Love at first sight at the dog park | From La Petite-Patrie to Gaspésie

It’s a beautiful story that germinated in a dog park in Rosemont, then blossomed in a Gaspé farmyard. Let’s travel back in time to 2020, when COVID-19 kept us apart from each other.

Alexandra, originally from Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, had recently moved to Montreal. Among her closest friends, she could count on Paz, a boxer cross with whom she regularly went to the Père-Marquette dog park. One day, the entrance portico creaked, and his blood boiled. “Vincent arrived with his young dog, I immediately had a crush. I remember very well the moment I saw him for the first time,” she recalls.

The young purebred Rosemontois was flanked by Arnold, who had just turned six months old. The two dogs began to make contact… as did their respective owners.

“When we go to the dog park after work, we don’t necessarily talk about jobs, but rather about our evening or weekend activities, what we plan to eat, etc. We’d been talking for a while, and one day he told me he cooked good pork. I told him I found it dry. He invited me to dinner, and we met for a date “, continues Alexandra, allergic to dating apps, preferring the more natural and organic process that conversations at the dog park allow.

Let us point out, however, that Vincent did not entrust all the work to Cupid, nor to chance.

We can therefore say that Arnold had great flair! Especially since in the midst of a wave of Covid restrictions, the two lovebirds were able to continue to see each other thanks to the permissions granted to animal owners. “It made our rapprochement easier,” they confide.

City dog, field dog

Given that establishments accepting dogs are a rare commodity in Montreal, in addition to the fact that restaurant rooms were closed for a long time in 2020, Vincent did not hesitate to invite Alexandra to his home for brunch. No pork on the menu, but a tempting garnished platter, enough to nourish a beautiful relationship in the making.

And who will go far! After experiences in wwoofing (a volunteer program on organic farms), the young couple passed in 2021 in front of a house for sale in Gaspésie, not far from Bonaventure. Dreaming of founding an ethical farm, the lovers are convinced and move. Paz and Arnold, the urban canine duo, suddenly find themselves surrounded by chickens, rabbits, ducks, sheep and pigs. “Our farm was named La Petite Patrie, because it was in this neighborhood that we met,” says the couple, who sell and ship fertilized poultry eggs across the country, from hardy international breeds or fancy chickens. At the same time, Alexandra works as a multimedia integrator for online training, while Vincent is a mechanical designer.

Rosemont Park will remain far away. “I’m not going back to town,” says Vincent, noting that the two dogs get along perfectly with their country sidekicks. “The dog park is great for socialization, but they are better here. »

Especially since Arnold and Paz now have a new role: bodyguards. They are watching over the couple’s baby, who was born six months ago. Shows that the simple creaking of the gantry of a dog park can open many doors; including those of happiness.

Truffle matchmakers

Paz

Aged 8, Paz (whose name means “peace” in Spanish) is Alexandra’s first exclusive dog, who grew up surrounded by family pups. “When she’s inside, it’s a painting, you don’t even notice her. But on the outside, she is very cheerful, we call her the rocket! Since we have lived in Gaspésie, she has loved playing in the water at Chaleur Bay,” says Alexandra.

Arnold

After meeting Paz when he was just 6 months old, Arnold became best friends with Alexandra’s dog. Besides, both of them don’t really have little doggies in their hearts! This crossbred cattle dog is Vincent’s very first dog and was named in reference to Schwarzenegger (a childhood idol of his master). “He is stubborn, but very affectionate, he likes to rub shoulders with people,” he emphasizes.