Water hound invades shower

My dogs are spoiled. They eat before I do, empty bladders before I do, and play before I get to. They also get to use the shower first:



Some people have shared feelings similar to horror over the level I indulge my dogs. But my dogs indulge me, so I indulge them. We have fun together and make life much better. Why wouldn't I indulge them?

Attack of the Zoomies! / Snake?

Fig gets a mild case of the "Zoomies" immediately following a bath.

In other news: Fig found a snake. The snake found a toad. The toad had a bad day that ended early. (Don't click if you dislike snakes, toads or toads being eaten.)

Allergies

Late spring Dexter began licking himself more often than normal. He's always been rather cat-like, enjoying a good bath in the evenings after dinner and late night before bed. But this was different; more vigorous and he spent more time at it. It didn't take long before his paws began showing wear and tear from all the licking. Conveniently, the dogs were scheduled to see the vet a few days after Dexter's paws became red and inflamed.

"Allergies," the vet said. "Contact allergies." Crap.

Thus began a frustrating and tiresome journey to discover how best to prevent bad flare-ups.

Today we're pretty used to our routine of baths and ointments and booties to minimize the damage. We know what doesn't work (Benadryl, prednisone) and what does (natural, oatmeal-based shampoos, anti-itch soaps and creams and sprays, preventing contact with grass). It's become a part of our lives (but hopefully only for the rest of summer).

Just as things began to get easier for Dexter and I a certain black and white spotty dog began itching, too. I assumed it was fleas despite the fact that the dogs never miss their date with Frontline Plus. After a flea bath, I hoped Fig would stop itching. But we had no such luck. Fig is developing the same red spots Dexter has, but in different areas.

It's beginning to look like both dogs have allergies.

Since my husband and I also have pretty nasty allergies, I guess we are destined to be a family of sniffling, sneezing, and itching.

Adult dogs need toys, too.

I've noticed a tendency for people to stop buying new toys for dogs once they reach adulthood. It seems that more people understand that puppies need toys than realize that dogs still need them.

Adult dogs need environment enrichment, too. It keeps them young in mind and body. It makes life something to be enjoyed rather than survived. Considering all the things dogs do for us--from lowering blood pressure to helping us get more exercise and socialization--we should strive to improve their lives however we can.

I try to keep this in mind and so I periodically put old toys away (so they will be forgotten and become "like new" again) as well as replacing old toys or trying out brand new ones. In an effort to enhance my two spotty hooligans' lives, I finally picked up a "Holee Roller." I've seen them around but, for whatever reason, never felt compelled to buy one. I purchased one this past month and could not be happier that I did.

The toy has become an instant hit, inspiring hours of fantastic play. The dogs share it well. It is fetch toy, tug toy, multiple-dog toy, and pool toy all in one. (It's also fascinating to my neighbor's toddler. She says it's hers.) And it's holding up well to their abuses.

But I am not writing this to encourage anyone to buy a "Holee Roller." I share this as a reminder to try new things with our dogs. It might just make their lives--and ours--that much better. Also, I wanted a reason to share the cute photo of Dex and Fig playing with their toy. ;]