Advice on Pets, Life, Love

Dear Dog Lady,

I was walking my eight-year-old terrier mix and let him off the leash so he could roll in the grass. When he was rolling belly up, I noticed (blush) he was sexually excited. I was shocked because he's supposed to be neutered. What gives?

Daria

Dear Daria,

Neutering removes the testicles and the ability to sire a litter of pups. However, the "big snip-snip" does not take away your dog's most private part and the physical sensation of pleasure. Rolling belly-up in the new summer grass is as good as it gets for a dog. No wonder he exhibited some gratification.

Dear Dog Lady,

I would like your thoughts on dogs kissing or licking a person's face who has a ''cold''

Are dogs immune to human cold germs or do the germs affect them in another way?

If, in any way, they are impacted by human cold germs, what are the signs of distress?

Love your column

John


Dear John,

Has your dog emitted sounds that sound like human sneezing? Dog Lady heard her darling having what she thought was a sneezing fit and became quite concerned. She asked her veterinarian. He said it was probably pollen allergy. Nothing to be worried about. With so much pollen falling all around, it makes sense we have many sneezy dogs.


However, if you worry about your dog's physical distress in any way, Ask Dog Lady strongly advises you to consult your veterinarian. Yes, it costs money. The money, however, is so well spent for the good care of your pet.

Now, the lecture. If a disease is going to transmit between species, scientists suggest the easiest way is through the lips and mouth. You really don't want your dog licking your face because it is not be healthy. Sorry to put the kibosh on inter-species kissing but you really don't want your dog's tongue in your mouth.

Dear Dog Lady,

I write this for my friend Cyndi whose service dog has just died. Her dog Zavah let her know when her blood pressure was dropping. Zavah saved Cyndi's life many times. My friend is a senior and disabled. She has a very low income and she needs to find another service dog. Where can I call to help her?

Annette

Dear Annette,

Such a good friend you are. Start with the MSPCA. The organization is right here in Massachusetts and you would think that a problem like your friend Cyndi's is one of the reasons why the MSPCA exists.

In fact, when Dog Lady poked around, she found they do have a fund to help animal lovers who need financial assistance. You might as well start by calling 617-541-5028.

Make sure you stay on the line until you get an answer to your question about where a financially strapped individual in need of a service dog could go for help. These animal welfare organizations ask for money all the time and people are generous. Seems the money should go as much to worthy humans as to the animals.

Write askdoglady@gmail.com.