Gorby, the Toy Poodle with me in the photo, has been feeling really hot lately. I know this because he likes to sleep beside the ice-cold bowl of water we have prepared for him on a daily basis. He stays outdoors whenever possible, and opts to lie on the marble floor whenever I allow him. Of course, when we are together in the room he likes to hog the electric fan, or when I turn on the AC, he prefers to sleep right in front of it.
The heat has begun to affect me as well. I prefer to stay at home rather than go out (unless I have to go to work, of course).
In weather like this books have become the best companions for Gorby and me.
97 Ways to Make a Dog Smile by Jenny Langbehn was what I read to Gorby the other day. Again, the quiet guy that Gorby is took it all in – at least, that is what he made me believe before he fell asleep.
The book is just great. Not just because the 97 ways are indeed all true, but the photos in the book are just fantastic.
We all know how a lovely smile that comes from the heart lights up any room or mood. The same is true of the friendly and playful smiles that come from our canine companions.
And just like most pet books that I have come across in the recent past, the book and their pictures tell the best story. Book reviews are for the serious books, picture reviews are best for doggie books like this one.
Read on.
A tried-and-true massage location, the ears are very sensitive sites. At the base of the ear, gently rub your knuckles in true noogie fashion. (To make a noogie, form a half fist with your knuckles sticking out.)
The next time you are preparing an ice-cube tray, drop a kibble into each well before it freezes. How many licks does it take to get to the surprise nugget inside?
Starting at the snout, thoroughly and methodically massage the entire length of her body.
While your dog is asleep, attempt to sneak a treat under his pillow without disturbing him. Dogs love to wake up to a surprise!
It’s payback time for all that sniffing you get. The next time the dog sniffs you, sniff her back. Make it as loud and reciprocal as you can. (Note: As you may have witnessed, this behavior is perfectly acceptable in doggie social situations, and not at all considered rude. In fact, your dog may be touched that you made the gesture!)
For our Zen pooches, a methodical series of circular massage motions can induce a meditative state that brings doggie serenity!
Soak a doggie rope toy in water, and then freeze it. (Note: This is a great summertime treat that is also ideal for teething puppies.)
Throw the ball, let the dog bring it back. A classic. Mix it up with pretend throws, which gets most dogs even more excited. (Just actually throw the ball every now and then.)
Make an obstacle course in your yard and race the dog through it. Again! And again!
| Play the "Which Hand" game |
... by hiding a treat in one of your clenched fists, and seeing if your dog will choose the correct hand. (Note: Resist the urge to tease your dog by hiding nothing in either hand. Your dog will not find this amusing.)
Lawrence Welk fans found soap bubbles soothing. Your dog probably finds them energizing. Watch her leap and snap.
Dry off a damp dog with a towel fresh from the dryer. A warm rubdown is toasty good fun. (Note: Beware of static cling!)
Looking for something to do with all of those socks that are mysteriously left without their mates once going through the wash? Roll them up and make a soft ball to throw inside the house.