The United States army has around 2300 dogs in its service. Mostly German and Dutch shepherds and Belgian malinois, these dogs are used for everything from patrol and drug/explosive detecting to comforting home sick soldiers. Dogs have been used in warfare since the Romans, but became incredibly popular during World War II, in which over 10,000 dogs were used as sentries and scouts.
Scientists are working on making war safer work for dogs, creating gas masks and better armor.
Stranger was neutered about a month ago. It took him three weeks toheal (ripped out his stitches the first time we tried to remove the cone). It was three weeks of cartoonish stumbling around the apartment in a perfect impersonation of the lovechild of a satellite and a silent movie star. It was also three weeks of limited play and much pent up energy. He begin to develop a fixation with light and shadows. I should also mention that we had used a laser pointer that advertised itself as a pet exerciser.
Neurosis walks a fine line between endearment and concern, whether in humans or their canine better halves. We found it cute at first, “our nutty puppy” we’d awww. But after a couple weeks of regular exercise and routine, he was still at it. Pouncing at beams of lights and biting at the shadow of a shoe.
I went to the temple of Google for aid, hoping to consult the priests of forums, the shrines of vets with free time. The internet can make a hypochondriac of any unsuspecting searcher, and I was overwhelmed with the possibilities. The speculative causes of shadow chasing ranged from minor convulsions in the canine brain to puppy puberty, citing shadow chasing as merely a growing pain. One vet said laser pointers can be used as a good training tool, while another forbade them. Another man lamented having to put down his dog because of her “obsessive compulsive disorder.” One couple had used a laser pointer to motivate their dog to tear up some old linoleum flooring.
The most common and least disconcerting explanation was a lack of exercise. Especially in cold weather, we as dog owners are prone to neglecting dog walks. The unspent energy begins to manifest itself in destructive behavior and unhealthy fixations.
In addition, many sites warn not to give your dog attention while he is shadow chasing, in case you accidentally affirm the behavior.
In our case, we’ve been diligent with our dog walking schedule, and we’re staying away from flashlights and laser pointers.
Today was Stranger’s first trip to the groomers! We don’t have a bathtub in our house, and Stranger promptly chewed up the hose (anti-bath mechanism?) so to the groomers it was!
He came back so beautiful and soft, smelling like baby powder. I know this aint big news, but he came home with new colors. I’d forgotten completely how black and white he was, instead of brown and gray.
Top 10 Funny Groomer Tips
1. When clipping a dog…..ALWAYS chew gum with your mouth closed!
2. When you haven’t had time to do laundry….NEVER wear velvet trousers!!!!
3. When doing anal glands on a wiggly dog….DUCK!
4. When the owner says “the dog has never bit anyone, but she is smiling when she shows her teeth” keep the muzzle near.
5. The biggest, fattest dogs will be the ones who will try to sit down for the entire groom or dog brush.
6. The hairiest, dirtiest dogs are the ones who will shake like crazy the minute you get them wet.
7. When cockers pee or poop on the table, they never consider their work done until they step in it!
8. Never brush the hair out of your face with the hand holding clippers and vacuum attachment.
9. If the dog’s name is “Precious”…the personality is NOT!
10. The dogs you dislike the most will come in more often than those you really LOVE to do.
I’m sure some miserable experiences went into making these jokes : P
