BocaDog Blog

Allow me to introduce myself.
I’m Itzy Bitz, a Chihuaoodle from Chicago,
and here’s the scooper.

Here's the Scooper from Chicago…

I got to go back home for a few days last week and I must say, the city of Chicago never looked lovelier and was full of excitement. My owner, Tamara and I went there on business. We stayed at the Hotel Superb, which was amazing. The weather was a perfect 73 degrees and life was to die for, pardon my oxymoron expression. I was the quintessential coddled creature. And even the blaring sun when we got to O’Hare wasn’t an issue since Tamara remembered my doggles.  She’s always prepared.

As soon as we got to the hotel suite, Tamara set up her laptop and began her work while I pointed my snout onward and began my job as well.  Some very interesting scents were coming from all directions. And since this nose knows all, I was excited to learn that Toj Duja, the famous Pekinese stylist, had been there. And by the way, I once waited 6 months to get in with him and it was well worth the wait.  When I asked him for a new look…a short crop, he gave me his signature wave and said, “Darling, these curls are made to order. With a gorgeous mane like this, never crop. We trim to style. Just leave it to me.” I did. He’s AMAZING!” The girls at the water fountain gushed about it, except for Tiffany who turned green…not her best colour, but she seems to wear it often enough. You didn’t hear that from me. And here’s another tidbit you didn’t hear from me either. I understand she’s been dating Mercury Kreed, the famous boxer. We’ll I’ve got BIG NEWS about that too. But before I spill that, let me first tell you this…the other celb scents I found at the Hotel Superb were Rancho Rosco, the famous rodeo hound and Tella Kaneedee, the renowned psychic who is able to serve his owner by detecting a diabetic seizure before it happens. It’s all about the scent, of course. We’ll call it a 6th scent for those who walk on two legs and like to think of it as telepathic.  I guess psychics have become all the rage in their world.  Shhhhh, we’ll just let them have their moment.

And now for the BIG STUFF!  There we were having dinner outside at The Green Frog, which by the way has the most sublime entrées, when guess who strolled past us. It was Mercury Kreed, with his owner, that actor from the TV show, Mounting in the Metropolis. Tamara nearly fell over star struck from seeing this vision of what she considered two-legged perfection. I guess he wasn’t bad. Give him taller ears, two more legs and and a long tail and then… you've got male!

But Tamara’s actor crush wasn’t the news flash I’m keyed up about. You see it so happens that the dog-ess whom Mercury Kreed was with that evening ended up being the REAL dish! Did I mention that it wasn’t Tiffany, (looks like green will remain her colour this Fall. We’ll just call it her year’s NEW BLACK). Anyhoo, walking beside Mercury, and I mean right beside him, was the one and only, Dedra Donnell, the famous female Boxer Champion and Supermodel. And there were no acquaintance sightings here. These two were wound tighter than a pretzel and about ready for their own private kennel. Aside from that, I must say that Dedra looked absolutely FABULOUS!!! I think she’s so much more beautiful in person—perfect markings—the whole nine yards or should I say rounds…And did I mention that she was just as sweet as can be. I asked her for a quick interview. She was very gracious and said that she only had time to answer one question since they were on their way to a special vintage viewing of Wonderdog. She also said that she would be happy to give BocaDog a full interview at a later date. Well I was online quicker than you can say Bow and Wow!! I got her publicist who got her manager and alas she will be doing a full interview with moiré this coming Fall.  I’ve been doing the “happy-dog dance” ever since, while getting my question list together and checking it twice. And…at a limit of one question that night, I simply could not wait to ask how long she and Mercury Kreed had been together. She got all ticklish and said 4 months and added that they were expecting puppies in this Spring. DID I TELL YOU THIS WAS BIG!!! Can’t wait til the Fall!

Lesson for the month…Venturing out is hard when comfort presides. Follow the path that leads you. Move forward no matter how scary it may seem. You’ll grow and the possibilities will excite and fulfill you…a lesson learned from a friend.

Signing off til next time…IB

Itzy Bitz is the canine creation of Adrien Balzano. Find out more about the author and her latest book Red Hook at www.adrienbalzano.com.

www.bocadogmagazine.com

TIPS for Traveling with Your Dog, by Jackie Powell

1.        Visit your vet before you leave for vacation to make sure that your dog is up to date on his vaccinations. Discuss with your vet where you are headed and ask if there are any diseases or parasites that your dog should be protected against. Ask if your dog will need an additional immunization like Bordatella for kennel cough. Before you leave the vet’s office obtain a health certificate with proof of rabies to carry with you while you travel. This can save your pet’s life if he inadvertently bites someone and you need immediate proof of rabies vaccination.

2.    Make sure that your dog wears a collar with identification at all times. A dog in an unfamiliar place will not be able to find his way home. The identification should have your cell phone number and not your home number since you will want to be notified as soon as possible. If your dog is micro-chipped be sure to update the chip company with your cell phone number.

3.    Groom your dog the day before you leave. This will help to decrease shedding while you travel and make your dog a more welcome guest. Be sure to include nail trimming and ear cleaning. Trimmed nails help prevent snags in carpets, bedding and upholstery and clean ears reduce the chances of parasites.

4.    Bring your dog’s crate and have an identification tag attached to the crate. Many hotels require that a dog be crated if left alone in the hotel room. The crate is your dogs “home away from home” and he should be comfortable with it before you travel. The crate can be used while traveling in the car or van to secure your dog in case of an accident. Identification on the crate can alert someone such as “In case of emergency contact….” 

5.    Bring plenty of water from home for your dog to drink. Just like people your dog can get an upset stomach from drinking water he is not used to drinking. You can fill plastic jugs and bring water with you.

6.    Pack for your dog. A dogs travel list should include:
•    your dog’s crate
•    a supply of food and water
•    treats
•    food dishes
•    spare collar with identification and a leash
•    comb and brush
•    dog shampoo
•    favorite toys
•    plastic or poop bags for potty breaks
•    baby wipes (unscented) for clean ups

7.    Bring an old sheet to use to cover the bed at the hotel or at a friend’s house. This will protect against dog hair and paw prints on the linens and furniture. The sheet can also be used as a cover for the crate to give your dog some quiet time.

8.    Always use a leash whenever possible. Most places have leash laws requiring that your dog be kept on a leash at all times. Keeping your dog on a leash will prevent him from running away if startled or from dashing out of the door and getting lost while investigating a new place.

9.    Practice good travel manners. Your dog should sit nicely for petting and walk quietly on a leash. Do not allow your dog to jump on people while greeting them or to bark excessively and disturb the neighbors.

10.    Try to keep your dog’s schedule. Feed your dog at his usual feeding time. Often when traveling we have a busy schedule and eat at unusual times. Your dog will still be hungry at his regular dinner time and his stomach will be growling for food.

11.    Remember to show your dog where the “bathroom” is when you arrive at a new destination. Your dog will not know the appropriate place to potty while traveling and any spot will look good to him. Always pick up after your pet is finished.

12.    When traveling by car:
•    Secure your dog with his own doggy seatbelt or use a secured crate.
•    Do not drive with the dog sitting on your lap or loose in the car. This is a safety hazard to the driver, the dog and any potential rescue worker if there is an accident.
•    Don’t drive with your dog’s head out the window even if he likes it. Your dog could get something caught in his eyes, ears or mouth.
•    Dogs should not ride in the front seats of a vehicle. Front airbags can seriously injure or kill a dog.
•    Use a window shade for the back seat windows. Shades are available in automotive stores and departments. The shades have suction cups to attach to the windows. This will help to keep your dog comfortable while traveling.
•    Never leave your dog in the car alone during the day, even in the shade with the windows cracked. The shade changes with the sun’s movement and the air temperature in a car rises very fast. In a very short time your dog can suffer heatstroke and even die from the heat.

13.    During your journey to and from a location stop every few hours to walk your dog and stretch his legs. Sometimes the stress of a long car ride will make your dog need to go potty more often than usual.

14.    Plan ahead where your dog will stay. Not all hotels accept pets and the ones that do often have a limited amount of rooms available for pets.

15.    Plan an itinerary that includes your dog. Look for dog friendly sidewalk cafes, parks, beaches and dog parks. Your canine friend wants to enjoy the exciting new places with you.

16.    Take time to play with your dog and both of you will enjoy your traveling adventure.

For more on traveling with your dog, read the June/July issue of BocaDog Magazine online at www.bocadogmagazine.com

Jackie Powell is a volunteer trainer with Doberman Rescue in Fort Lauderdale, FL