What you don’t want to do on summer vacation…

Dear Fisher,

I love summertime and the road trips I take with my family, but sometimes I cause a few problems for them and I need advice. It’s the same routine every time. We are all excited about the trip. Usually I am the one bouncing up and down and getting the most excited because they are all happy and busy and planning and all.

I am in and out of the house “supervising” the packing of the car and making sure there is no chance I get left behind. I get more pets and scratches because I am pretty much in the way and they don’t seem to care. I love that!Then about three or four hours into the trip, it happens. All of a sudden my stomach just turns and “oops and AAAAAAARRF” and now I made a mess in the back seat. I never have this problem on our short trips. What can I do?

Bosco

Dear Bosco,

Thanks to your remarkable description of your problem, I can fully understand your concern. The solution is really quite simple, but you will have to get your family in on it. It is very common for humans to overcompensate for any possible missed meal times you may encounter while traveling long distances. They only want the best for you – whether you ask for it or not. Their solution is usually to load you up with an extra big breakfast just before that early break away out of town. This process naturally disrupts your own normal intake and output, if you know what I mean. The timing and the excitement add to the problem, although those should not be changed. Somehow you will need to refrain from eating up everything they put in front of you. Remember, just a small snack plus all the excitement is plenty to get you through at least the first four hours. If they do not notice the improvement on the first trip, they will surely notice it by the second, or no later than the third. They will then become involved and helpful in making your plan a success.

Your friend, Fisher

A little light music goes a long way…

Dear Fisher,

It’s me – Mork, and I am kinda embarrassed to write to you with my problem but I need to solve it. It’s rainy season again and when my family is out working and I am home alone during the day, the thunderstorms scare me silly. What can I do to calm myself?

Mork

Dear Mork,

You do not have to feel embarrassed about your fear of thunder and loud noises. It is much more common than you may realize. I have friends in the same situation and they find comfort in listening to the radio all day. One I know of prefers talk radio (he did not say which station, and I wonder what that might lead to if he all of a sudden goes political on us), and another friend loves classical music. They report this makes them feel like they are not alone and the sounds offer them something to think about besides their own fear. This might be a bit of a trick, but there is a wonderful radio station you can get from a computer if you have access. It is all about us!!! Try to check it out: http://animalradio.com/

I also want to add here that summertime fireworks shows are not really a treat for most dogs. Sometimes that experience alone can lead to fear of thunderstorms.

Your friend, Fisher