It’s our first time and at least one of us is nervous . . . worried about social skills, about “inappropriate” behavior, wondering aloud if the place will be crowded, but secretly hoping we’re the only ones there.

Drat, we’re not and some of us are already getting excited and we’re not even out of the car yet.

Well, at least we’re prepared. Got our drinks, baggies . . . and, oh yeah, this is a BOYD kinda place: Bring your own DOG.

We’ve got two: one brown, one white, both aging but lively and ready to get their sniff on.

Bud and Tucker LOVE other dogs, my husband assures me: Yeah, sometimes too much.

But it’s too late to back out now. They’ve spied Rambo and Chopper, a Jack Russell and a Lab-pitbull cross, respectively, and they are ready to rock and roll.

Much ball throwing, sniffing and running is followed by much panting, drinking and slobbering. Finally, Bud, the“shepoobernard” (part shepherd, poodle and St. Bernard), and Tucker, the “shepskyhound” (part shepherd, husky and afghanhound), decide to sit one out.

We chat amicably with Chopper’s owner, a shirtless guy sporting a devil tattoo who is tirelessly throwing a well-chewed tennis ball for all the dogs to chase. Then the girls show up. One at a time, three “doodles” (mostly goldendoodles) arrive, and suddenly everyone else, including me, seems woefully undercurly. More chatting, sniffing, slobbering . . . and everyone — animals and humans alike — plays nicely.

Fast forward two weeks: I admit, I’ve been looking forward to our second doggy date. The sense of anxiety of the first date has been replaced with a sense of anticipation: Who will be there? Will I see anyone I know? I love meeting new people, making new friends. Oh yeah, Tucker and Bud are coming too.

It’s a great second date.

The boys see old friends Walen and Cash, two large, white American bulldogs who walk in “the ‘hood” (that’s Whitman Spring Road). Chopper shows up, sans his little buddy Rambo, and we exchange greetings with his owner, who is pushing a toddler in a stroller.

We spend a pleasant hour chatting with Ellen and Elliott, as panting dogs check in and out for drinks, pats and brief respites.

And make some new friends: Mac, Max, Youkilis – can’t wait to see you again. Oh, and that cute little husky who showed up around 5:45 p.m. Saturday . . . the one with the adorable blue eyes . . . you know who you are. Same time next week?

Dog Park 101:

A dog park brings together people from all walks of life who have at least ONE thing in common and that’s what makes Robin’s Garden and Dog Park on Strawberry Avenue in Lewiston such a fun place to socialize — for both dogs and owners.

And if you just don’t feel like chatting, there’s plenty of room to spread out. There are some lawn chairs (not many, but you can bring your own) and some large rocks that work as perches for owners. Just remember: This park is FOR THE DOGS . . . and when they see a rock, they think fire hydrant. So perch at your own risk.

If you’re like us and enjoy making new dog friends as well as human acquaintances, sitting near a water bowl ensures maximum random canine contact.

Owners are asked to bring their own water since there is no nearby faucet. There are usually several bowls around in the park, but feel free to bring your own; just realize that Buddy, Titan, Max, Ginger, Peanut and Fred all may help themselves. We have two dogs and we bring three two-liter bottles of water with us for about a 45-minute visit on a warm summer day. We usually have extra to pour in the bowl when we leave, and could probably do with two.

Warning: If you sit near the water bowls you will likely get a bath. All that romping makes for thirsty, exuberant dogs. Some — maybe even yours — like to stick a foot or two in the bowl: instant splash party. So, dress appropriately and you may want to have a small towel handy.

Dogs will go and “doo” and you are expected to pick up after yours. The park provides a dispenser with bags and a disposal bin. So, while you are chatting up other owners, you do have to keep an eye on your pooch for the tell-tale hunch and squat.

Our way-over-30-pound male dogs, while they live in the country and are walked frequently, are not allowed off the leash, so this was a special experience for us all. We have had them for nearly a decade, and while we know them well, and know they generally like other dogs, we really had no idea how well they would play with strange others in a large-group setting.

Apparently, dogs off the tether play well together. Our visits to the park have been punctuated by some short, good-natured dog-on-dog “discussions,” but no irreconcilable differences. “Unwanted advances” such as the humpty dance, were rebuffed with a warning growl. And if the behavior persisted, owners usually interceded and that took care of it. In general, the dogs in the park play well together regardless of sex, age, size, breed, color or socioeconomic status.

Mostly, the dogs exercise themselves, but the park does have a few toys lying around, like old tennis balls, to encourage the less motivated or for those who need to get out some serious energy. And you can bring your own. But be warned: If you bring a ball or Frisbee to throw to your dog, Tramp, Buster, Junior and Chopper may beat him to it. But, hopefully, a good-natured game of chase will ensue, resulting in everybody getting some exercise.

The park has a double gate, so you and your pet can get in and out without worrying about potential escapees. But do keep an eye on your dog when it heads for the inside gate to greet new arrivals. If everyone crashes the gate, it can make it hard for newcomers to make a graceful entrance.

Dog park rules:

The park is divided into areas for dogs under and over 30 pounds

Park in the gravel lot next to the train tracks, across the street from the emergency clinic.

Dogs must be at least 4 months old, up to date on shots and not aggressive.

Clean up after your dog

Stay in the park with your dog

No one under 18 can be in the park unless accompanied by an adult.

Food and treats are not allowed.

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