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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Julie the Chow Chow: How should I behave at a party?

Dear Paws to Talk,

Recently my humans had a party at my house. There was human food and drink everywhere. I usually am restricted to the upstairs during these parties but this time I was allowed to socialize. I pranced around the room greeting guests. Everyone adored me. I even got a taste of human food. How do you think dogs are supposed to act at parties? Did I pass the test?

-Julie the Chow Chow

Howl Julie,

I am happy to answer your letter because I attend many parties. DiDi wishes she could answer. However, she is always banned from our human’s parties and ends up pouting in her bed. She gets too excited and ends up with her paw in an appetizer. Last year, while the humans weren’t looking, she pulled the whole tablecloth off the table trying to steal a stick of butter and basket of bread. Foolish girl.

Being invited to a party is a privilege, so you must be grateful and act politely. Always greet each guest with a tail wag even if they are not your favorite. It is a party. A time for fun. There are other times to growl at someone you don’t like.

Once everyone has arrived do laps around the room (don’t run) and collect love and pets on the nose from everyone. If you don’t put yourself out there than no one can ever love you or pet your nose.

Enjoy the food and drink but don’t pull a DiDi. You don’t want to be the laughing stalk of the party. There is nothing worse than waking up the next day and being ashamed to show your face.

It sounds like you did well at your first party. Keep it up and maybe next time they’ll give you your own lamb chop to chew on. Yum.

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.

Bruno the Pug: Help! I need 3 wonderful holiday gift suggestions.

Dear Paws to Talk,

I am starting to panic! I have three humans to but gifts for before our annual holiday party next week. My mind is not in gift-buying mode but instead is preoccupied with the plush toy I lost in my yard a few days ago.

I love giving gifts to my humans but am afraid I might disappoint them this year. Help! Can you suggest some wonderful gifts I could get them?

-Bruno the Pug

Howl Bruno,

It is refreshing to meet a being who enjoys giving gifts. So many others only focus on what they are getting. We have even seen some even write out paper lists of things they want. What a waste of paper which would make a lovely snack or impromptu toy.

We have different ideas on what to give the humans so we usually go to mall together but purchase separate gifts. So we will each give you our top three ideas.

Also, don’t forget how special homemade gifts can be. Plus the cost less bones.

See our suggestions below.

Bella

-Fuzzy gloves to keep your humans’ hands warm and stylish this winter. They can’t pet you if their hands have turned into ice blocks.

-A food processor. This gift will encourage your humans to cook more at home and hopefully create some sumptuous meals for you.

-Home decor. Take a non-stinky, inedible item from the trash and fashion it into a pretty design. If this is too complicated then just leave your paw prints on the item you selected. Your humans will appreciate the originality and effort you put into this gift.

DiDi

-A large smoked ham. Who wants to cook during the holidays? Be sure to sit up straight at the table and put on your “hungry face” when the ham is being served. This will increase your chances of getting a piece and being able to chew the bone after the ham is finished.

-A flower or plant from your yard. Uproot it and bring inside so your humans can enjoy their garden when it is too cold to go outside.

-A  bundle of sticks.This one may only work if your humans have a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Gather as many sticks as possible and lay them in a nice pile. Your humans will barely have to lift a paw next time they want to make a fire because you have done all the hard work for them.

Good luck!

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.

Tessa the Black Lab: Am I old?

Dear Paws to Talk,

My daddy said something to me the other day that caught me off-guard. He called me an “old girl.” Usually, he just refers to me as “girl.” I admit that my bones get a little sore after walks and I find some of the antics young canines do a bit annoying. However, I don’t feel old. My mind and sense of smell are still very sharp.  Am I old?

-Tessa the Black Lab

Howl Tessa,

*Big Sigh* This is another example of humans saying something silly. When will they learn that we hear everything they say and their words affect us? Maybe your human feels older so he is dragging you down with him?

I believe that you are the age that you act. I am 6-years old but I like feel the way I did when I was 1-year-old so I do things I did when I was that age. For example, I run around the neighborhood while everyone chases me, dig holes and sometimes steal Bella’s kibble. If you buy into being an “old girl” then you will be one.

Of course, we are all getting older and with that comes experience which can be a great asset. For instance, I now know that I will never eat my daddy’s cycling glove ever again. Also, I know how to prevent Bella from pushing my buttons. I’m sure you have many things that you have learned over the years that made you a better dog.

Take your life experiences and act what ever age you want. The next time your daddy calls you an “old girl” make a grumbling sound. Don’t let him off the hook. Soon you’ll just be “girl” again.

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.

Carly the Human: I am not a morning person. Do you have any tips to help me?

Dear Paws to Talk,

I hate it when my alarm clock goes off very early each morning. I just want to stay in bed and go back to sleep for a while.

After a lot of cajoling, I get up and start my day. However, I spend so much energy pushing myself to get going that when I start my job I am already tired.

Unfortunately, I don’t have the ability to start my day later. Do you have any tips to help me get up?

-Carly the Human

Howl Carly,

*Sigh* I don’t like mornings either. I think they are not my favorite because I spend part of my nights watching over my yard instead of sleeping. Do you do the same thing?

Bella wakes everyone up very early with a crisp bark (I hope she gets laryngitis someday). I rollover in my bed but can’t avoid the humans leading me outside so I can take care of business. To say I understand how you feel is an understatement.

So both of us are not morning people but have to be up early. When I am bleary-eyed and hoping Bella will shut her kibble hole, the following things help me get ready to rise for the day.

Breakfast

I think about what I may find in my bowl after I take care of my business. Thankfully, the humans make a few different breakfast recipes and rotate them. We rarely have a boring meal.

You can do the same. Make you breakfast smell and taste scrumptious. This will wake up your body.

Companionship

Unless, you are a very important being, the world will not come to your bed. When you are upset about how early you have to get up, think about a friend or special someone you will see today.

I like to greet my Bouvier canine friend Josh every morning. We have lively discussions over the fence. If I buried myself in bed, I wouldn’t get to see Josh. He has an electric collar/fence which makes it difficult for him to leave his yard.

Reality

You have to go to work in order to earn enough bones for yourself to live. Unfortunately, this is your reality right now. Why spend your energy every morning dreading this fact?

Just get up and do it. It is not ideal but neither is the fact that I have to do my business outside in front of others. I would rather use a toilet with a heated seat.

Life is challenging enough so don’t give yourself another obstacle course to complete. Especially so early in the morning.

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.

Gil the Old English Sheepdog: Why are my humans leaving? What should I do?

Dear Paws to Talk,

Help! My humans have pulled their square wheely things out of the closets and are putting clothes in them. My blood pressure is rising. Whenever they do this they leave me. I like to keep close tabs on my humans and hate when they go way. I jump into a square wheely thing to ensure that I am going along but they always kick me out of the square wheely thing. Why do they have to leave me? What should I do?

-Gil the Old English Sheepdog

Howl Gil,

Take some deep breaths. We hate it when our humans take the square wheely things out of their closets. When this happens, DiDi immediately claims her place in one of them before anyone can pack an object. Our daddy will ask her to get out but then she refuses to move in protest.

I prefer to go into the corner and be somber. Then when the humans are about to leave I shun them. I don’t like to hide my feelings.

You should find your own way to react to this change in your daily life. If you want to cry. Cry. If you want to run around the house like a manic because you’re blood is boiling with anger. Do it.

Humans like to go on vacations and trips that sometimes require them to bring out the square wheely things. It is hard to contemplate why they wouldn’t take us with them. I think they usually leave us behind when an airplane is involved. However, I think I could be a good airplane passenger. I would sit upright in my seat, wear my seatbelt, enjoy the view and complimentary snacks.

It is difficult for us when our humans leave on their own journeys but remember that they always come back from these trips. Nonetheless, I understand your anxiety.

I suggest taking your mind off your humans while they are gone. Hopefully, they don’t send you to a doggie hotel and you can be in your own house. Take this time to survey the house for any toys and kibble you may have dropped in your daily haste. It is a good time to get things in order.

I suspect you feel lonely when your humans are gone. It doesn’t have to be that way. Howl to your friends and invite them over for a play session. Take this time to focus on you. Maybe your dog sitter knows how to give a good doggie massage? Make an appointment.

Enjoy freedom in your house. Your humans will be back before you know it.

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.

Bella and DiDi: Butt in! But out!

Howl,

Alright, we know, us dogs butt in a lot. It is how we say hello and make sure we know who has joined our pack.

However, a butt in is not the same as a but in. For starters, the smell is different. A but in smells like nothing where a butt in has a particular scent that teaches us so much such as what you ate for breakfast, how you are feeling and what type of species you are.

But ins rarely serve anyone well unless an emergency is involved. When have you ever felt happy in the midst of a but in?

The but in hurts feelings, creates anger and is fueled by speculation. The butt in is a useful tool.

Next time you think of pulling a but in, be sophisticated like us canines and go for the butt in.

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.

Poppy the Brussels Griffon: I like to be in control. Is something wrong with that?

Dear Paws to Talk,

Just like so many of us, I have humans to take care of, jobs to perform and a house to manage. I prefer that these things are done in an orderly manner so I take control of each situation.

If the humans aren’t doing what they are supposed to, I bark or give them a nudge with my nose. When working my jobs, I always finish my tasks and make sure they are done flawlessly. If the house is not in order, I drop my bone and clean it up.

My friends have told me I need to relax more and not always be in charge. The humans even call me an Army general in the body of a dog.

Is there something wrong with being in control?

-Poppy the Brussels Griffon

Howl Poppy,

We commend you on keeping things in order. With skills like that, you should be a CEO of a large corporation. Hopefully, you would be CEO of a premium kibble and treat company that is looking for two Standard Poodles to work in the test kitchen. Our palates are refined and hungry.

We wonder why you feel the need to be in control all the time? Life can be fleeting and we would hate for your to miss its joys because you are stuck at work late at night.

All of us have our moments when it feels satisfying to have things just as we want them. However, it is difficult to maintain that. Eventually, one of your humans might defy you, walk away from your nudges and put you in time-out (DiDi: I hate time-outs). Or you may not be able to finish all your work by the end of the day.

There is nothing wrong with being in control as long as you don’t tear your fur out when things become unpredictable.

This may be impossible to comprehend but let your humans do some of your work. We canines are here to help out but our main job is to be companions. Your humans have had it easy while you run around with your tongue hanging out the side of your face.

After all, your paws must be tired from always juggling your house, humans and jobs. Even though, your biceps are probably very toned.

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.