Advice on Pets, Life, Love
Dear Dog Lady,
Do dogs really improve your life? I hear that empty bromide all the time but I can only think of life with a dog as dirty and claustrophobic. When you have a dog, you have to walk it all the time. You can't run away on a moment's notice but must always arrange for the care and feeding of the animal. Also, the money you have to spend on a pet is significant. So, I just don't understand why you are so pro-dog.
Clarissa
Dear Clarissa,
Hmm. Sometimes, Dog Lady doesn't understand either, mainly because she was so dog-indifferent for much of her life. Thank goodness there was a spiritual sea change. A dog helped Dog Lady stop drinking, smoking and to start living.
Recently, while reading a newspaper in Maine, Dog Lady came across this headline: "Getting a dog might just save your life, Swedish research says." The story describes how a group of Swedish academics analyzed data from detailed health records of 3.4 million people between the ages of 40 and 80 in that Scandinavian country. After dissecting the data, they reached the inevitable conclusion: Dogs bestow reasons to live. "People in possession of a pooch were less likely to die of cardiovascular disease or die from any cause during the 12 years covered by the study," which was published in Scientific Reports.
Researchers explain that increased physical activity on the part of dog keepers contributes to better overall health. Also, the social interaction stemming from having a pet is very beneficial to mental and physical well-being.
Of course, you're entitled to remain dog-less - at your peril.
Dear Dog Lady,
I have a one-year-old Yorkie-poo (Yorkshire terrier/poodle mix). I just moved in with my fiance who has two dogs (a five-year-old boxer and a two-year-old boxer/bulldog). Sometimes I feel like I am drowning in dogs. We both work eight hours a day and crate the dogs while we are gone. When we come home, they go a little nuts because they are so excited to see us. All three jump around and get a little out of control. Is there any way to control how hyper they get? I know that after being cooped up all day, they can't really help themselves, but the boxer gets very hyper and almost knocks me over. I think this is dangerous and the behavior is inappropriate. Suggestion?
Loretta
Dear Loretta,
Use a fraction of your joint income to hire a dog walker who can come in during the day and give all the dogs a walk and a potty break -- such a good investment for every living creature. Dog Lady loves crates - and dogs love them too - but, still, asking a dog to stay cooped up for eight hours a day without a break is inhumane. They are dogs, not jail birds. Look for reputable walkers through referrals from neighborhood dog owners, your local pet store or veterinarian's office.
Also, when you and your fiancé come in after a long day at work do not greet the dogs with loud drama. Go about your routines without a word. Let the pets out of their crates silently and matter-of-factly. Later, you can greet them and mush on them. Remember, cranked up human behavior fires up canine engines. Keep it all low key and you won't be knocked over.
Dear Dog Lady,
When is caring for your dog too much? I have a new friend; she has a small nine pound dog. She feeds it chicken, spends thousands on the veterinarian (the dog passes gas and she panics). She doesn't just sleep with it but kisses it on the mouth constantly. She actually talks to it on terms of thinking there might be an actual conversation to be had. Where's the balance here?
Dennis
Dear Dennis,
Caring for a dog is too much when humans are excluded. Sounds as if your new lady friend is on the verge of breaking your heart while drowning her dog in attention. Can you be jealous of a nine pound gas passer? It must feel awfully foolish to ask yourself this question.
People lose themselves in passions because they don't want to face up to the real world. Your new lady friend may be babying this dog because she lacks other emotional sustenance. Depends on how patient you are but there may be room for you eventually. When she starts kissing the dog or trying to start an English conversation with her pet, you can make very clear you think such activity is foolish (so does Dog Lady, if it's any comfort). Stick up for yourself with a sense of humor.
Send email to askdoglady@gmail.com.