The Girl and Her Dog

July 4, 2012 · 10:20 am

Happy fourth

I’m happy to have a day off in the middle of the week and am looking forward to spending the day in the sun. Unfortunately our day had been planned around riding our bikes, complete with a new basket that Chicklet had just gotten used to riding around in. But this morning when we woke up, we discovered that our bikes had been stolen. Even though our bikes were locked up, the lock had been cut and discarded to the side. A hard lesson to learn: even if you lock it up, bikes belong inside. Funnily enough, I feel more upset about losing the basket because it was bought specifically for the purposes of taking Chicklet along on rides; in a way it was her basket and who steals something from a dog? Ah well, Happy Fourth of July!

[image via]

3 Comments

Filed under Dogs, Random

Tagged as bikes, day in the sun, fourth of july

July 3, 2012 · 5:31 pm

Honey girl

Is anyone out there looking to add a pup to their home? I found out about this adorable girl named Honey who is looking for a new home, and based on what her current owners say about her, she sounds like a gem. If you’re interested feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll get you the contact info ASAP:)

:I am a charming and playful lab/shepherd mix with big floppy ears.

:I am 2 1/2 years old, spayed, micro-chipped and up to date with my shots and vaccinations (records available).

:My Mommy & Daddy are expecting a baby, and they can’t afford me anymore. They are very sad and want me to have a good home forever.

:I have a high energy level and love to play.

:I am better with older kids and a fenced yard where I can run.

:I am potty trained to go outside, know all basic commands and I graduated from PetSmart obedience class!

:I am very good at hide and seek (with bones and toys), and I am especially skilled at catching flies and spiders!

:I am very social and do well with other dogs. Cats may fear my curiosity!

:Outside I think I’m a hunting dog; inside I’m very playful and will curl up in your lap and go to sleep.

Please take me home. I can’t wait to be with you always!

4 Comments

Filed under Dogs

Tagged as animals

July 2, 2012 · 8:56 pm

Weekend in photos

This past weekend the temperatures were sweltering and Chicklet somehow managed to eat an entire muffin wrapper (she’s doing fine!), but it was filled with fun too. Josh and I finally managed to check out Holstein Park (for its 100-year celebration) and discovered a fantastic free pool. On Sunday we enjoyed the weather, complete with a 20-mile bike ride with my dad; good thing I pooped out near the end – it was so hard to wake up this morning:)

[can’t wait to try this pool out! it’s just a short bike ride away from the apartment.]

[there were more food trucks in one place than i’ve ever seen, all celebrating the 100-year celebration.]

[we made it back from our bike ride juuust in time!]

[and somehow it was back to this later in the evening.]

[bottom two photos courtesy of josh]

Heat wave

With the weather here set to rise near 100 (!) on Thursday, these tips seemed like the perfect reminder that pups just don’t do well in extreme heat. So courtesy of the Dane County Humane Society in Madison, Wis. here are a few symptoms of heat stroke in dogs:

-Heavy panting
-Bright red mucous membranes
-Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
-Whining, barking, or other anxious behavior
-Vomiting and diarrhea
-Confusion and a lack of coordination – the dog may collapse and be unable to stand
-Uncontrolled tremors
-Seizures

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, act right away! Move the dog into the shade or into an air conditioned area. Apply cool (NOT COLD) towels to the dog’s fleshy areas — underside, armpits, and toes. Very cold water will cause the blood vessels to constrict, further preventing heat loss. Offer water, but do not force the animal to drink. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible following an episode of suspected heat stroke to address the possibility of delayed complications, such as kidney failure.

Dogs most susceptible to heat stroke include the very young and very old, dark-colored or long-haired dogs, brachiocephalic breeds (dogs with short muzzles, such as pugs), and overweight dogs or dogs with other medical conditions. To prevent a dog from overheating, avoid excessive exercise in the heat of the day and always provide cool drinking water.

[photo via]

Celebri-doggie

Last Friday was Take your Dog to Work Day I was lucky enough to bring Chicklet with me to the office. Not only was she the perfect cube mate, but we were also thrilled when we found out she would be photographed by the Chicago Tribune! You can read the full article about the city becoming more dog-friendly here if you like; it was pretty neat to be on the other end of an interview after three years of journalism school. Plus, we were interviewed by WBBM Newsradio. Not bad for a little rescue pup:) She was so pooped on the way home she could barely keep her eyes open.