How to smooth a dog’s path, no matter where they are in life

By Strider the Dog

Hi Strider,

This afternoon I went to Safeway for a couple of things. I mistakenly left my phone in the car, and it showed the thermometer. It was overheated and wouldn’t work.

As I was leaving a dog was in a car barking like crazy while his owner went into the store. A window was partially rolled down but I think it might be helpful if you sent a reminder that really, leaving a dog in the car, when it’s in the 80s (or higher) in Ashland, could result in your best buddy passing on.

Thanks!

— Linda S.

Dear Linda,

Thanks so much for this. Yep, it’s getting hot out there, folks, and we dogs can’t take much heat without keeling over. We’re covered with fur, and there’s only so much panting we can do. Please, please, please don’t leave us in cars in full sun, even if the temperature outside seems fine. That sun heats a metal box up fast. Also, carrying water whenever your dog is in the car is a great idea. We need it even more than you guys do!

Remember, we dogs depend on you guys to keep us safe.

Linda, thanks so much for being concerned about the dog barking in the hot car. We dogs love people like you.

Seriously.

Dear Strider,

This is an awfully sad question to ask you, but maybe you can help my thinking here.

My dog is at the end of his life. He’s almost 16, which is about four years older than is normal for his breed. He’s mostly deaf, and a little blind.

He still enjoys his food, and his walks. My question is: when he doesn’t enjoy life  anymore, and it’s time to help him over the rainbow bridge, what’s the best way to do that?

Thanks in advance.

— Sad Doglover

Dear Sad,

This is a great question. Thank you.

I’m so sorry you and your dog have to part. When you do, if it’s at all possible, the best way for your dog is to have you near. Death is always so scary. It’s less scary when you’re with your loved ones.

That’s an easier death than most. And the one dogs hope for.

So the main thing I want to say, other than that I love you for planning and worrying and thinking about what is best for your dog, is that, if you can, you should be with him — whether you have to take him to the vet to get a shot when he’s suffering too much, or when you get a vet to come to your house. Or even if your dog tells you he wants to move on to the next world, when he stops eating and wanting a walk, and he dies at home, with only you and any other loved ones beside him.

That’s best of all. I think all dogs feel that.

Let me know how you both get on.

Good luck. And good travels to your dog.

Got something to share? Something nagging at you? Some worry? Let our advice columnist, Strider the Dog, share the load. Just email [email protected].