Sometimes, you just can't help but wonder why people are so unfriendly?

The day started out fine actually. Until Kazu (my bf) had an accident with his phone (really silly accident) and had to get it fixed before we went to the park. But it's not about that that I'm really upset about.

I met this couple and another man at Beppu Park about 1 or 2 months ago. They were both corgi owners and I was so excited to finally be able to meet other Corgis and their people! They were really nice and allowed Ein to play with their Olive and Kouta (I think?)! Imagine how happy I was since Ein doesn't seem to socialize well with other dogs :( Dogs never seemed to like him and about 80% of the dogs Ein and I ever met on out walks all seem to think he's a threat, the proceed to bark at him or act aggressively... I have no idea why that happens since Ein just seemed to want to play and doesn't even bark back. I think Ein learned a lot about socializing with other dogs that day. Was really happy :)

She told me that they have a kind of unofficial Corgi meetup everyday after work hours at the park, and invited me to join, although she wasn't a regular member herself. She couldn't stay very long that day, and neither did we so we left after a while. I was so excited about it and told Kazu that we should definitely bring Ein to the same park next time to meet the other Corgis and he agreed with me.

Then came today.

We went to the park at about 7 p.m. and were walking around, hoping to be able to meet the other Corgis and their peoples. And we finally met them! I was really excited to finally be able to meet so many different Corgis! I did approach the small group with care, since I'm new about everything. I was really surprised with what happened next.

There were 4 Corgis, 1 Border Collie, and 1 Chihuahua in total there. And one of the Corgi there was a Fluffy! Yay! 4 ladies were there with their dogs, and well... Only one approached me with a smile (A). The Border Collie's owner (B) kept her distance and stopped him from running around the moment she saw us. The lady with her Fluffy (C) held her Corgi back as well. The other lady (D) let her 2 tri-coloured Corgis run around and A greeted us with her Corgi girl and Chihuahua. She was really nice and all, but I still felt like she was putting up a wall between us. Well, I do understand, since we're strangers and all but... The other ladies? They didn't even want to talk. I did try to communicate with them, approaching with care, since well, they're a lot older and I didn't want to seem rude (there's a lot of this age hierarchy thing in Japan). Only C chatted with me a little, and D simply walked off... I left after a while since the rest ignored us and continued on what they were doing. I said goodbye politely but they didn't reply, except for A.

Ein seemed to have enjoyed himself and that's what really matters but I can't help but wonder...

Maybe I'm imagining things? Maybe I did something rude? Maybe it's normal since they don't know me at all? There are tonnes of 'maybes' still going on in my head but... I just don't get why they behaved the way the did. I mean, I've met a lot of other people, be it with or without dogs in town, and most of them are really friendly. Even Kazu said they don't seem very nice. I'm a pretty anti-social type of person myself but I don't block people away like that, especially if they seemed new and want to talk to me!

I really wanted to be able to go for Corgi meetups and all, or normal doggie meetups... Even basic obedience class or any training classes for Ein would also do fine, just so that I can get Ein to socialize more with other people and other dogs. I've searched all over the place and the nearest place that provides classes on 'basic dog grooming' is 2-3 hours drive away. So just when I finally found a bunch of people that seemed to organize a daily meetup with their Corgis and other dogs, things turned out like this... I don't know, maybe I'm just sensitive. Maybe I should give it another try until, hopefully, they feel like accepting us into their 'little group'. Am I just plain desperate?

And to top it all off, we had a pretty pricey dinner at a restaurant with bad service... Sigh... I need to relax and get me some good ol' Corgi lovin' from Ein while waiting for Kazu to come back :(