Gus Digital
my digital realm, my digital voice
Posts tagged summer
Keeping Your Dog Cool
Jul 29th
With Vancouver breaking their record for the hottest day today and no end in sight for this “heat wave”, we all try to keep ourselves cool in many ways, but let’s not forget about our 4 legged friends.
Now smaller dogs have a easier time at cooling themselves off than bigger dogs do, as well as lighter haired dogs have it easier than darker dogs.
Junior himself has been suffering these past few days and here are a few tricks you can use to keep your best friend cool and refreshed (hell these are some great tips even for us).
1. Kiddie pools, swimming pools, or if you’re lucky, a lake: It doesn’t take much convincing to motivate a Newfoundland or Labrador to cool off with a refreshing swim. Other dogs may require more coaxing. Some dogs don’t know how to doggie paddle, so don’t force a dog to dive into deep water. Remember, for a toy dog, one-foot of water is getting deep. Also, be sure the pooch understands how to leave a pool; even Newfoundlands and Labradors can’t swim forever. There are instances of dogs drowning because they can’t figure out how to exit.
2. Sprinkler or Hose: Some dogs bark with joy as the kids chase them with a hose. Other dogs bark as a desperate plea to stay dry. Even for dogs who protest, there’s no denying a hose down is an instant cool off.
3. Cold water bag (filled with ice water) or ice pack. Gently rub on Fido’s tummy. This can be used indoors out outdoors.
4. If your dog must be out in the yard for any period of time, be sure there’s shade and plenty of water (remember some water will evaporate, leave several bowls).
5. Popsicles: Purchase the sugarless kind. If you’re serving indoors, make sure Fido doesn’t walk off to enjoy a blueberry treat on your white plush carpet. (Do not offer your dog chocolate Popsicles; chocolate is bad for dogs.)
6. Cluck-sicles: Make chicken boullion, and freeze in an ice cube tray. When the pooch is warm, offer a cluck-sicle.
7. If there’s no air conditioning, use a floor fan. Make sure curious puppy paws can’t squeeze through the grating.
8. Exercise your dog in the early mornings or when the sun goes down.
9. Fill a plant mister with ice water and give your dog a shower to keep them cooled down.
10. There are now crate pads that actually keep cool on their own, available through catalogs and at pet stores.
I am glad that George Wainborn park has a fountain where a lot of Junior’s friends head to on this hot day to cool off.
Summer Songs
Jun 23rd
As the summer is under way (though you wouldn’t know it with the weather here in Vancouver or Toronto for that matter) my thoughts go onto summer songs. These are songs that are catchy, fun, and just reflect summer as a hole.
When I was in Toronto last week I was listening to my old radio station, Z103.5, and they were playing Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl”. This song is so catchy I just love it! I think this will probably the song I’ll remember for the whole summer (sorry Madonna).
Below is her video!
What can I say but Fun, Fun, Fun!!!
I’m not sure if it’s playing here on the radio stations in Vancouver, but if it’s not, it should be!
May 2008 Long Weekend in Review
May 19th
This past long weekend, Russ and I had every intention of camping. We packed up Tabitha with our camping gear on Friday for our trek up to Cal-Chek on Saturday morning. On arrival, we drove into the 3 main campsite areas trying to secure a camping ground. We had both hoped that one spot might still be available, but alas all available spots were currently taken. We pondered if we should head up to Whistler but decided against that idea and headed back on our trek into Vancouver.
Though we had spent 4 hours on the road, we manage to just enjoy the wonderful weather and just enjoyed our drive through some country roads and along the Marine Drive on our way back into Vancouver. We passed by Light House Park (which Rebecca and Raul wrote about) and decided to take a look. I was amazed at the amount of people that were there and since there was absolutely no parking spots, we didn’t stay and headed back home.
On arrival, not wanting to waste a wonderful sunny day, we headed to a patio and enjoyed a few bellinis and a keylime pie. YUM-O-LISOUS
Sunday was another wonderful sunny day in the city which we started by having some breakfast at Deux Crepes and then went to George Wainborn park where we watched Junior enjoy the afternoon running around and playing with other dogs.
We then went around the city and shopped abit. I finally got to check out Homesense and was a little disappointed that for a store that is located downtown, most of their sheet selection is for King size beds. I’m not sure Homesense is aware, but the condos downtown really can’t accommodate king size beds. Oh well. I did end up going to Winners and bought myself a nice pair of shorts which I’m very happy about.
We finished Sunday night by heading to the movies and watched Iron Man. A little perdictable, but a wonderful opener to the blockbuster movie season to say the least.
Monday is proving to be a relaxing day and I’m not doing much. The weather isn’t co-operating today, but I still managed to head to the movies with Laura to watch Narnia – Prince Caspian. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and thought it was better than the first one.
This evening I’ll probably catch up on some programs I have taped and stay in.
Recent Comments