My Fetching Fido

Each of us thinks that our pooch is the cutest, smartest, and best dog in the world. And it’s true! When I walk my dog, I get stopped a lot because I’ve given her a little bit of pizazz.

She loves her colorful dog bandanna and all the attention she gets on our outings. My dog is not the type to wear a sweater or jacket. She already has a coat that keeps her warm. So a bandanna is the perfect touch.

Each of us thinks that our pooch is the smartest, cutest, and best of all. Well, we’re right – they are! I make my cute dog even cuter by putting a bright, red dog bandanna around her neck. She’s not one for dressing up, but this is just the perfect touch to make her stand out in the crowd. She loves all the extra attention.

We all have at least one friend who insists on dressing up their cats and dogs in designer clothes. There’s nothing wrong with that practice, per se, but it doesn’t exactly appeal to me or my pit bull Gus. Even though he’s really a big softy, I still like to give people the impression that he could serve as an effective guard dog. Since his behavior is less than imposing, I’ve resorted to some new tactics.

First I bought him a spiked collar that would strike fear in the heart of any household intruder. Then I started shopping for easy-wear dog bandannas to wrap around the dog’s neck. To my mind, it gives Gus the ferocious look of a dog who might belong to a biker – maybe even a member of the Hell’s Angels. Now if I could just convince the dog not to roll over the second a stranger starts petting him.

Here are just a few tips on how to help your pup make it through the summer months as a happy, healthy critter. What would apply to humans applies to our pets, tool

• Do NOT ever leave your dogs outdoors all day when it is sweltering out. If they do have to be outdoors for a short period amount of time, make sure they are always supplied with fresh, cold water.

• Do not under any circumstances take your dog in the vehicle with you even if you are going to make only one stop! Your pooch will get heat stroke. Even with the windows cracked there just isn’t enough air coming through for them.

• Dogs just love ice cubes. On hot days, I keep my dog’s water bowl full of ice cubes. She loves it! Or your pup can chew on the cubes as a treat during hot days. Who doesn’t like an ice-cold glass of H2O on a warm summer day? Be sure to check on that water bowl throughout the day. They will be drinking more frequently on hot days.
  

• If your pet likes being in the water, you can give them a special present during this season. Buy a cheap plastic pool at the store or a yard sale and fill it up with water from your hose outside. It gives them an easy way to cool off while they are playing outside.

• Another neat idea is to put a cool bandanna around your pet’s neck. We know of one that stays cool for hours, and your dog will appreciate the comfort of it.

• Just like people, dogs also enjoy the air from fans and air conditioners.

So, we hope these tips lead to a happy and cool summer dog.

The Kunde Winery in Sonoma County, California is presenting an Eco-Tour Hike, described as moderately strenuous, on May 9, 2009 at 9:00 AM. Seventy dogs and their humans participated in the first Dog Walk in May of 2008.These dogs would look super in a colorful, print bandanna on their hike.

The $45 per person fee includes wine tasting and a picnic lunch for the humans and a water bar and treats for their canine pals. Call 707 833-5501, Ext. 334 to make reservations and to get more details.

Jeff Kunde and his wife have three Labradors and a Queensland blue heeler. The dogs spend their days swimming in the pond, riding around in the back of trucks checking out the vineyeards or hikin on the 1,850 acres. The blie heeler helps with the 350 head of cattle.