Seedpods and Fox tails and Burrs, Oh My!

It’s a lot of fun playing outside, but occasionally, I’ll feel really itchy after I do. Little burrs and fox tails can get stuck in my fur, and I can’t pull them out with my teeth or my paws. Sometimes my family will see me working on one (I’m too proud to ask for help) and come to my rescue. These little stickies can become a really big problem for pups like me, especially if they get stuck between my toes, or somewhere really hard to reach. In some cases, burs can get under the skin and even cause an infection… yikes!

Whenever you go out with your furry pals, make sure you take a minute to check for any seedlings that may have become attached during playtime. Not all dogs can communicate when they have them, like me, and they can become really big problems if left unchecked. If you see your fuzzy buddy picking at something, or trying to shake something loose from their fur, lend a helping hand!

But it Tastes So Good...

Mom has a lot of rules around the house to make sure things stay safe and clean: don’t pee in the house, don’t eat people food, only jump on people’s laps when you’re invited, and most importantly don’t eat the outside plants.

I try my best, but… I just can’t help it! I love the taste so much, but when I eat plants, I get sick and usually end up making a mess… But have you ever tried eating plants? Flowers? Grass? They’re delicious!

Sometimes Mom or Louie will catch me trying to sneak a quick bite on a walk, and I’ll hear the crescendo of caution from a low growl: “Scoooout…” Sometimes they even pull the plants right out of my mouth (how rude!).

My best chance to sneak a bite is when I’m home alone without supervision; I’ll trot into the back yard and start nibbling on the grass. I still have to be careful though; one wrong move and I won’t hear my family come home, and they’ll catch me in the act of snacking!

I know it’s bad for me… but it tastes so good!

The Other Kind of Hot Dog

Is it me, or has it gotten hotter lately?

Lately it’s been so warm I’ve felt like melting into the ground. On days like that, I usually try to spend most of my time inside—if you think warm weather is tough to deal with, try it covered in fur! Luckily the house is really cool, and I always have plenty of water to get me through the day. I’m glad I don’t have too many appointments so I can just stay in when I get too hot!

While you’re out and about, don’t forget to drink your water either! I think people are supposed to drink three cups of water each day (or bowls, for the rest of us). Hydration is really important, and you don’t want to overheat. Of course, doggy kisses can help a little bit to, so I try to do as much as I can, but it’s not a substitute for staying well hydrated!

I hope everyone stays safe as things continue to heat up!

Spring is here!

Spring is here, spring is here, spring is here!!

I love spring! There are so many colorful flowers and the weather is so nice, not too hot or too cold; I think it’s my favorite time of year! I always take a little extra time on my morning walks to smell the fresh flowers, and this time of year, they’re especially potent. Of course, it’s easy for me to enjoy all the different smells, I don’t have any allergies. That’s not true for all the people I live with though, they have to start taking allergy medicine so they’re not sneezing all day.

If you need springtime allergy medicine, don’t be afraid to get some; I want everyone to enjoy the nice weather as much as I do!

The Importance of Walks

Even though my legs are kinda short, walking is one of my favorite activities!

Whether I’m walking through the nearby bay lands or trotting around the block, I think I’ll always have energy for another walk. The exercise is great, but my favorite part is all the different things I get to smell while I’m out and about. I always take time to smell all the messages left by my neighborhood friends so I’m up to date on the latest news; it’s not just time for me to go to the bathroom, it’s time to socialize! (People do that too… right?)

Sometimes while I’m out, I even see another dog! Although unless I know them really well, I’m not really interested in playing. I’m a lone wolf, I like to go at my own pace.