Doggone
Jennifer Roblez
Friday, August 17, 2007
HAVING RECENTLY returned to my hometown from Dallas, it’s natural to note 1) how things have changed in Emporia and 2) how things differ from North Texas.
The difference is profound when it comes to dogs in hot weather. And dogs and rental property.
Along our stretch of West Street, the dog population per household seems to be at least one, often two or three. Out of 16 homes there are at least 17 dogs. If a census were taken, the larger dogs would outnumber smaller ones, but not by much.
I was happy to learn that a new neighbor has two fawn pugs, which raises the block’s total to three. My black pug, CocoPuff, has been relegated to the basement since my mother prefers cats, though there is not a cat in residence at the moment.
Most dog owners on my block are very good caretakers. I’d trust many with my pug. But I’ve been surprised by a few dogs who seem to live outside 24/7, even during our 100-degree scorchers.
Two were roped in place on an unshaded front porch until one was either picked up by authorities for being at large or found a new owner while escaping.
Nearly every time I walk by with CocoPuff, the other dog’s water bowl was upturned. One of the first hot weather tips for dogs is a constant flow of cool water in a dish that won’t tip over. If shade isn’t available, a kiddie pool is a nice way to give a dog its own clean puddle in which to play and stay cool.
Another safety tip, which sometimes isn’t taken to heart in the neighborhood, is bringing a dog indoors into air conditioning during the hottest part of the day.
If that’s not possible, it helps to groom the dog’s coat, which provides protection from sunburn and acts as a cooling insulation. If you give your dog a close shave for summer, keep at least an inch of hair, otherwise your dog may need sunscreen.
In Dallas, you could be fined $50 for not picking up your dog’s poops. It’s taken seriously by dog owners and those who guard their lawns from them. An Emporia ordinance is somewhat comparable — a homeowner can sign a complaint against anyone who allows a dog to poop on her property, regardless of whether the waste is picked up and thrown away by the dog owner.
It was common in Dallas to see someone watching from a window or porch steps, waiting to see if you scooped or not. Many apartment complexes had designated outdoor areas for dog pooping and supplied plastic bags and garbage cans.
My biggest concern is whether I’ll be able to rent an apartment in Emporia that allows dogs. In a recent Gazette classified section, 19 of 31 ads prohibited dogs. Some ads don’t say that directly — one landlord restricts dogs and other pets from the eight properties it listed for rent. The remaining 12 aren’t guaranteed to accept dogs either. I’ve called a few and my first question, “do you take dogs?” got a quick refusal.
In Dallas, where money talks, the going rate for a dog deposit, separate from the security deposit, can easily be $450 and it may not be returned when you leave. I put down a total of about $1,100 in deposit funds for my last one-bedroom apartment and paid an extra $15 a month in rent so my dog could lounge on the couch.
I’ve told CocoPuff that I won’t leave her out in the hot and muggy sun, but she may need to start an online business to contribute to her keep while I’m at work bringing home the bacon she so loves.
Hearing her name uttered, she barely lifted her snub-nose head to swivel her eyes from a cool spot on the basement landing before letting it languidly fall back.
These are the dog days of summer.
E-mail may be sent to Jennifer Roblez at newsroom@emporiagazette.com.
railroadhorn (anonymous) says...
Nice column. You've managed to convey hot weather tips in a subtle enough way that prevent people from feeling lectured. I hope your neighbors and mine take your suggestions to heart! It's way too hot to leave a dog, especially a puppy, outdoors without shade or water.
August 17, 2007 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
slipandslide (anonymous) says...
this was a good article. i cringe when i see animals left at in extreme temps without shelter. a shady spot and an ongoing supply of food and water is not too much to give.
August 17, 2007 at 3:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )