One of the biggest sacrifices that inner-city renting can present is not being able to have a pooch pal for a roommate. For anyone who is a dog person (but, let's be honest, who isn't?), this can be quite the adjustment to make. So, any exposure to a four-legged friend conjures serious levels of excitement that are usually only reserved for when you see the waiter bringing your food at a restaurant.
As one of several off-leash dog parks in the inner city, Harmony Park in Surry Hills is a mecca for recreational dog-watching. There is something quite cathartic about sitting and watching those silly mutts expend all of their energy on a few rounds of catch. Watch a little puppy get virtually bowled over by a giant hound, to then promptly get up, shake it off and go again. Go gaga as a short-legged pooch attempts to get airborne to catch a frisbee, casually missing by over a metre. And accept all the snuggles and wet, sloppy kisses you can get, until the owner thinks you're a weirdo. It will fill that pet-shaped hole in your heart — temporarily, at least.