Mia's Dog Sitting Adventures

When our neighbors asked me if I wanted to take care of their dog while they were in Hawaii, I jumped at the opportunity. I have been begging for a dog as long as I can remember. So far, I have learned a few things:

-Chasing after a loose dog makes him run more because he thinks it's a game.

-If a dog won't come to you, ignore hi. If you do that, he is more likely to come.

-Casper (neighbor's dog) likes to play fetch with tennis balls (and be rewarded with doggie treats).

-If you lose something in the snow, ALWAYS retrace your steps by looking for your footprints. I lost one of my 'Yaktrak' (spiky shoe brace to prevent slipping in ice) when I was chasing after the loose dog. I found it only after playing detective following my own footprints.

-Show the dog who's boss.

-If a dog refuses to come inside, get his leash and go for a very short walk before taking him home again.

- When carrying the reluctant dog back indoor, always deposit him in the middle of the room and far away from the open door.

-Never pull on a dog's leash when his head is facing you. The leash is likely to come off and he'll escape.

-Sitting on snow while holding down a very squirmish dog in somebody's yard under a bush is NOT comfy.

-ALWAYS check before you step in a house where a dog has been left alone for a long time (they may have left you a present on the floor).

-If it is a small dog, pick him up when he refuses to move.

-Beware! Dogs like to lick toes.

-Beware! Dogs like scarves.