with our small dog, he seems to be the topic everyone wants to talk about and they want to pet him. Fun!
ReplyDeleteHow FUN was that?? What a terrific opportunity for you.I"ll bet they loved Baron!!! Look at that tongue hanging out - lol!
ReplyDeletehow wonderful! i bet they really enjoyed meeting mr. baron!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in China, one of my great delights was that people were very friendly and loved engaging in small talk about the personal aspects of one's life. I took photos of my pets, family, home, etc and it was a great ice-breaker. A pet is even better.
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful. I think it is great to meet people form other places and cultures. It really expands our horizons. Baron is a an ambassador.
ReplyDeleteHow cool to be able to meet and interact with so many Chinese! I really like meeting up with other cultures-even in this country you never know when you go out. Baron looks like he had fun.
ReplyDeleteBaron is quite the Goodwill Ambassador! He obviously was a big favorite with the Chinese.
ReplyDeleteBaron, always the ambassador!
ReplyDeleteHow neat that Baron removed the barriers of two cultures so that each of you could find common ground, a handsome dog.
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to meet new friends ~ especially the furry four legged kind! :)
ReplyDeletexo Catherine
We never know what interesting events are "around the corner" and isn't it neat that Baron was the subject of such interest?? :-) What a great day!
ReplyDeleteNothing brings a group together better than a good dog! That must have been quite a day.
ReplyDeleteSo nice that Baron met some new friends.
ReplyDeleteNice! What a great international ambassador Baron is. Many people here have lap dogs, but a big guy like B would be a novelty.
ReplyDeleteDogs have a universal language..way cool that he found so many friends:)
ReplyDeleteThere is no greater ice breaker than a dog-
ReplyDeleteBaron looks like he enjoyed the attention. :)
ReplyDeleteBIG Dogs are great ice-breakers aren't they?? Hafta ask....how many times have you been asked "Whose walkin' who?" :) ... or been told "You should put saddle on that fella". :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like baron is a great ambassador! Maybe we should send him to the UN! He might do a good job there but I don't think he would b every happy. I suspect he likes rambling around the woodlands with you much better!
ReplyDeleteAnimals always get my attention as well. I would have been one of the people coming up for a pet or two as well...
ReplyDeleteI just love Baron! He steals the show!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting to run into such a group. Sounds like every one of them enjoyed Baron. Good thing he's a friendly sort. :)
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