Sabrina the Human: I need 5 engery-boosting tips to finish this exhausting week.

Dear Paws to Talk,

I am in the middle of one of the busiest weeks of my life. I have so much to do before Sunday ends and am losing my energy.

Between my paying job, a looming deadline for the business I am starting, my family and keeping the house in order, I feel like I have nothing left to give. I am working 16 hour days and need some help to finish off the week.

There are 5 more days left of craziness. Can you give me 5 tips to help me boost my energy and accomplish everything?

-Sabrina the Human

Howl Sabrina,

Whatever you do in the midst of your busy week, don’t forget to feed your pets! Most of us aren’t as good as our ancestors were at hunting down dinner.

It seems like life has given you everyone else’s work to do this week. That doesn’t seem fair. We will try to see if we can file a grievance.

Here are your tips to make sure you survive the remainder of this week with grace and poise.

1. Take a short nap either after your lunch kibble or before your dinner kibble. Nap for no more that 30 minutes on the couch. If you go to bed and sleep longer than 30 minutes you probably won’t get up until morning.

2. Treat yourself to something special. You may think this is the wrong week to be doing this. However, a massage, facial or special meal is probably just the thing to rejuvenate your tired mind and body. The massage usually works for us every time when the humans stress us out.

3. Chase something. For us, this is easy because we have pesky squirrels invading our yard every morning. An invigorating run with a purpose in mind gets the blood flowing. If you don’t have a squirrel to chase then pick out a tree or building to run to.

4. When you are done for the day, be done! Sometimes we go to bed contemplating tomorrow’s blog or if the humans will remember to feed us the good kibble for breakfast. This is wasted time in which we could be getting our beauty sleep. Close your eyes and dream of something nice.

5. Bark it out! You have a lot going on. When it feels like you can’t do anymore, find a friend who understands and bark about the situation. You will feel much lighter, like someone removed your leash and collar.

Best of luck with the rest of the week!

Woof,

Bella and DiDi

Murphy the American Quarter Horse: I want more freedom. How do I get it?

Dear Paws to Talk,

I live in a rural area with my humans, a mule and a cat. We have a nice pasture and plenty of food to eat. Overall, it is a good life.

Despite that, I feel a need for more independence. I stay in the pasture most days and feel restless. I love to run and use my powerful legs.

My human mother used to take me for rides every other day but lately this has stopped. Earlier in her life, she was thrown from a horse (not me) and I think her fear may be the reason behind my lack of rides. Last time I was out of the pasture, I got excited and started to run extra fast. She did not like that.

I want to run free and not be burdened by my human. How do gain my freedom?

-Murphy the American Quarter Horse

Howl Murphy the American Quarter Horse,

You are one of the few equines to write to us and we’re glad you did. We admire the beauty and athleticism of your species. When you think about it, horses possess a lot of the same qualities that Poodles do except we don’t eat hay.

We are frustrated that you are in this predicament. Clearly, there is something going on with your human (They are so high maintenance). Maybe she will get over it? Regardless, you deserve to use your natural abilities as much as possible.

We know you are hungry for independence, but it doesn’t seem like a good idea to escape the pasture and live on your own permanently. This thought has probably gone through your mind a lot recently. However, it is important to cherish the wholesome supply of hay that you are given each day in your pasture and the animal family that surrounds you. It is a wild world out there.

Maybe you can take a day trip outside the pasture for an exhilarating run? Be sure to get back in time for dinner. Don’t waste that hay.

There are also ways for you to feel more free inside your pasture. If you feel like running, then do it. Run to the furthest boundary and back as many times as your heart desires. Do this for yourself. You have the ability to do whatever you want on this piece of land. Make it your place.

Your human will probably take a hint that you need to be taken out for a long ride. If this happens, don’t worry about her. Do your thing. Run with force, beauty and joy. If she doesn’t like it then maybe she needs to reconsider owning a horse or get someone else to take you on rides.

Use your gifts. Feel the wind blowing through your mane. Freedom from you stagnant lifestyle is yours for the taking. Good luck!

Woof,

Bella and DiDi

Zach the dog: How do I break up with my girlfriend?

Dear Paws to Talk,

I have been dating my girlfriend (who I prefer not to name) for 6 months. She is smart, funny and has a lovely fur coat. Overall, she is a wonderful canine, However, I don’t have romantic feelings for her anymore.

I know that I need to break up with her for both of our sakes but I don’t know how. Last week, I took her for premium chow outside of our yards figuring that over a nice meal I could end it. At least then, her tummy would be full even if her heart might be broken.

But I couldn’t do it. I knew it would be hard. How do I break up with her?

-Zach the dog

Howl Zach,

I am relieved that you care enough about your girlfriend to ask for advice on how to deal with this difficult situation. Some men can be such wild animals.

No matter how painful it may be, most of us just want to know the truth. Don’t waste our time or say you are too busy to take us out of the yard for date night because in reality you don’t care about the relationship anymore.

Before you do anything, make sure that you are ready for the relationship to end. Are you sure those romantic feelings have diminished? Can you live without seeing her gorgeous fur coat on a regular basis?

If breaking up is still the correct choice,then perk your ears up. Go to your girlfriend’s yard when she won’t be crowded by humans or other animals and tell her your feelings have changed.

Then just listen to what she has to say. When she is done crying, barking or reminiscing, tell her again how fabulous you think she is. Explain how you agonized over this. Be gentle and kind.

If you handle this sad situation with grace, it will help both of you to move on peacefully. Leave the gate to the yard open because you never know who may trot through it in the future.

Woof,

Bella

DiDi: Who can confidently stand alone?

DiDi: Alone on a snowy day relying on myself even though I know a human let me outside.

Howl,

It took me a few years on this planet and knowing that I could hunt for my dinner if needed to realize that I can rely on my own four paws. I stepped out of Bella’s shadow and discovered what I wanted out of my life. More play, nature and time in the kitchen cooking with mommy. Less double dates with Bella, shopping trips and romantic comedy movies.

The best part of standing on your own is finding those special people who appreciate you and want to stand with you.

   DiDi: Bella and Toby join me for some snowy fun. 12 legs are better than 4.

Can you proudly stand on all four of your paws?

Woof,

DiDi

Anonymous Human: My dog upset me. How do I feel better?

Dear Paws to Talk,

I am so mad at my dog! I took her on a walk this weekend and brought her to a field where I regularly let her run off-leash. The dog loves this activity.

She ran out to the middle of the field and then just kept running. I incessantly called her name to no avail. Next, I held up her beloved treats but that wasn’t enough to lure her back to my side.

I panicked! Then tried more “tricks” such as pretending I was leaving her, which always sends the dog in my direction. Not on this day!

Finally, after crossing a nearby road, she looked at me from the other side and sprinted back to me. I knelt down full of relief and anger as I hooked the leash to her collar.

As we walked home, I held the leash firmly and spoke firmly to the dog. We continued walking and my anger consumed me. Thoughts of what awful things could have happened filled my mind.

 I felt like an angry, sad failure. I pride myself on taking great care of my dog and making sure she is well-behaved Why did my dog do this? How do I feel better about this?

-Anonymous Human

Howl Human,

First of all, we’re animals. It’s that simple. You can train us and give us fabulous treats but sometimes we tap into our inner wolves (supposedly we were all once wolves) and follow the scent of a chipmunk, another dog or the concession cart that moved through the field a few days prior.

Just because you have trained your dog thoroughly, doesn’t mean she will always respond to you. Obviously, this is a scary thought given the fact that roads and cars were involved.

The dog didn’t run away to make you upset (although sometimes this is a tactic we use for attention) but she probably craved some extra adventure.

We really aim to make our humans happy and proud of us. There is a very good chance that your dog feels guilty about all of the worry and anger she caused you.

Now, is a good time to start anew. Buy some better treats (no dog will leave your side if you have some well-seasoned roast beef in your pocket) and practice your commands in a safe place.

Maybe you want to find another field for your dog to stretch her legs that isn’t close to a road? Or if you go back to your regular place then make sure both of you are ready. Bring some toys or a canine friend to distract your dog from sights across the road.

After a situation like this it can be tempting to never let the dog run free again. However, you can’t deny your dog’s love of galloping in an open field. Let her safely do what she is passionate about.

How would you feel if something you enjoyed was taken away?

Woof,

Bella and DiDi

 

 

 

 

 

Moxie the Maltese: I indulged. Should I feel guilty?

Dear Paws to Talk,

The past couple of days, I have been wild. I gained access to my full treat box and ate the whole thing. Afterwards, my tummy didn’t hurt that much and my mouth still remembers the deliciousness.

Some of my other indulgences this week have included kissing my male neighbor dog, tasting a loaf of bread just out of the oven and lounging all over the humans fancy sofa.

I don’t typically do these kinds of things but I must admit it has been fun. However, my enjoyment was ruined when I saw my mommy scrubbing my muddy paw prints off of the fancy sofa. Also, I felt badly waking her in the middle of the night so I could take care of my business outside after eating the box of treats.

Should I feel guilty or embrace my new carefree attitude?

-Moxie the Maltese

Howl Moxie,

You have certainly been mischievous and busy! I am the daredevil in my family so I can relate to being tempted by various indulgences.

Bella likes to indulge too. However, she usual thinks of a plan on how to indulge and then relies on me to execute it. Why wasn’t I the first-born?

There is nothing wrong with treating yourself to something fun, tasty or flirty every once in while. If a human is pulling a roast or chicken out of the oven I have been known to stick my snout in it. Or when my Poodle nephew Toby comes to visit, I hoard his toys. His toys have smell better and are more interesting than most of mine.

I was reading your letter last night while relaxing inside my favorite shrub by the side of the house. I wondered if there is another reason why you are suddenly so rambunctious.

Did something in your life change recently? Are you unhappy? Do you need an extra serving of kibble each day to combat your growing appetite?

I am concerned that you are acting like a wild woman because of something else happening in your life. Head to your nearest shrub and really contemplate this.

Don’t worry about guilty feelings right now. Although, you should really give your mommy some extra hugs and kisses. Dig deep (not in the soil but in your heart) and see what is going on.

After all, how can you enjoy a tummy full of treats when your heart is malnourished?

Woof,

DiDi

Simba the Siberian Cat: How do you know if you’re talented?

Dear Paws to Talk,

Recently, I was watching the big bright thing with my humans and there was a cat on a talent show playing the piano. Then during this same show another cat demonstrated how she could contort herself into a little ball. I thought these cats must be really gifted to be on this show.

It made me reflect on my special abilities. My humans have always said I have the most beautiful purr. Also, I am great at climbing trees. I can pick the highest one in my yard and climb all the way to the top. However, I am not on the big bright thing or on a world tour giving out tons of my paw prints. How do I know if I am talented?

-Simba the Siberian Cat

Howl Simba,

Just because you aren’t on the big bright thing doesn’t mean you lack talent. Cats, dogs and humans all have various talents. This makes our world an interesting place. I would say I am a very talented hole-digger and kitchen taste-tester. However, my talents are not diminished because I don’t have a show on the big bright thing showing me working on a construction site or in a kitchen giving opinions on recipes. I believe in my talent.

When you know what your talent is, the worst thing you can do is waste it. If you have a beautiful purr then purr more. Maybe your humans can help you record album?

If you are great at climbing the highest tree in your yard then climb everyday. Use those powerful paws. I bet there is a taller tree nearby that you can conquer.

Use your talents and enjoy them for yourself. However, you never know when some television producer might want to showcase a signing cat that can climb tall trees.

Woof,

DiDi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk, 2013. 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: 3 ways to survive winter weather

Howl,

Many of us are involved in a bitter tug of war game with winter. This season loves to dump its large storms in our yard and then leave us with the aftermath.

Last week, when winter dropped off another storm we decided a guide for navigating this weather must be made. See below.

1. When a winter storm arrives, make a pathway to anything you might need outside such as the lawn for taking care of business, the car or firewood.

Bella and DiDi: If you have four paws, the better your path will be.

2. Although winter can be nasty at times, take a moment to enjoy the soft sound of the snow falling. Immerse yourself in the snow flakes for a bit.

Bella: This snow is beautiful and it highlights my black fur so nicely.

3. Be sure to have the proper winter gear on when you plan on spending a long period of time outside in the storm. Who wants to be cold or bring the storm into the house?

DiDi: No one told me that I have a parka, hat and scarf! It’s okay I will dry off by rolling around on the sofa.

Happy Winter!

Woof,

Bella and DiDi

 

© Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk, 2013. 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.

Aimee the human: How do I feel less guilty leaving my dog when going to work?

Dear Paws to Talk,

Each morning just as I am about to leave for work, I look at my dog Charlie and feel so guilty. He goes to his bed and looks sad which makes me feel worse.

Even though, I have a wonderful dog walker visit him while I am away, that doesn’t seem to help me from feeling badly.

How can I feel better about this?

-Aimee the human

Howl Aimee,

Charlie is lucky to have you as his mother because you truly care about him. These feelings most likely result in Charlie receiving more treats. Way to go our canine friend!

Despite the fact that Charlie looks sad when you leave, trust us when we say that he needs time to himself. Just as you have things to accomplish in the world, so does Charlie.

Speaking from experience, while you are gone, Charlie is working on various projects such as finishing a challenging chew toy, his side project(s) around the house and keeping in touch with his animal friends. These are all things that are put on the back burner when you are home because Charlie’s focus becomes taking care of you.

Take comfort in knowing that Charlie is being productive and not in bed sulking all day. However, just because Charlie fills his days with activities in your absence, is no excuse for you to pay less attention to him when you get home. Keep up the hugs, kisses, tug of war games and treat dispensing.

Charlie will let you know if something is really wrong or if he becomes lonely. Meanwhile, make some tea and biscotti for two and have Charlie tell you about his day.

Woof,

Bella and DiDi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk, 2013. 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.

Cleveland the Bloodhound: Can you suggest New Year’s resolutions I will keep?

Dear Paws to Talk,

It is that time of year again. This is when I sit down, close, my eyes and think hard about my New Year’s resolutions.

My humans probably think I spend today and each January 1st sleeping off my New Year’s Eve celebration but in reality I am concentrating on my goals for the upcoming year.

In my experience, it has been so tough to complete my resolutions.This past year, I failed at seeking more adventure outside of my yard. The year before that I wasn’t successful in losing my extra vanity weight.

Can you suggest some New Year’s resolutions I can keep?

-Cleveland the Bloodhound

Howl Cleveland,

You are a very ambitious dog and we like that. Most humans have barely risen from their beds (they are still probably covered in shiny paper from midnight parties and too embarrassed to show their faces) and you are contemplating how to make the most out of this new year. Bravo!

We discussed your letter last night over our kibble and a little bubbly (we like to cheers to a new year) and decided that a resolution puts too much pressure on a being.

So many humans and animals make their resolutions too difficult to complete and they set themselves up for failure. This is no way to spend one’s days.

Instead, why not set 2-5 realistic goals or things to accomplish? If you get them done before the end of the year then make some new ones.

See our 5 suggestions for achievable resolutions below.

Get your blood flowing

Run 10 laps around your yard 4 times a week to burn off the vanity weight. You will be amazed how fantastic it feels to break a sweat and have that blood pumping through your fur.

Who can really give up bones or spit out delectable kibble? So burn it off.

Be friendly

Once a week, start a conversation with a neighbor or friend you don’t usually bark with. New friendships or relationships can begin anywhere.

Explore!

You don’t need an airplane ticket to an exotic locale to add more adventure to your life. Have the humans walk you on a different path. Or spend some extra time in a part of the house you typically avoid.

Always be ready for a squirrel sighting. You never know what creature may enter your yard.

Limit bad habits

It takes a long time to give up a bad habit so why not start off by cutting back? If you are in the habit of sneaking food off the counter everyday then cut back to doing it 4 times a week.

This probably goes against every desire in your body but in the end your belly will feel better and the humans will trust you more.

Be open

Try new kibble if it is put in front of your nose. Play a new game if friends suggest it. Participate in a yoga or meditation class.

Happy New Year and good luck!

Woof,

Bella and DiDi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Margot Ahlquist and Paws to Talk, 2013. 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.