Hot Dog! How to keep your pet safe in the hot summer months.

Summer’s here. It’s hot outside and if it’s hot for us then it’s definitely hot for our pets.

Our dog Toby on one of his many book PAWdographing tours.  This photo
was taken in Burlington, Ontario Canada close to where I grew up.
Toby is the star of the best selling book On Toby's Terms
(being turned into motion picture - http://www.ontobysterms.com/).
And he was one hot dog!!  He attracted attention wherever he went.

Sharon McRill of the Betty Brigade was my guest on PAWsitive Radio, she provided some excellent tips to keeping our pets cool and safe.  Sharon is founder and president of The Betty Brigade, an expanding personal assistance and concierge company based in Ann Arbor, MI. The Betty Brigade helps busy professionals with moving, home staging, organizing, event planning, pet care, errands – virtually anything clients need done but have no time to do themselves.  Now 9 years into the business, The Betty Brigade cares for more than 350 pets in the Ann Arbor, MI area. They mainly have dogs and cats with a sprinkling of birds, fish, bunnies and other furry friends.


Check out some of her helpful tips in this article:
http://www.annarbor.com/home-garden/dog-walking-dog-walking-dog-walking-the-dog-organizer-pet-tips/


Sharon reminded listeners to remember to carry water for their dog, and suggested the collapsible water containers like the one shown below (we had one of these for Toby. It was convenient for walks, travelling in the car, and for the days he volunteered at the hospital).  Make sure you are not overwalking or overworking the dogs in the summer, it is like us working out in a fur coat. Take breaks, find shade and don't force a dog to keep going if he/she is hot or tired, especially older dogs And, Sharon advises to have a good leash, and always be present and focus on the dog and the surroundings you are walking in. And of course, never get in the middle of a dog fight. 

If you are planning your summer vacation, Sharon recommends that you call pet sitters, dog walkers and kennels with lots of advance notice.  You can listen to Sharon's great tips here on PAWsitive Radio:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chammond/2012/07/28/guest-sharon-mcrill

To sum it all up, I share a quote I love (from dogquotes.com)....."Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well." by
Bonnie Wilcox 'Old Dogs, Old Friends'

On August 11 on PAWsitive Radio, I'll be interviewing Steve Latham, the producer of the wonderful new PBS series, Shelter Me.  On August 4 I interview Steve Gamlin.  You can listen in, follow the shows or download them later to listen to.  Share them and enjoy them.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chammond

CALLING GREAT RESCUE AND SHELTER PET STORIES
I would welcome you to comment to this blog sharing your heartwarming and best great rescue pet stories. I will choose one of them to feature during my radio show with the Producer of Shelter Me!!  And you can also post them on Facebook.com/ontobysterms or email to charmaine@hammondgroup.biz