I have lived in my current home for over 14 years. Eight homes on my side of the street have backyards that open into a common area (a small private park). Of those eight homes, six of them have dogs, and it’s the dogs that have brought the humans together in a special bond.

We stand or sit outside and have lovely chats while the dogs play (thanks to a gate we added to keep them in). Once or twice each summer we have a potluck barbecue. The friendships have grown rich and deep, and I treasure...