The sun is so bright these days I can’t stop staring at it, but it hurts my eyes! I now understand why all the flies get stuck in lights! Is there any way I can look at the sun without whimpering?
– Violet, San Diego, CA
Dear Violet,
You know those big black circles that your parents wear on their faces? Well, sunglasses are used to protect their eyes from the sun’s UV rays, and also help their eyes from hurting while looking towards the sun. And great news! They make these contraptions for dogs too! They’re called Doggles, and they come in all sizes!
Dear Lucky,
I fell in my parents’ new in ground pool and tore up the lining with my paws. My parents got really mad at me and I think I cost them a lot of money. How can I make it up to them?
– Bubbles, Linden, NJ
Dear Bubbles,
I tear stuff up all the time; it’s really nothing to beat yourself up about. You’re priceless and anything your parents pay for is replaceable with money. But, for now, try not to pee on the floor or jump on their guests. They’ll get over it.
Dear Lucky,
I’m a cat that loves squirrels and I want to play with them, but they always run away when I get to the top of the tree. And to top it off, I always have trouble getting down! I’m so nervous, is there any easier way? Because, let’s face it, I don’t always land on my feet.
– Millie, Harrisonburg, VA
Dear Millie,
While I haven’t climbed many trees myself, I can imagine how scary that jump can be! If you continuously find yourself wanting to play with squirrels, you might want to convince your parents to put a ladder on the tree so you can descend safely.
Dear Lucky,
I enjoy going to the beach and swimming in the ocean on a nice summer day. However, after I go swimming, I have the taste of salt in my mouth, seaweed in my fur, and sand stuck between my paws. I’m so uncomfortable for the rest of the beautiful day! How can I stay clean while also having fun?
– Shadow, Jamaica, NY
Dear Shadow,
Getting sand everywhere is never a comfortable situation. Sometimes beaches have showers where you can rinse off. As for the taste of salt, stop drinking the ocean water! It causes dehydration, let alone all the possible bacteria caused by pollution found in some bodies of water.
Dear Lucky,
I love going for walks in this beautiful summer weather, but the pavement burns my paws! It’s so hot I find myself acting like a fool jumping all over the place, and then finally relieving myself in a nearby stream. How can I avoid these paw-ful burns?
– Ranger, Boulder, CO
Dear Ranger,
Having your paws burn is definitely not what walking on a nice day is all about. Burnt paws can be treated with moisturizing and conditioning Paw Balm. To avoid the burn all together, try a new pair of summer booties for the trip: comfortable and stylish at the same time!
Dear Lucky,
Help! I met a male canine at the park the other day that I’m crushing on. Unfortunately our leashes got tied up and we got pulled apart by our parents. When will I see him again? Will I ever get another chance?
– Rosie, Fairfield, CT
Dear Rosie,
Was it puppy love at first sight? Well, if so, try to head back to the park on the same day of the week and time that you saw him there last. Maybe his parents work on a schedule. Otherwise, keep your eyes open and don’t give up, and enjoy the weather during your search!
Dear Lucky,
The summertime heat makes me cranky and unmotivated. I find myself panting and sprawled on the kitchen tiles just to keep cool. I want to go out and play, but I feel too exhausted from the heat. How can I be more productive and less grouchy during these dog days of summer?
– Patch, Baltimore, MD
Dear Patch,
Heat can cause exhaustion, and since we dogs only sweat through our paws, it’s sometimes difficult to cool down. Panting will help you, but make sure you drink a lot of water and try running through the sprinkler or jumping in a lake for relief. Try to relax by a fan too, but beware of your tongue!
Dear Lucky,
I love the summer, but I hate when the fourth of July roles around. I’m so afraid of the fireworks, my whole body trembles and I cry like a puppy. Is there anything I can do to cure my fear?
– Curry, Stormville, NY
Dear Curry,
Being afraid is nothing to be ashamed of. When the fireworks are about to go off, distract yourself with a friendly game of Frisbee or run inside the house to a room that muffles the sound. Just remember, the fireworks won’t hurt you: the boom is louder than the bite.
Dear Lucky,
My parents have been having a lot of cookouts by our pool with tons and people! It’s so much fun, and so exciting! But, when he puts the burgers on the grill I can’t help but want to jump on and grab one. He always catches me and pushes me away. Is it really that dangerous?
Copper—Charleston, SC
Dear Copper,
Definitely restrain yourself! That grill may smell delicious, but as soon as you jump on it, everyone will smell you cooking! It is very dangerous. If you really want a taste, sit patiently underneath it and wait for something to fall, or, if, you’re lucky, for someone to give you a treat.
Dear Lucky,
This time of year, I wish I was a dog. I can’t swim, I can’t catch a Frisbee, and my parents can leave me at home to take care of myself when they go on vacation. I want to be part of everything fun that’s going on, but I can’t figure out how. Please help!
Jealous in Jersey
Dear Jealous,
It’s not uncommon to be jealous of dogs, we are the superior species. But all that aside, felines are great, too. You can join in by bringing out your ball of yarn and, if you really want to get your paws wet, try a kitty pool with just a little water that you can walk around in. As for vacation, stop looking after yourself and make them take you with them!
James Franco
Dear lucky.
I happen to love dogs, and so does my boss, She happens to love her little dog, in fact she is a maltese just like you. Lately I dont know what’s wrong with her, but she has been eating her own feces, i dont know how long this has been going on for, as I matter of fact I’m kind of new here and I noticed it, when I mentioned that to one of my co-workers I was told that they all were aware of it. The problem is that nobody dares to tell her about it. What should we do? Should we tell her and break her heart before she gets sick from all the kisses she give the little dog. Is that bad for the dog?
Thank you
Phoebe
Hello Lucky, Hello Lucky, I would like for my human to take me to the Big Dog Parade in Santa Barbara, Calif. this year, 2011. We can’t seem to find any dates for the event. Please can you send us dates & any other info? I am not “big” in size, but I think I am just wonderful. I am a mix, Jack Russell/Carien Terrier with long blond hair. I am beautiful… Phoebe from Washington State