The Power of Suggestion

When I was a pup. "Master" used one of those pull-across gates to keep me out of certain areas of the house. Of course, I was a strong willed puppy and tested the barrier, but it never budged. I learned that the gate meant - Do Not Enter. When I misbehaved or wouldn't leave a houseguest alone I was put in the next room and the gate was closed. It's now a year later. The gate is no longer fixed to the doorframe. If "Master" wants me to stay in the next room he just sets the gate against the wall with a tiny portion of the gate sticking out. That's all it takes. I know not to cross the "invisible" barrier. In fact, he can put the gate anywhere and I get the message. Man, I'm smart!

Junk Food

Have you ever looked at the ingredients on the box of those cheap dog treats you can buy at the grocery? Like most junk food these days they are full of nasty stuff that aren't really very healthy. Nutritionists keep telling us refined grains are not good for us - like white flour, corn flour, etc. Fortunately there are alternatives. There are many lines of treats at pet stores and shops on The Net that feature healthier and even organic treats. I've tried them and they are delicious. I don't miss the fat and carbs at all. And they are better for me. After all, I am a dog and meat is really what we were meant to eat. In fact, I heard a guy on Oprah say that meat is really the best treat for your dog! Yea, baby!

The Long Hot Summer

It's that time of year when dogs like me with a thick coat really feel the heat when we're outdoors. And I recently read in Dog Fancy magazine that snub-nosed breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs can't tolerate heat at all and might even die suddenly from walking around at high noon! Yikes! I think I'll keep to the shade. As you know, we don't have sweat glands which explains the heavy panting which is our way of perspiring to keep cool. If you have a pool and your best friend has never experienced swimming don't leave him alone near it. Despite our penchant for the dog paddle we can drown, too. Summer is also a time when owners are spraying all kinds of chemicals to kill weeds and bugs on their lawns and gardens. We can easily get this stuff on our coat or in our paws. Then when we lick it goes in our mouth. Let liquid chemicals dry before you let us out to play and roll around. Lastly, be sure to keep up on the flea and tick and heartworm preventitives. Until next time..... Woof!