As a small dog, well puppy, really, I had no idea I had so much to say when I first started this guest blog. I thought I might blog once or twice. On the other hand I have a short attention span and this might be the last of my insights before I go home. What I’ve really enjoyed and been so surprised by in the past few days are the numbers of comments to my blogs from humans and dogs. I am thinking if dogs are this friendly online then perhaps I should consider being more sociable when I meet them face to face.
Today I want to write about eating (again), clothing design for dogs and evidence based veterinary medicine and my incredible assistance around this house. I haven’t really thought a lot about these things but being in this new, temporary environment has brought fresh thinking.
- Eating: my breakfast was served entirely in this ball affair, a kong they say. I have to roll the thing around until the kibble falls out. It’s not easy as the thing rolls under the sofa and down the stairs. Humans don’t need to chase their food around on the floor until something falls out. Not fair. On the other hand I seemed to be full afterward and didn’t whine for more food. Maybe it’s because it took me longer to eat.
- Clothing design: who in the world designs dog clothing? Well humans of course but do they ever consider things from a dog’s perspective. Take dog boots for example. I can see why they’ve been made but really did anyone consult a design engineer or an ergonomics specialist? I have 4 boots and they are hard to put on and the humans never do them up right for they come off after a few minutes. They have poor traction. Haven’t you guys ever heard of Yaktrax?
- Evidence based veterinary medicine: one of my temporary masters has a bit of knowledge about evidence based medicine (EBM) for humans and she was asking me if the same existed for animals. I was looking around and it seems that there is nowhere near as much EBM in veterinary medicine. And that’s plain wrong, on so many levels. For all the resources that go into animal care in the developed world, you’d think somewhere there would be a push for information that is evidence based and gives the straight good on cost effectiveness. I may start a campaign. There should be databases where veterinarians and owners could look up things and know how much objective evidence exists for a certain treatment or intervention.
- Helping around this house. It snowed a great deal last night and I did enjoy a romp in fresh snow but today I am mostly napping. I did help with the Globe and Mail Crossword. They say I wasn’t all that much help but I think keeping someone company is always a help.
Squidge
Barb's True Stories 
My Dear Squidge:
Generally whenever I feel the need to put my face into something to eat it has been chocolate pudding, a bag of ripple chips, or popcorn…(one time all three at the same time…but I digress)…and I can’t imagine the effect it would have on my appetite if I had to follow any food down a flight of stairs…some things just aren’t fair.
Puppy boots? Pupluks might be a better style for you.
EBV? Sorry Squidgins the concept is beyond me. The only evidence that would indicate going to a veterinarian would be the obvious and persistent leavings on couches, floors, corners, and under kitchen tables…so I am not much use to you in that department.
I think the Norse God of Death is Hel (I Googled it)…and if you wish to share it with ‘them’ hold out for a nice Puppy Treat.
Keep Warm S. You do take a nice picture…..
plh
So many helpful comments! The answer fits in the crossword too! Potato chips are something my temporary master says she is craving. I am glad to report she just can’t go to the cupboard and get some for there is none there. Take that human! Now you know what it’s like!
EBM in veterinary medicine is indeed lacking. I could tell you some scary tales, Squidge, but being about felines, they may not interest you. Let us know when your campaign begins!
Hmmm. I don’t know how I feel about cats. But if I decide to start a multi-species campaign for EBM in veterinary care I will be in touch. BTW do cats get fed a lot? If they do maybe I’ll learn how to purr! Thanks for sending me a note. I am so happy to hear from you!
I enjoy your blog . Think you better get a pooch full time
Sent from my iPhone
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We don’t see a dog in our foreseeable future. He’s ruling the roost here after 4 days. He’s cute and good natured. He has many opinions and observations and seems to think our role is to keep him occupied or at least sit down so he can snuggle up next to us. Thanks for sending us a note.
Happy New Year Barb. I continue to enjoy your blog. Your friends who comment on the blog are equally entertaining and appear to be as insightful as you are 🙂
Happy New Year to you Cynthia. All the best in 2015. Thank you for your comments. Squidge says hi too.
You do need a dog, Barb.
A worse case of “Puppy Love” there ne’er was..
I’d have to reconcile with the reality that I/we have limited control over a 10lb animal and it’s not clear I/we am/are up for that in the long term.
Get a Black Lab and forget control. they only have 6 brain cells but they are all friendly ones.