Ray, accompanied by his delightful canine companions Hammy and Bo, graces our park with their presence approximately five times a week. Their journey into pet companionship began with Buddy, a lovable lab mix. However, after Buddy’s passing, the family, understandably heartbroken, took a year before feeling ready to welcome a new furry friend into their lives.
Bo, a charming blend of Rottweiler, Pinscher, and Beagle, became the first addition to the family. Bo’s enthusiasm for endless games of fetch led Ray to bring Bo’s Chuck it and ball to the park, creating moments of joy for both canine and human alike. Bo, a rescue from Tonawanda, NY, brought a special kind of warmth to the family.
Hammy, a Collie mix around two years old, entered the scene when Ray’s wife stumbled upon a picture that instantly captured her heart. Introductions with Bo and Buddy ensued, revealing an immediate connection, especially in their shared love for chasing squirrels. Ray humorously recounts how feeding peanuts to the squirrels turns into a lively spectacle, with the dogs watching through the sliding glass door in utter fascination.
A curious tidbit about Bo: he can’t swim. A memorable incident at Tillman Park had Ray jumping into the water to rescue Bo after an enthusiastic attempt to retrieve a ball. The park, with its playful escapades and social interactions, has become an integral part of Ray’s retirement, marking two years since his service as a maintenance man at Summerset Management.
Ray’s wife, Carol, a familiar face at Tim Hortons as a baker, is a well-known figure in Lancaster. Together, they relish the joys of being grandparents to three grandchildren aged 18, 15, and 10. Summers bring the family together for camping at their son’s campsite in Freedom, NY. The pups enjoy it there as well.
Ray stated he enjoyed music and started mingling with others in the park. He soon learned here are several men who are musicians. The conversations are enriching. Ray enjoys the camaraderie of all park goers. They share that special love for dogs and the warm sense of community make the park feel like a social club, where connections run deep.
In Ray’s own words, the park acts as a motivating force in the morning, with the dogs nudging him to get moving and head to the park. When asked about park improvements, Ray’s lighthearted suggestion of adding a bar brings a smile to our faces. Ray expresses eagerness to volunteer for park events, embodying the spirit of community and shared experiences that make our park a special place. Thanks, Ray, for being an integral part of our canine-loving community! 🐾