Aunt Mary's Doghouse

It's A Dog's Life - Ask Milo

By Mary Cody

Bonding With Your Pal

Not long ago there was a wave of hug therapy sweeping the nation. People everywhere were reaching out to each other, making meaningful contact to get that warm fuzzy feeling exchanged in an embrace. Even the telephone company jumped in with the feel good slogan reach out and touch someone.

Dogs have always known the value of both touch and companionship. I'm sure most of us have experienced the pleasant surprise of a cold wet nose nuzzling our hand, quietly asking for a little reassuring pat on the head.

These days the hug and touch have evolved into a broader concept referred to as bonding. In simple terms bonding means sharing meaningful time in the company of another, enjoying whatever activity you are engaged in.

Dogs are great partners for bonding activities and Montclair is a great town to share with your pooch. For instance:

In Upper Montclair there's a do-it-yourself dog wash called Pup 'N Suds located at 195 Bellevue Avenue. Inside you'll find a small selection of pet supplies and several professional groomers doting on canine clientele.

You and your pooch will be escorted to a large stainless steel bathing tub designed to accommodate any sized dog. The advantage to you is the humane height of the tub. Unlike the tub at home you don't have to get in the tub or get a backache bending over it. Also you'll be face to face with your adoring companion. The owners, Dilys and Bill, are on hand to supply you with instructions, an apron and all the equipment you'll need to bath your pooch. Your friend will love the rub-ah-dub-dub attention and you'll have a sparkling clean companion you'll take pride in hugging.

Next, you can cross the street from Pup 'N Suds to the Service Center garage on the other side. The owner Richie loves dogs and always has a biscuit on hand for any pooch that drops by. You can bet Milo drops by frequently.

If it's Wednesday you can stop at Carvel and take advantage of their two-for-one sundae offer. We all know a steady diet of sweets is not good for a dog but an occasional treat makes life memorable and worth living for anyone. Milo prefers his sundae with fat free, sugar free vanilla soft serve and just a hint of butterscotch topping.

Go shopping together. There are a number of pet stores in the area that are pet friendly meaning they welcome you and your dog inside the store to shop. Jay-Tees is one of them located on Glenridge Avenue or NJ Pets on Pompton Avenue. Women have long known the bonding value of shopping with a friend!

Montclair is a cornucopia of parks to walk or jog in. A lap around Anderson Park or Edgemont benefits both you and your partner. For friendly dogs (and people) you can join the weekend doggie playtime fun in Brookdale Park. You and your pal are sure to bond with new friends. For a hearty outing try Mills Reservation near Montclair University.

Or how about just staying home together and baking your pal some special treats. Here's a simple Doggie Treats recipe found in Good Housekeeping.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup dry quick cooking oats
1/4 cup honey crunch wheat germ
1/4 cup chunky or smooth peanut butter
1/4 cut salad oil
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon baking powder

In large bowl, with mixer at low speed, mix 1 cup four with remaining ingredients and 1/2 cup water until well blended. With spoon, stir in remaining 1/2 cup flour.

Preheat oven to 350 F. With floured hands, on well-floured surface, knead dough until dough holds together. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick. Cut out with your favorite shaped cookie cutter. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 20 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave cookies inside oven for one hour. Transfer to wire rack. When cool store in airtight container.

How do I bond with Milo? I hug, kiss, admire and praise him often. He joins me for coffee every morning on the sofa when the house is still asleep. We go for a drive. We run errands in town and visit his friends. I cook his favorite treats for him and he keeps me company in the kitchen. In winter we sit in front of the fireplace listening to music, watching movies and reading. In warm months we garden together and after dinner we just sit on the porch and people watch, taking in the sounds and scents of the approaching dusk.

In the book 277 Secrets Your Dog Wants You to Know I found a nifty age table used to determine how old your dog is in human years. Surprisingly it wasn't the straight 7 years for each human year I'd been told.

When a dog is 3 months old, he's 5 people years; 6 months = 10 years; 1 year = 15 years; 2 years = 24; 3 years = 28; 4 years = 32; 5 years = 36; 6 years = 40; 7 years = 44; 8 years = 48; 9 years = 52; 10 years = 56; 12 years = 64; 14 years = 72; 16 years = 81; 18 years = 91; 20 years = 101 years.

If you think life is short think again from a dog's point of view. That walk around the block we often aren't up for is valuable to your pooch. You don't need to plan your entire life around your dog but he does deserve his 15 minutes of fame daily just to bask in the spotlight of your love and affection.

So put on your coat and mittens, grab a leash and renew your bond often with your pooch. And while you are out and about keep an eye out for Milo because it's time for him to take a stroll around his town, Montclair.

Questions? E-mail them to: askmilo2000@yahoo.com.

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