Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Opinions Breed Ignorance

by Hairy Dogfathers

Published: January 27th, 2016

ask the hairy dogfathers opinions breed ignorance

Everyone has an opinion, but when they’re uninformed, they’re a pain in the butt! The Hairy Dogfathers weigh in on what to do when people comment on your dog’s size.

Dear Hairy Dogfathers,

Six months ago I adopted Mars from the pound. They estimate him to be about 16 months old, and he is such an awesome dog!

Mars has a lot of energy. I take him to the dog park before work, play fetch when I get home, and we jog together every evening after dinner. Mars enjoys all this as much as I do! The shelter said he was part boxer, and that he would be high energy. We meet each other’s needs and make each other so happy.

But there is just one thing that I wish I could change. I am simply sick and tired of people commenting on my dog’s weight! Due to our active lifestyle, Mars has a lean, athletic build. It seems that no matter where I go, friends, family, and even complete strangers feel they can make comments about my dog’s weight. Some are innocent, some are accusatory. Mars has seen the vet, and I was told that he is a happy, healthy, athletic dog. How do I stop these comments… other than bringing a signed note from my vet everywhere we go?

Signed,

I’ve had it up to here!

André Says:

You and Mars sound like quite the team, it’s great to hear how you work together to meet each other’s needs. The reality is that many dogs have trouble keeping weight on, especially when they are young and active. If your vet says that Mars is healthy, then you have nothing to worry about. Unfortunately there is no hiding Mars athletic build with a boxer-like coat and you can’t change the perception of others. What you can change is how you interpret the comments you hear, and I’m guessing that many of those comments are coming from owners of overweight dogs. Be proud that you are able to meet your dog’s needs and that you and Mars are happy and healthy.

Keep up the great teamwork!

Kevin says:

I am so happy to hear that your dog isn’t overweight and at risk of developing further health problems. Obesity, in pets and humans, is at an all-time high, as evidenced that people can’t appreciate a lean, healthy dog when they see one. These nosey-nellies are popping up everywhere! You can’t stop them from saying dumb things, but you can give them something to talk about! When it’s a stranger, tell them he’s training for the Olympics, smile, and then just walk away.

For your family, be firm and stand your ground. Start a conversation about pet obesity, and the dangers that pet parents are putting their dogs and cats in by over-feeding and under-exercising. Be that guy! Be that guy who talks about the risks of overweight pets – make education your best defence. Soon enough they’ll understand what you are talking about and stop telling you to feed your dog more!

Good luck and keep up the good work!

And if all else fails, remember that if the negative-nellies start to bring you down … you can easily outrun them!

Kevin

Hairy Dogfathers

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Who said that there is no love between cats and dogs? This touching story proves that some bonds between a cat and a dog are so strong that one would risk their life for the other! The event took place in Edmond, Oklahoma, where a tiny pooch was miraculously saved from a vicious coyote attack– by none other than a feisty cat. At first glance, Oakley, a white Havanese dog, and Binx, a black cat, seem to belong to completely different worlds. But even so, they are family. Lane Dyer, the owner of the two, explains for Oklahoma News how the attack - and the daring rescue - came to be.“I was kind of inspired by it, quite frankly,” she said. The event occurred on November 30th, when the 6-year-old Havanese dog, Oakley, was let outside to go to the bathroom. “Out of nowhere she was attacked by a coyote,” said Dyer. Soon enough, another coyote came rushing.

Firefighters Save Dog From Drowning in the Icy Waters of Lake Superior

A dog is lucky to be alive after taking a dip into Lake Superior’s frigid December waters. Minnesota Firefighters battled biting cold and eight-foot-tall waves to save the pooch who escaped from their leash and jumped into the lake’s freezing water. The Duluth Minnesota Fire Department posted on social media that several marine units were sent to rescue a dog that jumped into Lake Superior from the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge. The pup’s owner met the rescues on the bridge and pointed out the dog struggling to stay afloat in eight-foot-plus waves in the middle of the ship canal. Crews donned ice rescue suits before entering the lake to protect them from the ice-cold water of Lake Superior. At the same time, additional rescues were sent with the department’s 14-foot inflatable boat to assist the crew in the water. The rescue team fought their way through freezing water and huge waves to find the dog, but couldn’t see him due to low light and waves. The dog’s coat was also dark in color and they kept slipping under the water, making them hard to find.Thanks to the dog owner and fire personnel who shouted directions from the pier, the firefighters managed to locate the dog and grab them by their collar. Even though they had their hands on the pup, firefighters faced several problems before bringing the dog safely to the shore. The crew tried to swim with the dog to the shore, but they struggled in high waves. The pooch was large and terrified, and rescues struggled to keep its head above water. The waves swept the firefighters and the pup under the Duluth bridge, towards the bay and away from shore. Luckily the additional firefighters arrived with an inflatable boat and pulled the dog and the rescues from freezing waters.As soon as their paws touched solid ground, the exhausted pooch was treated for hypothermia by emergency staff. To everyone’s delight, the dog’s condition improved quickly and they were able to walk on their own. According to officials, the dog was wagging their tail as they jumped into their owner’s car. The Duluth Minnesota Fire Department shared that firefighters prevented the dog’s owner from jumping into the water in an attempt to save the beloved dog themselves. The officials added that bystanders had to convince the owner not to go in after the dog and warned people against putting themselves in danger to save a pet.“The Duluth Fire Department wants to stress to the public the importance of not putting yourself into a situation you are neither trained nor equipped to handle. This will not only put you at risk but the emergency responders as well. It will also greatly limit the options we have to try and save your pet as all efforts will now be directed at saving you,” Duluth Fire Department officials said.“We have learned in the fire service that if we don’t respond to help in these situations that bystanders and owners likely will take action on their own,” they added. “Without the proper training and equipment, this most often results in the firefighters now responding to a call for a person in harm’s way.”“Given the waves and temperature conditions in the canal last night, anyone entering the water without the proper training and equipment would most likely have ended in tragedy,” fire officials added. Luckily for all that wasn’t the case! Thanks to the brave firefighters the pooch and their owner are safe and can enjoy each other’s company for many years to come.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

After 5 Long Years, a Lost Senior Dog is Reunited With His Owner

It seems that year is off to a good start in Sharonville, Ohio, where a true miracle happened for a hopeful pawrent. A Butler County woman named Hannah experienced immense relief and happiness after she was reunited with her long-lost doggo, at the annual My Furry Valentine adoption event in Sharonville. Will, Hannah’s wonderful Golden Retriever buddy had been missing for five years, after he wandered away from home in October 2019. Devastated, Hannah and her family searched for days and weeks for Will, but without success. In the end, fearing the worst, they had to let go of their wavering hopes.But incredibly, much to their amazement, their hopes were rekindled. They spotted a stray dog photo posted out of Clermont County – the resemblance to Will was uncanny. Hannah quickly sent a Facebook message to the nonprofit Clear the Clermont County Animal Shelter, inquiring about the dog - apparently named Rome. After a brief explanation, she said she believed it was none other than her beloved Will. 

How to Exercise Your Dog Indoors

Your dog needs daily exercise, but when it’s too cold, snowing, or raining, you shouldn’t let them spend too much time outside; instead, it’s best to bring the fun indoors. Whether you live in an apartment or a large house, there are simple and creative ways to help your canine companion get the physical exercise and mental stimulation they want and need.If you’re stumped when it comes to how to exercise your dog indoors, here are a few ideas to help you get started, along with some product recommendations that are worth considering.Indoor FetchWho says you can’t play fetch with your dog indoors? As long as you have a decent amount of space, you can toss a ball or toy for your pet to chase, grab, and bring back to you. Some people will use a hallway to give their dog enough room to run and grab their toy, but it really depends on your home and its layout. If you don’t have a large room with enough open space, you might need to move some furniture around temporarily, but it will be worth it.A good toy to consider for this is the Chuckit! Indoor Ball. It’s designed specifically for indoor use, and features textured chenille that’s soft and lightweight so you can toss it and let it bounce softly to entice your dog to grab it. Puppies and adult dogs of all sizes are sure to love it, and the multi-layered construction helps it withstand your pet’s teeth so this toy can last.

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