Some Relief From the Heat

Hi Kids,

We've had a long, hot summer here in Ontario. It was over a hundred degrees many days. Thank goodness that Mary and Dwight went out and bought a second air conditioner. I was cooking. I panted and panted, but couldn't keep cool. The humans in my pack were also suffering.

After the second air conditioner was installed in the living room window, things began to get better. Dogs don't sweat like people do. We cool our bodies by panting and we do sweat through the pads on the bottom of our feet. The air conditioner did the trick though and I didn't have to pant so much.

I have an insultating coat underneath my fur that helps me to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. My vet told Mary and Dwight never to cut it. I see dogs out and about that have been shaved. Simba, the little Sheltie that lives across the street, gets shaved every summer. He doesn't look nice and he knows it. Instead of having a spring in his step and being happy, he hangs his head in embarrassment. Yes, dogs have feelings, too.

Another dog, an English collie that lives near the canal, is also shaved by his owner every summer. The owners don't realize that the dogs' undercoat is an insulating coat against both heat and cold. They are not doing their dogs any favors by shaving off their fur and insulating coat.

The last two weeks, temperatures have been in the mid 70s to 80s and it has been a welcome relief. Dwight and I sit outside early morning and again in the evening. I really enjoy this, as I can lie on the cool grass. It makes me feel refreshed.

Fall will soon be here and then winter. That is my favorite time of year, as I am a northern dog. I love playing in the snowdrifts and bouncing down the snowy terrace in front of the house. If you remember, last year Brandon and Jordan went sledding across the street and I chased them down the hill. How cool was that?

I hope to tell you more of my adventures and teach you more about dogs during the winter months. In the meantime, I know you are back in school, so be sure to pay attention. Learning is fun.

Very Important Information

Never leave your dog or puppy in the car during the summer. It can cause them to dehydrate and die. Each summer beloved pets die when their owners leave them in a vehicle where temperatures can soar up to 130 degrees. Don't let your pet become a statistic.

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