Redditor Branded As The 'Bad Guy' For Prioritizing His Dog's Shade Over A Baby At Public Park

"The small park offers only one shaded area roughly 10ft by 10ft thanks to a lone tree."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• August 7, 2023

In the scorching heat of summer, there's one universal refuge that brings us all together: the comforting shade. Whether it's people seeking respite from the relentless sun or our beloved pets searching for relief from the hot ground, the allure of shade is undeniable.

As temperatures rise, an instinctual urge compels us to seek out these cool havens under trees, canopies, or any available shadow. In these moments, we find a shared camaraderie in the quest for relief.

It doesn't matter who we are or where we come from; the desire for a refreshing escape unites us. Humans and their loyal pets alike all partake in this timeless ritual of seeking shelter from the blazing sun.

Let's step into OP's (43M) shoes as he spends a hot day at the park with his 10lbs Alaskan Klee Kai, a 4-year-old canine companion. Like many, he seeks out the scarce shaded areas of the park. Unfortunately, upon arriving, he finds someone already occupying one of these coveted spots.

OP decides to set up nearby, patiently waiting for a turn at the cooling shade. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the spot becomes vacant.

But just as OP gets ready to move his dog's crate to the shaded oasis, a woman with a baby appears and stands in the coveted space, seemingly ignoring OP's presence.

Determined to provide some comfort for his furry friend, OP moves the crate to the now-available shade. The woman expresses her annoyance, but OP stands his ground, willing to share the cooling shelter.

Regardless of our differences, we all seek a moment of relief from the sweltering heat, finding a simple yet essential connection in the pursuit of comfort under the welcoming canopy of shade.

The OP and his dog were in the park waiting for a spot under the tree to become available

Just as a seat became available, a woman with a baby tried to take it. OP offered to share it, but the woman angrily leaves

The situation wasn't too serious, but it left OP questioning whether he was wrong

Bringing a dog to the lake park just to sit in a crate is weird

Lady seems entitled

OP should have asked the first occupants to share shade

The woman is wrong for being unnecessarily cold towards OP

OP is not wrong about the situation with the woman as he wanted to share the space

77°F may not be considered hot for most people, but it can still pose some risks to babies and dogs if they are exposed to it for a prolonged time without proper precautions

The lady was unaware OP claimed the spot, but she should have accepted OP's offer to share

She probably thought OP was okay where he were since he hadn't moved

Expecting others to respect OP's mental dibs on public goods is entitled and unrealistic

In the story of OP and his canine companion, it becomes evident that the desire for shade is not solely about personal comfort but also about caring for those who depend on us, even our four-legged friends. OP's actions were considerate and fair, and he should not question whether he made a mistake.

The responsibility for the situation lies with the woman who chose not to accept his offer of sharing. When someone disregards the needs of pets and selfishly occupies a shaded area, it not only shows a lack of consideration but also a disregard for the well-being of others.

Damjan