Duke the Scottish Terrier: What happened to manners?

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Dear Paws to Talk,

Lately, when my humans take me out in public I am flabbergasted. With more frequency, someone cuts in front of me or nudges me out-of-the-way. It seems like this happens in many places such as the dog park and the store. I have seen canines and humans guilty of this behavior.

When I bump into someone or take a long time at the doggie fountain, I apologize. I feel it is the right thing to do. How come there are so many beings out there who don’t do this? What happened to manners?

-Duke the Scottish Terrier

Howl Duke,

*Sigh* What is the world coming to? We experience this too and it is frustrating. DiDi barks at the offenders. Bella gives them her “who the hell do you think you are” face. That look usually gets the point across.

We haven’t traveled much in our lives but we have seen enough of the world to know that it has become a selfish place. Many species are out to benefit themselves and earn more treats (Installing an alarm system on your treat jar might be a good idea). There is nothing you can do about this.

We think you should look into starting an etiquette class in your neighborhood. If this is something you feel so strongly about then take some action. You will probably feel better discussing manners with peers who share the same beliefs. Make the class interactive. Maybe the group can act out some rude situations and how to react? No one likes a boring lecture.

If you believe in manners then use them. By doing this, you will be one being who is making the world a nicer place. Of course, the next time someone cuts the line you could always flash them Bella’s face. They probably will reconsider their actions after that.

Woof,

Bella and DiDi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

Olivia the Bullmastiff: How do I get my body swimsuit-ready?

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Dear Paws to Talk,

Summer is almost here and I am not ready to hit the beach or pool. I looked at myself in the mirror the other day and panicked. My legs and arms are not toned anymore and my belly is bulging.

This winter, I watched a lot of movies and ate too many treats. I am not usually in this bind. In the past, my body remained fit no matter what I did.

The worst part of being out of shape is that I feel yucky. I enjoy passing by the mirror and being proud of my reflection.

With summer coming, my body will be on display as I spend more time socializing outside. The humans have a pool in my yard and our neighbors come over often. Also, we go on vacation near the beach.

I don’t want to be embarrassed when I put my bathing suit on. What can I do to get my trim and toned figure back?

-Olivia the Bullmastiff

Howl Olivia,

Thanks for writing in. We have to admit that both of us could use a tune-up before summer too. Throughout the winter, mommy has been watching a little human at our house and he loves to feed us. We have eaten a lot of baby food and extra scraps. You are right in that the worst part of gaining weight is the yucky feeling.

Olivia, we are going to get in shape with you. However, to do that, we need a food plan and exercise plan. See our thoughts below.

Food Plan:

-Only eat the kibble in your own bowl (Bella: DiDi always has her nose in my dish). That means cut back on the scraps, cat food, human food and any other type of food.

-Allow yourself one treat per day (DiDi: If you look up the word treat in the dictionary, Bella’s face is next to the definition).

Exercise Plan:

-Run 10 laps at full speed around your yard every day. If you yard is on the small side then do 20 laps.

-The Do Your Business Position: Assume the stance like you are going to take care of your business. Stay in this position for a while. Take a rest and repeat at least twice. This will have your legs looking fabulous.

-Paw-ups: Start by standing and then placing your behind up in the air. Then push up back to standing position with your front paws. Do as many of these as you can. Your arms will look great.

Olivia we hope the plans help you to feel better. If the program gets too hard, just think of us doing it with you. You should be donning your cutest bikini with pride in a few weeks.

Woof,

Bella and DiDi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Leigh the Human: Should I go to college?

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DiDi looking at the bookshelf contemplating higher education

Dear Paws to Talk,

I am 18 years old and set to graduate from high school next month. I am very unsure about my future after graduation day. A few months ago, I applied to a couple of colleges and was accepted to one.

By the end of this week, I have to let the college know if I will attend. I am not sure if I want to go to college. Getting my high school degree has been challenging and the idea of more school doesn’t seem appealing. Also, I will have to take out a couple of loans if I go to college. I worry about being in so much debt.

I want to have a successful career. I believe I can start that now instead of waiting four years. However, I don’t want to regret the opportunity to get a higher education.

Should I go to college?

-Leigh the Human

Howl Leigh the Human,

We admit that you have quite a dilemma but you can’t make a wrong decision. If you choose one path and then want to change directions, you can do it. We do this all the time on our walks. A juicy scent seems to be straight ahead but then we smell that it is off to the left a bit. No problem. We just lead our humans to the left.

Both of our human sisters went to college but we didn’t. All of us are successful in our own ways. While college seems very beneficial, it may not be necessary for everyone.

We suggest putting all of your worries aside and thinking about what you really want to do. You may even want to put a paw to paper and write your feelings down. Don’t let your high school experience or the potential debt influence you. Think about your options but don’t drive yourself crazy.

We think if you go to college you will meet new friends and learn very significant things. If you skip college and start on your career path, you may put yourself years ahead of your peers. Both situations will require hard work.

It is difficult making important decisions. No matter what you choose, you are starting a new chapter of your life.

Keep us posted. If you get a chance, send us your graduation photos.

Woof,

Bella and DiDi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Bella and DiDi the Standard Poodles: We love our mommy more than…

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…treats,

premium dog food,

plush toys,

chew toys,

the couch in the living room,

snagging a fresh scrap off of the kitchen counter,

our favorite place in the yard,

our boyfriends,

our beds (including mommy’s),

and more things which we will think of later.

Happy Mother’s Day to our mommy and all the mothers out there!

Woof,

Bella and DiDi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Donovan the German Shepherd: How do I let go of my work and enjoy weekends?

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Dear Paws to Talk,

I work of for my town’s police department Monday through Friday. Using my enhanced sense of smell, I help the officers solve crimes. I love my work but it can consume me.

When Saturday comes around, it is hard for me to relax. I find myself outside searching for scents instead of playing with my friends. Also, I think about the cases I worked on during the week. I have tried chewing on new toys to pass the time but I am always drawn back to finding a scent.

How do I let go of my work and enjoy my weekends?

-Donovan the German Shepherd

Howl Donovan,

You have a very admirable and important profession. It is understandable that your work would constantly be on your mind.

Besides this blog, my main job is to take care of my humans and DiDi. Sometimes I can’t stop being the caretaker (If you met DiDi you would see that she can be a 24-hour-a-day task).

When I don’t take a break, my fur looks terrible and I become cranky. On certain days, I have learned to let go so I can catch rays in my yard or go out with one of my boyfriends.

If a scent draws you in and you feel the urge to run to the station to report it, stop yourself. The work will be there for you on Monday. There is a reason why your boss gives you a break on weekends and it is to take a load off.

Since you are such a hard worker, you may need structured relaxation. For instance, go to a playgroup and run around with your friends. Maybe you all can go out for some chow afterwards?

If you don’t have some plans for fun, you will turn to work. Go out and enjoy yourself.

I think you can let go of your work and have a fabulous time on your weekends. When you get the urge to sniff, go outside and smell some flowers. Have a great weekend.

Woof,

Bella

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Abby the Dalmatian: I am having nightmares. Please make them stop!

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Dear Paws to Talk,

For the past week or so, I haven’t been able to sleep. I settle into my bed near my humans and my eyes close. Then soon after, I wake up in a panic and begin to pant.

I have had a couple of different nightmares but there is a recurring one that has me shaking. In this nightmare, I am in my family’s house all alone with no toys, kibble, water or treats. Then I manage to get outside but no one is there. My perfectly manicured yard is all weeds and all of my neighbors are gone. Lastly, a cat walks up to me and starts hissing.

I try to fall back to sleep after this ghastly experience but I usually just lay in bed and keep a lookout. I get so tired but am too afraid to sleep. How do I make my nightmares stop?

-Abby the Dalmatian

Howl Abby,

I am sorry you are having nightmares. My family calls me a “professional sleeper” so given that title I should be able to help you.

The first thing I recommend, is to create a calm environment before you settle into your bed for the night. Pick up a toy that you love and hold it. Do some light laps back and forth in your hallway. Maybe you can have a nightcap with your humans? Whatever calms you down, do it.

When you get into your bed, take a deep breath. Look at your humans in their bed. Know that they are with you. You might also wonder why they get a more luxurious bed which is higher off the ground. That is okay. Let your thoughts flow. Don’t worry if some scary thoughts run through your mind. Keep focusing on the humans in that comfy bed.

Only when you are ready, should you close your eyes. Don’t worry about nightmares. If you have one, just remember that nightmares are not reality. Your perfectly manicured yard is not all weeds. You are not alone. As far as the hissing cat goes, we all experience that every now and then. It is nothing to lose sleep over.

I hope you have sweet dreams. Those dark furry things under your eyes should disappear soon.

Woof,

DiDi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Stewart the Pug: I want to write a poem for my crush. Can you give me some tips?

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Dear Paws to Talk,

A Pug named Gina wrote to you several weeks ago asking for advice about her crush. I think she was referring to me. Gina and I have enjoyed each others’ company for a while but my duties as president of the neighborhood dog association got in the way. Now, I am out of office so there is nothing stopping me from telling Gina that I like her.

After some thinking, I decided that over a nice bowl of kibble, I would give Gina a poem explaining my feelings for her. The problem is that I’m not a good creative writer. Could you help me compose a poem for my crush?

-Stewart the Pug

Howl Stewart,

*Tails Wagging* This is so exciting! We hoped Gina’s crush would like her back! Maybe we missed our calling as matchmakers? Okay, we need to get a hold of ourselves, there is some serious work to be done.

The best way to start off this process is to write down all of the things you like about Gina. For instance, her pretty eyes, soft fur and sweet personality. Don’t be afraid to make a long list. Girls love to be complimented.

Next, write down what Gina makes you feel. Spend time thinking about what drew you to her. Does she make you feel happiness, comfort or even love?

Some guys struggle with expressing their feelings and we don’t exactly know why. We hope you are not one of these guys or else it will be more of a challenge to write this poem. Remember that it is simple. Just say what is in your heart. Your heart is the place near where your medal of service from the association used to hang.

Okay, you just did a lot of work. Take a couple of laps around your house or yard and shake it out. Don’t run away though because it is time to swoop in and get your Gina.

Many beings believe that poems have to rhyme. If you break into rhyme while writing than good for you. If not then you can still compose a beautiful and romantic poem. Use the lists you made earlier and just write. Put the politician in you aside and don’t analyze too much. We have a feeling that whatever you write, Gina will swoon. Be confident in your declaration to her.

It seems like you two will make a lovely couple. Keep us posted. Don’t forget to buy the good kibble for your romantic night!

Woof,

Bella and DiDi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.