I just want to let you all know that my new page, Fisher’s Findings is up and running. It still needs a little tweaking, but I am happy to get it this far! Thought you might like to know.
Your friend,
Fisher
Dear Fisher,
I am just tired and I feel like an old dog. It’s hot out there and my boy wants to play like it’s no big deal. But, I AM older, and I really enjoy a lot of resting around the air conditioned house. But, you know, I sure don’t want to disappoint the lad. He’s still young and full of energy and I am his best friend in the world. Got any ideas?
Rusty
Dear Rusty,
You may be a little on the older side, but certainly wiser for asking. You are right to get rest and not overdo in this heat. My advice is to get up a little earlier each day – before the sun is bearing down and the humidity curls your hair. If your boy is a slow starter, you will have to work on that. Egg him on and do your puppy-hearted best to get him moving with you. A small boy who loves his dog is just as eager to please as you are. He just isn’t aware that too much play can be harmful to you. Always know where your next gulps of water are just in case…and never go romping out in the heat just after a meal. Stay off hot sidewalks if you are a city guy, and if you have your own yard, play in the grass, preferably under a big shade tree. Hopefully that will give you enough room for the morning exercises. Don’t go to the beach – no shade trees there! As soon as you feel yourself overheating or dehydrating, grab your comb and coax the boy into some quiet grooming time. Preferably inside! It is great bonding and by now, he is probably a little tired himself. Repeat in the evening as the breezes come up and the sun goes down. Stay safe and happy! Go to http://www.aspca.com for more hot weather tips.
Your friend,
Fisher
Dear Fisher,
What’s up with all the new changes in my dog food? The woman I live with has been in the kitchen baking treats for me and they are good! Not so for the guy down the street. He says he feels more like a lab rat than a dog lately. His humans aren’t really into cooking and baking, which is at best, hit or miss. Are we in trouble? - Jeeves
Dear Jeeves,
There have been some serious problems with manufactured pet food and the end does not appear to be in site. Some food and snacks for animals have been found tainted and unsafe. Time to do some homework on what you are eating! http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/petfoodrecall/
Many pet people are taking to their kitchens and making food for their own pets. Remember, it is very important to research the ingredients! If they are going to these lengths for you, they are most likely doing a lot of research already. My advice is to check on the food you have eaten and enjoyed in the past. Check the major ingredients and then find recipes that contain the things you like and know are not harmful.
Pet food recipes, pet nutritionists and pet food boutiques are cropping up all over. And, I can pretty much guarantee if you have a good veterinarian, your doc is doing a lot of studying up on the subject as we speak.
You all have to know you are well loved by witnessing the reactions and actions of your handlers. In a short peruse of the net, I found recipes for Apple Crunch Pupcakes, Bonnie’s Liver Brownies, and Sinckerpoodles. Somehow this information needs to get to the “guy down the street”!http://www.geocities.com/heartland/ranch/1011/dog.htm#FowlTreats
Your friend,
Fisher
My column is now appearing in print and online newspapers. The world of community newspapers is a great place to all connect. WRITE to me at askfisher@gmail.com Send your questions and photos - let’s talk!
