From Sofi Oksanen, the internationally bestselling author of Purge, comes a captivating story about a woman unable to escape the memory of her lost child, the ruthless powers that still haunt her, and the lies that could well end up saving her. Helsinki, 2016. Olenka sits on a bench, watching a family play in a dog park. A stranger sits down beside her. Olenka startles; she would recognize this other woman anywhere. After all, Olenka was the one who ruined her life. And this woman may be about to do the same to Olenka. Yet, for a fragile moment, here they are, together — looking at their own children being raised by other people. Moving seamlessly between modern-day Finland and Ukraine in the early days of its post-Soviet independence, Dog Park is a keenly observed, dark, and propulsive novel set at the intersection of East and West, centered on a web of exploitation and the commodification of the female body.

The Man in the Dog Park offers the reader a rare window into homeless life. Spurred by a personal relationship with a homeless man who became her co-author, Cathy A. Small takes a compelling look at what it means and what it takes to be homeless. Interviews and encounters with dozens of homeless people lead us into a world that most have never seen. We travel as an intimate observer into the places that many homeless frequent, including a community shelter, a day labor agency, a panhandling corner, a pawn shop, and a HUD housing office. Through these personal stories, we witness the obstacles that homeless people face, and the ingenuity it takes to negotiate life without a home. The Man in the Dog Park points to the ways that our own cultural assumptions and blind spots are complicit in US homelessness and contribute to the degree of suffering that homeless people face. At the same time, Small, Kordosky and Moore show us how our own sense of connection and compassion can bring us into touch with the actions that will lessen homelessness and bring greater humanity to the experience of those who remain homeless. The raw emotion of The Man in the Dog Park will forever change your appreciation for, and understanding of, the homeless life so many deal with outside of the limelight of contemporary society.

A heartwarming story about a man and his dog, and the first-ever book about dog parks and the part they play in the lives of both humans and canines. Off the Leash is a group portrait of dog people, specifically the strange, wonderful, neurotic, and eccentric dog people who gather at AmoryPark, overlooking Boston near Fenway Park. It’s about author Matthew Gilbert’s transformation into one of those dog people with fur on their jackets, squeaky toys in their hands, and biscuits in their pockets. Gilbert, longtime TV critic at The Boston Globe, describes his reluctant trip into the dog-park subculture, as the first-time owner of a stubbornly social yellow Lab puppy named Toby. Like many Americans, he was tethered to the digital leash. But the headstrong, play-obsessed Toby pulls him to Amory, and Amory becomes an exhilarating does of presence for him. At the dog park, the dog owners go off the leash, too. Dog-park life can be tense. When dogs fight, their owners bare their teeth at each other, too. Amid the rollicking dog play, feelings tend to surface faster, inedited. Amory becomes, for the dog owners, an idyllic microcosm, the home of enduring friendships and romantic crushes. Meeting daily, a gathering of dog owners can be like group therapy. A charming narrative, Off the Leash will appeal to anyone who has ever enjoyed watching a puppy scamper through a park. Praise for Off the Leash “An admitted curmudgeon just a few steps away from Cruella de Vil, Gilbert sees his life change when he falls in love with a dog person and then falls in love with dogs. . . . Gilbert captures with great humor the world within the dog park. . . . Beyond the individual quirks, Gilbert finds community and the ability to empathize among people who on the surface have little in common.” —Los Angeles Times “Gilbert’s book is witty, sweet, and affirming.” —The Boston Globe

This professional guide presents best practices for park and recreation professionals and others interested in creating a community dog park. From concept to completion, you'll get step-by-step instructions on creating a great off-leash facility. It also discusses related topics such as location considerations, community benefits, design options, maintenance concerns, amenities, suggested rules, and program opportunities.

Dog parks can be a wonderful way to give your dog exercise as well as social and mental stimulation. They are also a great place to meet dog-friendly people and pets. Dog park design, rules of etiquette, and conflict resolution all play an important role in making your visit a positive and safe experience. Find out how to make the most of these opportunities. Cheryl provides you with the information you need to know including: * The design features a well-planned park should have. * The four key behaviors your dog needs to know to thrive in a dog park. * Dog park etiquette - for both humans and dogs. * How to evaluate your dog's temperament to determine if he is dog-park ready. * How to read canine body language to anticipate and prevent problems. Anyone who takes their dog to a dog park - especially those who may have had some negative experiences - should benefit from reading this book. For you trainers who are asked by your clients about the pros and cons of dog parks, this book should be on your recommended reading list.

Dog lovers and their canine friends make their way to the Super Duper Dog Park on Dog Island, where dogs ride bicycles, make music, and enjoy a perfect day.

Nugget and his friends enjoy a day full of adventure at the Dog Park.