Your relationship with your dog may be one of the most important bonds in your life. Dogs have an incredible influence on our health and well-being. But what about the relationships our dogs have with people or other dogs outside of our home? Here are five stars in the constellation of the other people who are important to your dog’s own happy, healthy life. YOU!
My husband and I have a beautiful rescue named Bella. She has what I call “silent devotion” to us. She generally follows us around like a shadow, rarely barking (unless wanting biscuits, food or a bathroom break) or laying near but not at our feet. She is content to lay in the home office while I’m working at the computer or sit next to the easy chair when one of us is watching television. She loves touch and will snuggle up close to have her ears rubbed or lay on her back for a belly rub. She’s tolerant of kisses as well, as long as there is a biscuit waiting for her! THEIR TRUSTED VETERINARIAN Next to you, your dog’s vet may be the most important person in their life, so it’s vital that you cement that relationship with an annual checkup in addition to visiting when your pet doesn’t feel well. Or just drop in to say “Hi!” That helps ease the fright that may come with vet visits. There are many veterinarians in the lives of our pets here at The Biscuit Barkery. @Bluesky Animal Hospital; @FullCircleVeterinary Clinic; @VetCS; @VCA; @BarnyardVet. Please consider one of them if you are looking for a veterinarian for your dog. THEIR SOOTHING GROOMER A genuine bond between a dog and their groomer often lasts a lifetime. A great groomer can take a stressful bath event and turn it into a feel-good spa day. Michelle @DogBathsandBeyond always sends Bella home looking beautiful and stylish with a seasonal bandana. Your dog’s monthly relationship with their groomer involves trust and respect on both ends of the table. You will find it with Michelle and her staff. THEIR EXPERIENCED TRAINER OR BEHAVIORIST Your dog’s trainer is both their coach and therapist. Their relationship can be life-changing. They not only help you teach your dog how to navigate human expectations, but they are also there to answer fitness and behavioral questions throughout their life. Kat Lee @K9wisdom is a great community resource. We highly recommend her. She rewards good behavior. She is “Dog Positive.” THEIR GOOD-TIME DOG WALKER Cue all the butt wiggles when the dog walker shows up! When you can’t be home, the dog walker is the one you and your dog trust for potty breaks, exercise and just good plain fun. Bella is fortunate in that her human, Rich, is home all day. So, she “walks him” at least three times a day. She gives him lots of breaks though (stopping to sniff along the trails) and on occasion some interval speed training when she spies a rabbit! THE RELIABLE PET SITTER Some dogs grow to really love their pet sitter, whether they are a professional or your generous nearby neighbor. They go to great lengths to make sure your dog has loving company, food, water and exercise. Bella visits @CreatureComforts at least twice a year. We love the group play they offer and the daily ½ mile walks. Did I mention they have both indoor and outdoor kennels? THEIR BEST FURRY FRIEND Humans are great! But when it comes to romping in the yard or curling up for a nap, some dogs really enjoy the company of their own fuzzy kind. Bella’s best friend is a chocolate lab named Shiloh. She lives close by and they have frequent play dates and sometimes overnighters! They enjoy playing tug-of-rope, patrolling the yard and entertaining the neighbors when together. It helps that Shiloh’s human is also co-owner of The Biscuit Barkery. Who are the people in your dog’s relationship circle? Friend, family or professional? Be sure to let them know how much you BOTH appreciate their expertise, care and affection. A note, text or just a heartfelt “thank you” will say aloud what your dog can only articulate with a happy nudge and welcoming eyes. Socialization is how your dog interacts with the world. Check out these quick tips for helping your dog see the world as friend instead of foe.  This weekend, I was out for a walk with my two pups. We went on one of our usual paths saying hello to everyone and sniffing and wagging all the way. Usually, when we are sharing the sidewalk or path, I move to the side and let others pass us or let them have the the entire area because my dogs are big and people are sometimes intimidated by their size and over-friendliness.
On this day, however, a man and woman walked right up to me and the dogs. The man bent down and embraced my two babies (much to my concern I might add) and the woman looked on and wept. My dogs were over-joyed with the attention! The man looked up and me and said, "We just love labs! These girls are so beautiful. How old are they?" I went on to explain that one was 2 and the other almost 13. All the while, my dogs were lavishing he and his wife with kisses and dancing around them happily. "Thirteen!" He exclaimed! That's amazing! We just lost our 8 year old lab last week". Now their warmth towards my dogs made a lot more sense. I expressed my sympathy and we chatted for a few more minutes about our lives with dogs. "Thinking back", he said, "If I could do anything different, I would have fed him better". "I think it would have made a difference in the length of his time with us". I nodded my agreement, knowing that we never really know how much time we all have to love our furry-kids. Now, this man and woman didn't know me at all. They didn't know that I make and sell healthy dog treats. They didn't know that we work with people like Rachael Johnson at Your Dog's Diner, to provide healthy dog food for people that like to cook for their dogs. All they knew, was that they were missing their companion on their walk around the park that day. They found some puppy love and some kindred souls to ease some of the grief they were feeling. As we went our separate ways, I thought a lot about what we said and about how our dogs count on us for so many things. Probably most importantly, their healthy food. We can definitely make their lives good, satisfying and healthy by providing thoughtful food and treats. I hope I see them around the park again someday. I hope, that when the time is right, they'll open their hearts again to a new 4-legged baby and that we'll share a few more moments like we did this weekend. |
AuthorA blog from the Biscuit Barkery bakers. Archives
January 2023
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