Photo credit: Sherrie Stille

You don’t have to look far in City of Boulder Dog Parks or the county’s guidance for Dogs in Open Space to find joy in motion. Today’s Dog of the Day captures it perfectly—four playful pups, the “Fearsome Foursome,” charging through the shallows in a friendly game of keep away. The black dog leads with the prize: a bright red-orange ball cradled in one of those curved throwers every Boulder dog owner knows by feel. The other three splash after him, tails high, plotting their next playful intercept.

Why the obsession with that launcher and ball? It taps into deep canine wiring. The long, airy arc mimics a chase; the bounce triggers pursuit; the catch completes the loop. Add the social twist of keep away and you’ve got a moving conversation—feints, play bows, shoulder checks—where dogs practice timing, turn-taking, and fair play. It’s cardio, brain work, and friendship, all at once.

Water makes it epic. Cool resistance turns sprints into full-body workouts, and every splash amplifies the senses. Sunlight flashes off the ripples; the red ball skims the surface; four silhouettes churn a wake that looks like confetti. Scenes like this are why Boulder’s dog culture feels legendary—space to run, clean water to play in, and a community that understands how vital play is for happy, well-balanced dogs.

Want to recreate the magic? Favor broad shorelines and rotate toys to keep arousal in the “happy zone.” Short bursts beat marathons, especially for young or senior pups. Share the “win” by letting different dogs carry the thrower; cooperation keeps the vibe friendly. And always pack fresh water—excitement plus splashing can mask thirst.

In the end, the Fearsome Foursome remind us that happiness doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s four friends, a cool lake, and one bright red-orange ball sailing across a Colorado afternoon—proof that joy is a team sport in Boulder.

For more local moments and community highlights, you’ll find plenty at this local site.

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