There have been occasions when I've been asked to walk one dog in a two-dog family. Today the young dog was the most anxious to get out and used the outdoor washroom facilities immediately. The older dog was pleased to be out, but not as urgently as the younger six-year old.
It's true a dog may sleep during the family's absence, but that's not optimal. A dog owner once proudly told me her dog sleeps twenty hours a day and is none the worse for it. She has now acquired a second dog whom she wishes to be a "crated" dog. I know the hype about crates, but their use really should be limited - but that's another post. Having a dog is a real commitment. A dog is more than a wagging tail when you come home. It may seem expensive to hire a daily dog walker, but if you can't come home mid-day, hiring a dog walker is a generous and loving act. . The older lab Chase swam for the sheer joy of it. My lab puppy swims for the love of retrieving the ball. Maybe it's an age thing.
I am about to take 12-year-old Chase swimming! At first I didn't know how I'd get her to the water; her back legs are weak. But then I saw a sturdy wagon on her balcony and so I shall set her on the wagon and bring her to this sweet beach! She is a lab, after all!
Three labs in one house! Like a kid's party and sleep-over! Our Frida is one balanced individual! And the two labs, Chelsea and Ali made a full, happy household.
Two labs are starting their home-guesting with us tomorrow! They're going to stay each day this week. The black lab is about three and the other, a new addition to their family, is almost six months. The owner (I am in search of a better term) was walking home from the dog park and stopped to admire a young yellow lab. The woman walking the puppy was unable to care for her dog and seeing the competency and caring of the black lab's owner, asked if she would take the puppy.
All three (black and yellow labs and their fine owner) bonded immediately. A lot of love there! I am so thrilled to be part of that family for some time each day, and I know Frida, who adores other dogs, will be equally happy.
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January 2016
AuthorJanice is the founder of and primary caregiver at Happy Trail Dogs Service. She is also the founder of an arts-related non-profit and worked in the fitness industry for over two decades. She is an artist, editor, writer, and mother of two wonderful women and a glorious lab named Frida. Archives
January 2016
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