While traveling overseas, I’ve noticed two things that remain constant. My love for dogs and a willingness to happily rush right up to them, and the dogs’ inability to understand English (outside of English speaking countries) and/or my motives or intentions. During this last trip to Europe, I’ve encountered lots of dogs—and wanted to hug every one of them. BIG NO-NO!


So how does one greet a “strange” dog? Assuming the dog is on a leash and its owner doesn’t speak your language (or any other language you’re comfortable in speaking):
[1]       First smile at the owner. If they smile back, you’re on the right track.  In fact, ignore the dog and make sure you’re showing your relaxed best. This way the dog doesn’t think of you as being a threat.
[2]       Only GLANCE at the dog—do not look into its eyes. Most dogs consider that a challenge and it can set them off.
[3]       Happily, most people in the world understand the term “OK?” So, ask the “OK?” to the owner and glance at the dog, then back at the owner. Usually owners of dogs (as pets) are very friendly to other dog lovers. If they say “Oui”, “Ja”, “Si”, “Da” , “OK” or some language that sounds like what’s used as “yes” in their country, then the next step is to:
[4]       Make sure you’re NOT directly facing the dog, but instead turned slightly sideways. Dogs seem to prefer people who aren’t THAT interested in them.
[5]       Let the dog approach you, not the other way around. If they’re interested, they may wag their tail or look at you with curious eyes. If they’re growling or raising their lips above their teeth, it’s best to say a cheery “bye-bye”, “adios”, “au-revoir”, “ciao” or “sayonara”, and move on.
[6]       Next, standing perfectly straight, (not crouching over the dog which can seem intimidating to them) slowly offer your hand, wrist side down in a slightly open fist and let the dog sniff your hand if they’re interested, then slowly move your hand to their shoulder, neck or chest—not the top of their head. (Some dogs REALLY don’t like that so don’t chance it too quickly).
[7]       If the dog is NOT interested and backs away from you, it’s only because it’s uncertain about you or the situation. Don’t pursue it further. Smile at the owner, exchange pleasant greetings and cheerfully walk away.
It’s best to let dogs be dogs; and like humans, some are outgoing and friendly, while others aren’t. Remember when traveling, you really DON’T want to ruin another dog owner’s day by having their dog attack you. Even worse, you don’t want to have to take up valuable travel time by going to the hospital for stitches.
 
So, be careful and considerate when meeting ANY new dog—whether in your neighborhood or in a foreign land. And, happy tail wags to you wherever you go!
 
HOOF!

Ever hear of the old wives trick for de-skunking a dog?  It’s one where you use tomato juice and give a good dunking/soaking with it; then rinse, soap, rinse, repeat  and…voila!  Odor’s gone!

Well, many, many dogs ago, my Great Dane “Tee Jay”, took a ‘direct hit’ from a skunk—to her face, her mouth, her chest and front legs.  I barely saw what happened, but do remember a surprised look, frozen on Tee Jay’s face, as a skunk with its tail held high, bounced merrily away.

The STINK of course was AWFUL!

I quickly grabbed a hose and rinsed Tee Jay’s face and mouth,  then briefly left her outside in the back yard and raced to the store to grab tomato juice—6 BIG cans of it—and dog shampoo. Driving back up the hill from the store, I could smell the skunk attack from over a block away.  Yikes. This was NOT going to be fun—especially since the necessary warm water is in the house—not outside.

I led Tee Jay to the bathroom and to the tub. She never cared for bathing before and usually had to be BEGGED but this time she jumped in on her own.

Very carefully, I poured the six cans of tomato juice on her from head to tail, avoiding her eyes and ears.  Okay. Now you’re supposed to let it soak for a minute or two, so I told her to “stay” in the tub while I went to the closet to get more towels.

BIG MISTAKE.

 Just as I reached the closet, she jumped out of the bathtub and shook as hard as she could. A Great Dane shaking three full cans of tomato juice all over the bathroom.  Add in the smell of skunk, and you have one of life’s more interesting moments.  It was a red and gory mess, as if two dinosaurs had gone at it.  GORY.

So, no. Sorry. Can’t recommend the tomato juice bath.  There are good products at the pet store to remove skunk stink. May the “hoof” be with you!

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of a new member to the Los Diggities team. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, dogs and cats, please welcome        Dr. Gail Cutler!

“Dr. Gail” has been our family’s veterinarian (animal doctor) for quite a while and we’re delighted to be able to share our good fortune with you.  She is now YOUR Doctor too!

She graduated from Michigan State University with her DVM, (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) degree in 2004.  She also has a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Plant Science from UC Davis and an M.S. (Master of Science) in Economics from Michigan State University.  As you can see, she’s not only highly special to us, but highly educated as well!

Born and raised in Los Angeles (Gardena to be specific), Dr. Gail lived in Michigan for 20 years before returning to California in 2005, to “live in beautiful Palm Springs, California”.

She has two rescued dogs:  ’Nelly’ (a Black German Shepherd) and ‘Quincy’ (a Standard Poodle), as well as two rescued cats: ‘Oliver’ (a fat orange boy), and ‘Orlando’ (a brown tiger cat with attitude).  Since “rescue” is the main theme of “Los Diggities”, she is the PERFECT Doctor for the team, don’t you agree?

If you have any questions about anything having to do with your pets, email her and ask.  Chances are, you’ll be asking questions others would like to know the answers to as well, and we all get to learn together.

May the “HOOF!” be with you,
 
Jeanie