New EASYLIVING COLUMN - THE DOG HOUSE
A valuable member of the family, a companion for a shut in, a guard dog, whatever your animal is to you most importantly he is a best friend. It is my wish that you come here and share your photographs of your pet/s as well your own stories while picking up great tips on pet related topics. If you’re having difficulties with your pets or other pet concerns and questions, check out the advices that Frisco Bailey McNelis suggest in this blog.
I'd like to introduce to you Frisco Bailey McNelis. The column is called "The Dog House" and well, as you can see, 
Frisco is a dog with lots of knowledge and helpful advice. So if you have a question for Frisco that is of course, "pet related" ask away.
Frisco's owner is Connie McNelis of Elite Pet Care, Inc. of Margate, NJ.
Read on. I hope you enjoy this segment of easyliving.
WEATHER WOES
Dear Frisco,
I just got adopted by wonderful parents and now have a “forever” home. I love my new house and am very well trained. Last week, we had a terrible storm and my new owners tried to get me to take a walk outside. The winds were over 50 mph and the rain was coming down so hard, it stung my face and nose. I refused to take my walk, and my owners didn’t know what to do. Could you explain to them how to have an “emergency backup plan” so I don’t have accidents in the house?
Signed, Wet and Whimpering Wheaton
Dear Wet,
First of all, congratulations on being adopted! Yes, we all know how terrible some of our shore storms can be. Some of us big hound dog types don’t mind the bad weather at all, (although our owners always seem a bit grumpy walking us). But many breeds simply do not care for wet or severe weather or any kind. On days you simply do not want to go out in the bad weather, ask your owner's to put down newspaper or a pee pad and explain to you where it is, and why it’s there. Most dogs will “hold it” anyway, until the weather clears, but for those who simply can’t, it gives them an acceptable option without having to soil the floors. Most dogs are smart enough to figure out why there is paper on the floor, but if your owner's have any doubt, they might want to temporarily secure you in a laundry room, etc. with paper on the floor. Some of us will go out if we wear raincoats or have an umbrella held over us. But there are just some days, it’s not fit for man or "dog" out there!
Dear Frisco,
I just LOVE to go for car rides! My mom takes me all the time when she goes to the store or is out running errands. But summer is almost here and on some days, it gets awfully hot in the backseat. Especially if she’s shopping for awhile. Some days, I feel as though I might even faint…when is it safe for my mom to take me for car rides?
Having Hot Flashes in a Honda
Dear Hot,
All dog owners should know the dangers of leaving pets in a hot car. We love car rides, and most of the year can wait patiently in the back seat for your return. By the way, I’m very glad your mom knows it’s never safe to have a pet ride on the front seat. Unless it’s very cold outside, we dogs ask you leave one rear window open a few inches for fresh air. But once the temperatures climb, a car can quickly become an oven and suffocate us. Even parking in the shade or leaving a window completely open is not enough to keep us from overheating in a car and possible dying from heatstroke. Make sure Mom knows never to leave you in a car, even for a “few minutes” when the heat index is high. You’ll be far happier, as well as cool and comfy at home.
Connie’s Elite Pet Care, Inc. is a Professional Pet Sitting service located in Margate and services all Downbeach’s pets. You can find all her information at www.ConniesElitePetCare.com or call (609) 408-7782
Dear Frisco;
First, I'd like to say you are very cute - do you date? Secondly, I want to ask a question. I was recently adopted from a local shelter. My last home was very bad and I was abused terribly. My new mom is a very kind woman that I love a lot. I am always by her side, yet, I am always afraid to trust. Will I ever get over my bad experience from my previous owner?
Signed;
Afraid to trust!
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Dear Afraid to Trust,
Mom takes me on the occasional "play date", but she's such a drag, she always chaperones.
As far as losing your fear..absolutely! One of the most beautiful things in the world is how we dogs respond almost immediately to a loving and caring environment, even after abuse. I feel your pain Afraid. I myself, was found in a dumpster after many bad experiences and was taken to a shelter where I had to live in a cage for 6 weeks before my Forever Mom found me. I was scared of my own shadow! Mom gaves me lots and lots of love and reassurance. A few months later, I was a different dog! I am very socialized, extremely confident and happy and far more trusting. As time went by, every last bit of fear left me. I now know I have a secure environment and a mom who loves me to death, so I have no doubt, you too will respond to your mom's love. We dogs are the most forgiving animals in the world, even in cases of extreme past abuse.
So hang in there Afraid, your heart will heal soon, and you have nothing but sunny days ahead!
Don't forget to thank you Mom for being so wonderful to think of all of us poor dogs living in shelters with no home. It's people like her that make the world a better place!
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Dear Frisco;
Thanks for your advise, my mom is the best, and I know it is just a matter of time before I feel ok, but can see a difference everyday and my confidence growing stronger.
I give mom lots of licks when she wakes up in the morning and when she comes home from work after her long day.
I think we both came from the same background and we are both healing, but we will all be ok.
Signed,
Afraid of my own shadow, but coming around again!
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If any of you out there have love in your heart and a place in your home, my mom has great links for all the shelters down the shore that show you photos of all dogs and cats available for adoption for you to peruse. Find these links at
http://www.connieselitepetcare.com/about_us
under Helpful Links. You can even adopt purebred cats and dogs there! (Although I think I'm quite handsome - pedigree, schemedigree!)
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Topical questions and answers. Thanks Frisco.
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Thanks for reading Tina! This column will be updated weekly, so come back each week to ask questions or get more helpful advice.
xoxo Frisco
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well frisco, you sound like a happy pooch. I have a beautiful dog, named Tinker, however he has a bad habit of sniffing people's crotches upon meeting.
Also, when I try to pull him away, he just keeps at it. It's embarassing to me especially when he leaves a wet nose all over the front of the clothes of my friends!I think this is "bad form" to aloow my dog to sniff uncontrobably. How do I get him to stop, and keep it that way.??
Thanks for your help...I want my boy Tinker to be a friendly guy, & not put people off by going in for the crotch, and making them unconfortable....
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Well hello there Cynthia!
That is exactly what we dogs are saying when we sniff you. We are gaining valuable information on who you are and "shaking your hand". We are putting your guests through the same identification process we would any other member of our pack. This is perfectly normal behavior and "dog speak" for us canines. Obviously, your dog will be far more curious about a new animal he/she hasn't identified before than his/her own "pack". That's why dogs sniff each other while they are out being walked. They are identifying each other and saying hello.
However, many humans do not approve of this identification method. Whenever Tinker does that try tapping him firmly on the nose, while saying NO. Correcting any undesirable behavior basically follows the same process. Correct them DURING the act, (not after) be consistent and reward them for behaving properly. Alternatively, in the future, when visitors arrive, you may choose to train your dog to "sit" and "stay" while your guests come in.
Whatever method you choose, make sure you are CONSISTENT so Tinker understands you and always reward him for pleasing you with praise. Like all training, once Tinker understands what is expected of him, you will only need to occasionally reinforce the training.
Signed, Frisco
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