Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Hi there.  Dr. Max here.  In case you are not familiar with my credentials.  Here they are:  Ph.Do in dogcology from PUNY (Pooch University of New York).  A Maxter's from Mutger's University in New Jersey and a B.S. from Poundston, NJ.  I originally came from Bayone, NJ but was adopted at 2 1/2 & moved to Skyview in the Bronx.   My human/Mama has focused my training on making me less reactive and more sociable with humans and dogs of all sizes.

   

Well 2012 is coming to an end and I thought we could take a look at the kind of year we had.   Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast and created devastation along the way.  We here at Skyview were lucky.  I did see some windows blown out and cars that got squashed but as far as I know no humans or animals were hurt.  We did lose cable but that does not affect me and it is all about me.    

Let's not forget that we had an earthquake this year and the hottest summer on record.  I hear we have this thing cold global warming.  Not good for me.  I am a cold weather dog and I could get blown away. 


We also had some dogs injured this year by bigger dogs.  This is unacceptable.  We little dogs have a hard enough time having to look up all the time, having humans step on us, and sometimes just being treated as an accessory.

This is Boris.  His paw and head were injured by a dog in the park. I get along just fine with Boris because we kinda look alike so I think he is a handsome dude even though he is a Pekingese and I am a Shih Tzu.  Both of our breeds come from Tibet.

Lucky lives in my building and he was badly injured by a big dog while exiting an elevator.  Danger lurks everywhere so I say to fellow doggies be careful and try not to get aggressive with big dogs. I know that is hard. 


We did not have much of a winter last year but we did have some snow.
Also, do you remember that it snowed in October?  We thought we were in for it but it has gotten mild again,  Except for Hurricane Sandy we are doing ok.  I hate getting salt on my paws.  I love the snow but I dislike when the ice crystallizes on my fur.  Goldy wears boots but I can't stand them. This is Molly, Murphy and Boris.

Here is Goldy who wears boots.  I have to say she is pretty sophisticated.  I do like to play with her.  She lets me chase her in the park.  That is her Mama,  Birgit.  Laura is there with Dusty who is also a rescue like me.  Dusty is a therapy dog.  He goes to visit the seniors with Laura.  He told me he likes to do that because the seniors are so happy to see him and he gets a lot of attention.




Friendship is important.  We dogs are very sociable.  Do remember that we are descendents of wolves and they traveled in packs.
So try to take your pal on doggie dates.  It is fun in the park with Ella but lately Mama says there is too much poop.  I love it because there are great smells.



There are ways you can stay cool in the summer such as stay in the shade, have cool drinks and lots of treats. You can also wear sun block if your hair/fur is too short.  We dogs get sunburned too.  Mama is threatening to get me sunglasses so I don't get glaucoma.  I don't know where she gets these ideas.
Now there are things you can do if you know there is a storm coming. We doggies know ahead of time because we can feel changes in the barometric pressure.  Actually all animals have that ability but dogs are better at it, right?   When your mama or papa is watching TV, it is good to get their attention and go for a walk while you can.  Also, let them know to stock up on food,  treats, water, batteries and put gas in the car.  My friend Hunter, who is a cat living in FL, told me that so luckily Mama did listen to me and we had gas. 

Max likes to gather his toys around when he senses a storm coming.  It makes him feel safer.  We all have our way of dealing with danger.  His brother Ryan has other things that he does but we can't show that here. 


You can tell that Honey Dew is desperately trying to convey her anxiety about the upcoming storm.  Just look at her tail wagging.  Besides the danger of the storm she doesn't want to get dirty.  Your can see the ground is alread wet.  Yuck!











After the storm I went outside to check the damage. It is a little tough when you are short cause a little branch becomes a big problem.

 You should know that it can still be dangerous after a storm because branches and signs can still come down.  The trees are weighed down by rain and may come down.  Signs can become loose and when a big wind comes they can fly around.  It is a good thing I was under the bench when this sign came down.    


It is also beneficial to dress appropriately in a storm because you can get really wet.  I am
forced to wear this ridiculous raincoat but it does help to keep me dry and clean.  When you are close to the ground you can get pretty messy.



Just in case you are very anxious when a storm comes I recommend Dr. Foster and Smith Ultra Calm Bisquits.


It looks like Bo is back in the White House for another 4 years.  He is happy about it.  He has his own secret service team so he gets lots of walks.           
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/eb/Bo_official_portrait.jpg 

I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanza.      


Ryan and Max want to wish you a Happy New Year.



© Dr. Max/Ita Dowler/maxdow  all rights reserved July 8, 2012  

You can contact me at maxdow123@gmail.com