There was one part of going to Africa that wasn’t easy: leaving Pax behind.
At the same time the idea of taking him to Africa and him escaping to the nearest body of water is a complete nightmare: There is a croc pretty much in any body of water that you see there.
What made it easy was that I knew that he would be hiking in the mountains with my partner.
Pax was still a little naughty and got lost for about half an hour in the alpine but much better than 18 hours. For those of you who have not read the story, it happened when he was a year and a half old. A year and a half ago. It was brutal and we still have sort of PTSD from it. We use a GPS device but still sometimes it doesn't work that well.
And if you're thinking, "Well, why didn't you just keep him on the leash," my answer would be: dogs need to be free, exercise, and learn to make decisions. Basically they're like teenagers. They behave much better when they get the naughtiness out of their system, and are kept busy.
Our job is to do the fine balancing act of making them feel free and, at the same time, keeping them safe. Learning and being empowered is an important part of it.
THIS MONTH'S READS
Liver treats: safe or not?
Treats are one of the ways we tell our dogs "I love you." But if liver treats are on the menu, there's something you should know.
Injuries aren't just bad luck
When a dog suddenly starts limping, we look at what happened that day. But many injuries start brewing months, even years, before they show up.
Read: Injuries Aren't an Accident
When the same problem keeps coming back
Some people may find it funny to see dogs scooting on their bum but it may be a sign of a serious problem, especially if you need to have your dog's anal glands cleaned regularly. It may surprise you but healthy dogs should not need any squeezing or cleaning.
Read: Anal Gland Problems in Dogs
A CONVERSATION WORTH HAVING
New episode - Get to Know Your Vet
Dr. Radica Raj and I talked about how our dogs' health and our own are connected. Save this one for a cozy evening.
VIDEOS
"Is this an emergency?"
A question that all of us are bound to ask at some point, and this video can be truly life-saving.
Watch: How to Tell If Your Dog's Symptoms Are a True Emergency or Not
QUICK SNIPPETS: This Month's Short Videos
A few shorts made for you:
Are Dogs Our Greatest Teachers of Love?
What I Give My Dog Pax After Every Walk
How Do I Know If Something Is Missing in My Dog's Diet?
