One thing I have come to realize is the effectiveness of a strong “No.” It is useful in so many different situations. From “No, leave that alone” to “No, stop barking at that squirrel,” the word “No” seems to work like a charm.

One example happened a couple days ago when I was walking Tigra, a German Shepherd who loves Frisbee but does not like other dogs. Just like when we are walking any of our pups, I was on high alert to stay clear of people and dogs. We were a couple steps away from returning to the house when, from the corner of my eye, I saw a dog run out of one of the houses we had just walked past. Tigra didn’t notice so I picked up the pace to get back to the house quicker. The dog saw us and started running towards us. At this point Tigra saw the dog and started to get upset. We were a couple steps away from the door when the dog ran around the corner of the house. I turned around, looked the dog in the eye and gave a stern “No.” The dog immediately turned around and ran the other way. It wanted to play but quickly realized Tigra wasn’t all for fun and games.  I was so happy the pup got my message loud and clear!

Mr. DaVinci

About two months ago I met a 10 year old Boxer named DaVinci. His mom needed help caring for him as she was working 7 days a week and her husband was in the hospital. She told me at the Meet and Greet that ever since her husband went into the hospital, DaVinci was just not acting like himself. He was sad…clearly missing his papa. You see, DaVinci and his dad were best buddies. They would hang out together watching TV or out in the garage as DaVinci’s dad was too sick to work. They gave each other great comfort.

For the next couple of weekends we fed and walked DaVinci. I had the pleasure of visiting him one beautiful Sunday afternoon. I fed him first and he was so excited for his food, he ate it all under a minute’s time. We then took a walk along a street where the other side is a forest preserve. He would walk some steps ahead of me on his retractable leash, stop and look at the forest, hearing noises and wondering what they were. Then when I caught up to him, he would do a hop and run up ahead again, stop and either look back at me or into the forest. He was super sweet and seemed so happy to be out on his walk!

About two weeks ago I received a call from DaVinci’s mom that she would not need our help anymore. DaVinici had passed away that Tuesday night. It was hard to hold back the tears as she told me he suffered a seizure and continued to experience two more seizures at the vet. About two weeks later, I stopped over at her house to return the keys and that is when she told me DaVinci’s dad had past away that following Friday. They were buried together as DaVinci was cremated and the beautiful urn with his ashes was placed in his father’s casket.

They are now together forever in heaven’s garage enjoying endless sunny days and blue skies.

Are you looking for fun things to do in the Western Suburbs with your pet this summer? Well look no further because here is your summer guide to wagging tails and wet noses!

We had a great time at the 1^st annual Paws on the Path event in Villa Park on May 21st. In addition to a relaxing walk down the Prairie Path, there was a best pet tricks and cutest costume contest.

If you missed the Spring Road Pet Parade in Elmhurst, you have another chance at pet parade fun on June 4^th.  Come check out the 65^th annual LaGrange Pet Parade in downtown LaGrange.  Grand Marshal, Johnny Knox from the Chicago Bears will be there to lead the parade down Burlington Ave.

The day after the La Grange pet parade is the Hinsdale Humane Society’s Pet Walk fundraiser at Katherine Legge Memorial Park. Bring your pup and make sure to say hello to Out-U-Go! as we will be there to support the doggies and kitties who are waiting for their forever homes. If you can’t make it to the Hinsdale Humane Society’s fundraiser, the West Suburban Humane Society hosts their Barkapolozza event on September 25^th.

All summer long, the Egg Harbor Café in Downers Grove will be serving up meals made especially for pooches. Your pup can dine with you on the outside patio and enjoy a “Good Boy Charlie” (scrambled eggs, a dry English muffin and sausage) or maybe a “Tastes Like Chicken” (Boneless, skinless chicken atop shredded potatoes). Each meal comes with a fresh bowl of water and a tasty post meal treat!

We hope to see you out enjoying the sunshine and want to wish everyone a safe and fun summer!