Sunday, May 6, 2012

The importance of finding the perfect playmate

For those who haven't met her yet..Puddz is a very interesting little dog. She has lots of opinions about many things (much like her "mom"). She also has a interesting group of playmates but her very favorite was right under our nose(s) and we didn't even realize it! So this is a very important reminder that dogs do help us humans to socialize better!
We are busy at the clinic and while she is here, her time is spent greeting the clients and arguing with the other pack (Sonee and Jen's doggies) about why all the nylabones and deer antlers are really hers. Even during playtime, when they all get to run wild, there is still a sibling rivalry over beds and toys, which looks more like musical chairs if you ask me. Even visiting other friends, she just never has met anyone that has her play drive...until Meeka.
(Harp music in the background) Meeka, the lab from next door.
I work long hours, am riding horses and hiking in my free time. I don't have a neighborhood group that has block parties and such so we just wave and smile and keep our dog pooh picked up.
Meeka was the ice breaker. Periodically (even before I got my puppy), she used to sneak out of my neighbor's yard and run to my house to visit. My neighbor would apologize and come and grab her... and in a moment I would remember how wonderful it was to come home to a bouncy dog. Unfortunately most would prefer to eat my cat of 14 years, so I was careful with my next choice.
So as luck would have it..Pudz LOVES Klawz (my cat) and Meeka (being raised around cats) is also very respectful of the ol guy. What makes life perfect is although there is 60 pounds difference between the two, they are both blonde bullets that run and run and play tag and run and run and pass out for a few seconds and run and run. Now Meeka waits at the gate for Pudz to come home and play and I have had a great chance to meet with the whole wonderful family that lives next door.
Exercise and companionship are so important to a pet's health. Some people give their pets treats to show their love.. better to have playtime. It's free, burns calories and good for the heart (ours and theirs). You never know one or both of you might even meet a new friend in the mean time.