Make resolutions to spend time with your dog
Kasey, my dog; his cousin Lily, a rescue Chihuahua; and Bentley, his other cousin, a puppy mill rescue Chihuahua mix and a recent addition to our family, put their wagging tails and heads together and came up with their list of New Year’s resolutions.
Ÿ Take your companion dog to dog training. Big, little, puppy, adolescent, there is a training class for us. I’ll learn basic commands like sit, stay and come, and we’ll be able to take a walk together without me pulling you down the street. We’ll meet other people and their dogs and learn how to act around them. Not only will we learn a lot about each other, but we’ll be spending time together.
Ÿ I don’t know where you go in the car every morning, leaving me alone all day long, but I’m really happy to see you when you get home. Give me your attention and affection for a few minutes and I’ll return it 100-fold.
One of our dog trainers once said, “Work with your dog for 10 minutes as soon as you get home, even before you change out of your work clothes. That way, you practice your homework everyday and practice is how you and your dog learn.”
Ÿ Remember, this time of year it’s cold outside. I can’t stay outside much longer than you can, so please bring me into the house where it’s warm and cozy.
Ÿ While we’re out walking, please don’t use a retractable leash. There are other dogs, squirrels, kids and so many interesting things to explore out there. You won’t have any control if I want to go after them.
Ÿ People feed the squirrels and birds. Please don’t let me eat the food that is put out for them. It can make me sick.
Ÿ Speaking of going for a walk, please leave your cellphone and cup of coffee at home. Walking is our time together.
Ÿ I need my yearly veterinarian check up, heartworm test and heartworm preventive. Also, please ask our vet about a flea preventive; those things make me (and you) miserable.
Ÿ Keep the phone numbers of our veterinarian, the closest veterinary emergency clinic and the ASPCA animal Poison Control Center hotline, (888) 426-4435, close at hand. Things happen.
Ÿ Try to brush my fur and teeth every day. And check my ears and eyes, too. It makes me feel better and gives us some bonding time together. Your touch every day helps to make me less nervous when we go for a vet check.
Ÿ It is said dogs love unconditionally. We do. Give us hugs for no reason; we’ll return the affection.
Ÿ Our last New Year’s resolution is to invite all of you to visit the Buddy Foundation Shelter this year. Come and say “hi” to all of our wonderful dogs and cats. They would love to spend time with you.
We wish everyone a happy and healthy 2012.
AdoptablesChip is a male shepherd mix. He#146;s about 5 months old and weighs about 27 pounds. He#146;s described as #147;lots of fun and full of energy.#148;Dolly is a female yellow Labrador retriever. She#146;s about 8 months old and weighs about 65 pounds. Godfrey is a male Labrador retriever. He#146;s about 10 months old and weighs about 75 pounds.Ÿ Contact The Buddy Foundation at (847) 290-5806; visit us at 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, or online at thebuddyfoundation.org. 1200948Dolly 12001200Godfrey