In loving memory of Pep, my companion and best friend, who passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Saturday, April 1, 2017. Will be sorely missed.
This is Pep, and he definitely knows his name when called. Born on June 6, 2002, Pep became a permanent member of the family when purchased from
Highpoint Shopping Centre some time in August that year. His interests include bread, pastries, croissants, and cinnamon
doughnuts – his all time favourite. Being a West Highland Terrier Bichon Frise cross, one could say this is the French coming out of him. And he still has the vigour of youth.
Standing to Attention
It is said that a dog is a man's best friend. I have found that in many instances that this is most certainly true. Indeed if humans could possess the same characteristics as their dogs, you could almost say that we would make the perfect life partner. Think about it. When was the last time your dog judged you? And for all those times your dog did something to displease you, when did he or she ever nurse a grudge against you?
When you can know the answers to those questions, you'll soon realise that your little or big mate is entitled to some good quality time. And here are a few of my ideas.
Where, oh where would you be without a good old fashioned
walk? Literally nowhere. But with your best friend by your side, you're bound to be somewhere, whether it's the park, the bike track, the beach or other variety of sorts.
Perhaps if you're like me you might just settle for a standard walk on the pavement around the neighbourhood. That seems to be Pep's favourite treat, and how excited he gets. Only do take care to clean up after the predictable dump is made. In recent years council regulations have been known to issue hefty infringement notices for poop mines. Not sure if the biodegradable white soot argument would be that convincing to the magistrate, should you decide to contest the fine.
Relaxing after a long walk
Then there's a little game I like to play called Hide and Seek Biscuit. Apparently, a dog's olfactory settings are at least 100 times more accurate than humans. Now your dog has the chance to become something of a detective.
Simply – or not so simply depending on your dog's excitement levels – take a Schmacko's or other dog biscuit and lure him or her outside, then close the door. Initially this may seem cruel and your bestie may be protesting incessantly at the perceived injustice. But there's method in such madness, because while you are hiding your dog's treat somewhere inside, he or she's determination to find it is increasing by the millisecond.
Now ask your dog to find it. Pep would usually sniff around, look at me, receive further encouragement on his biscuit quest, and this cycle would repeat itself a number of times until it's found.
Pep in slab meat mode
But of course such activities are by no means exhaustive, which is why we value your input. Please feel free to add some of your own dog minding ideas below.
