Not all dog lovers live in a place with a big yard for their canine friends to run around and get their daily exercise and play with other dogs, which is why there are dog parks.  A dog park is a place where people and their dogs can play together.  Off-leash dog parks provide a social setting in which dogs and people can gather and interact in friendship. Off-leash dog areas are places where dog owners and even non-dog owners can delight in the entertaining and interesting interaction of dogs at play.  People somehow find it easier to talk to each other with dogs as the initial focus, breaking down the usual social barriers that make people in our society perceive others as "strangers".  Research (a)  has also shown that companion dogs improve people's health and increase resistance to disease by providing companionship, by giving people something to care for, by providing pleasurable activity, providing comfort with touch, and being a pleasure to watch.  The unconditional love of a companion animal is very beneficial.