by Wendy Hunter

Woods are filled with the music of birds, and all nature is laughing under the glorious influence of Summer. ~Charles Lanman

She’s baaack … and she’s mad. That’s right, summer has arrived with her usual flaming fury, storming through the valley with her hair on fire. She’s big, she’s bad, and she’s a beast. She’ll eat you up and spit you to the ground without even breaking a sweat. And that’s on an 85-degree day. Once she starts throwing out the triple digit heat, you might as well stay home. You know it’s hot when it’s even too hot to go swimming. Swamp water anyone? I’m dog sitting for my sister this weekend, and I haven’t even dipped a toe in their pool once, because the patio cement is like the surface of the sun. Sizzle! But summer always brings back fond memories of childhood, like family vacations, riding bikes, and staying out until the streetlights came on. At twilight, we held heated foot races down our street, where neighborhood kids pursued each other in friendly competition. And that might not seem like a big deal, but we did that BAREFOOT, when the blazing blacktop had just barely begun to cool. Um, yeah, we weren’t very bright. That would definitely explain why my big feet have always been a little rough. Okay, very rough. All right already, my soles are like sandpaper!

Soon we will reach for the calendar and tear off June, and July the Fourth will face us once again. ~Charles F. Raymond

As the temperatures start to climb, the warmer weather affects not only us humans, but our furry friends as well. Keeping dogs safe during the summer months isn’t rocket science, but mostly common sense. I always say, put yourself in their shoes, or rather their paws. Would you enjoy strolling down the sidewalk without sneakers, at 4:00 in the afternoon in 97-degree weather? Your poor little tootsies would be on fire. If you and Snickers need some exercise, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the evening. How about a nice walk to your local bagel joint, or a little jaunt after dinner for a Puppuccino? All dogs are very susceptible to heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition when the body temperature rises to dangerously high levels. Symptoms can include excessive panting, bright red or pale gums, fast heart rate, dehydration, and an elevated temperature of 104 degrees. Other detailed symptoms are vomiting/diarrhea, disorientation, weakness, seizures, and even death. Steps to prevent heatstroke in your pet are easy peasy, like making sure they have shade and plenty of water, and never, ever leave your dog in a hot vehicle. Even with the windows cracked, your car can become a metal volcano in a very short time. Snickers would much rather be at home with the A/C blowing, and a big bowl of ice water. Slurp!

Against a dark sky all flowers look like fireworks. There is something strange about them, at once vivid and secret, like flowers traced in fire in the phantasmal garden of a witch. ~G.K. Chesterton

Pretty soon, the 4th of July will be at our doorstep. Lots of tasty treats will be consumed like burgers, sweet corn, and potato salad. Flags will fly, and people will gather in the evening to watch popping gems of fireworks. Unfortunately, this can be a terrifying day for pets. My old roommate’s Husky used to hide in the bedroom closet, and huddle like a big ball of panting fur. It’s common for dogs to jump fences, dig holes, and generally lose their minds. The smells, flashes, and loud booms, all contribute to their frantic behavior. If Fido’s afraid of thunderstorms, he’ll probably hate fireworks. It’s no shock that July 4th is when the highest number of dogs run away. There are several ways you can help calm your dog’s anxiety. Make a safe place for them, like a crate with favorite toys. Playing white noise is helpful, as well as using dog-friendly headphones. Next, keep your dog indoors; you don’t want Fido tunneling under the fence. Please make sure your pet is microchipped and has an I.D. tag. Both are inexpensive, and will make it a lot easier to find your escape artist. You can also check with your vet about medications, which can help with anxiety. No-brainer tip: Don’t take your dog to a fireworks show. He’d be much happier and safer at home with you. Fido says, “What’s on Netflix?”

Two-legged creatures we are supposed to love as well as we love ourselves. The four-legged, also, can come to seem pretty important. But six legs are too many from the human standpoint. ~Joseph Wood Krutch

As Monty Python would say, “and now for something completely different.” This has nothing to do with fireworks or fiery heat, but it does have to do with spiders, snakes, scorpions, and other slimy creatures. On June 7 and 8, ARF will once again be participating in the Central Valley Reptile & Pet Expo at the Fresno Fairgrounds. Are you fond of reptiles, web-building critters, or anything with a forked tongue? Then this is the show for you. If you’re not, this is the place to face your fears. Come out and drape a 30-foot python around your neck. No? Well, how about a color-changing chameleon to perch on your shoulder? They’re calm and funny, and those wackadoodle eyeballs are crazy. No? Well, how about swinging by ARF to check out some fuzzy friends instead? Maybe some dog paws around your neck would be better than a snake? If Poodles are your thing, let me introduce you to Bruno, who’s a sweet 5- to 6-month-old cutie pie. C’mon, look at that adorable face! Oh, and if you’re into a squishy face, check out Bailey, a Frenchie and Boston Terrier mix. Too cute for words. Bailey is about 3 years old, and is considered very friendly. I would slip her into my pocket, but my Cocoa dog would not appreciate it. She would look at me like, “um, what the ding dang?”

In any event, come on out to the show and say howdy. We get a lot of people who come out and show us pictures of the dogs they’ve adopted from ARF. We love that! Hope to see you there.

Her heart sang all the way because she was going home to a joyous house… a house where everyone who crossed its threshold knew it was a home… ~L. M. Montgomery

And as I wrap up this babbly article, here’s a little something to pull at your heart strings. At ARF, we love it when adopters send pictures of their dogs, and all their travels. Or even just their times rolling in the backyard grass, or snoozing by the fire. Dogs on the road have the best life ever, and we love that their parents document them on the beach, camping, or wandering from town to town. Perfect example: Laverne’s mom recently brought her into ARF to celebrate her first birthday. Hooray! She also brought plenty of treats for the hard-working volunteers, to show her appreciation for what we do. Thanks Laverne’s mom!

Also, we want to thank the family of Ellie Mae and Edith Ann (aka Sprite and Fanta) for sending us some adorable photos of all the fun they are having since being adopted during COVID. Good job kids, and we wish you many more years of fun!

And if you want to see another ARF dog living the good life, check out Walter at the Grand Canyon. Our dogs go on to travel, and enjoy the possibilities of experiencing American life. They go from bad situations, to seeing the world in a camper, RV, truck, or just a tent pitched under the mountains. They enjoy life as they always thought it could be, with a family who loves them, and they adore and trust them in return. ARF dogs; living the dream.

…the drowsy hum of crickets and other sleepy sounds of the summer day… ~Gerald Raftery

Central Valley Reptile & Pet Expo: hcentralvalleyreptileexpo.com/expo-dates.html

Animal Rescue of Fresno
4545 E Dakota Ave.
Fresno, CA 93726
Website: arf-fresno.com

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section and check back every month for another animal rescue adventure from ARF. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to a local animal rescue. We also have a pet Facebook group for KRL and we would love to have you join!

Wendy Hunter has been volunteering with ARF since 2014. She grew up in Fresno and has been an Office Assistant with Fresno County for 7 years. She has been writing all of her life, though never professionally, and currently writes personalized poetry for birthdays, weddings, pet remembrances, etc.