Summer Fun

by Sharon Arkoff

Here are some activities that keep a Kerry from gettting bored in hot weather when they're not willing/it's not advisable to go for walks

Baseball/soccer Games

Watching school sports games from the comfort of a shady spot is a big favorite. Bits can lie comfortably on the grass, getting petted by innumerable strangers, and enjoy the stimulation of balls and humans zipping around at high speed, without actually having to zip herself. Be prepared to clean up after your dog, lest you otherwise be
lynched by rabid parents (who conveniently will have missed the fact that their little Susie just left three half-empty water bottles, the wrappings from her lunch, and one sock lying on the side of the field).

The car wash

Very exciting. We go through several times, due to someone's (not mine) ability to suck up to the attendants. Bits barks happily as the big circulating brushes descend on the car, and is very interested in the drops of water being pulled across the windows by the drying machines. She knows the car wash now, and stands up and starts wuffing in anticipation as soon as we pull in. She also seems to think that she has had a bath, and usually shakes herself "dry" a few times and towels her face on the car seat (now, now. She is very intelligent about other things).

Trips to Pet Superstores

These are usually air-conditioned and have long aisles suitable for throwing toys. I have seen other owners "bowling" objects down the aisles while their dogs take off in pursuit (you are expected to buy the object in question). If you are going "bowling," it is best to do this during off-peak hours. Bits, however, is perfectly happy to explore the "bar" of treats, all of which are at pet level. She rarely takes anything out of the bin, but enjoys carefully sniffing each bin, adn then rejecting anything healthy.

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