Lemonade on the Shady Porch Was Perfect. Rufus Made Sure He Was in the Picture.
Two tall glasses of lemonade, each with a lemon slice perched on the rim, are the stars of a lazy summer afternoon. Grandpa in a blue plaid shirt and shorts takes a slow sip, and Grandma in a flowered blouse grins over the top of her glass. They sit on a weathered wooden bench in the porch shade, the front door open behind them. Rufus has planted himself right up front, tongue out in a cheerful pant, ears drooping past his jaw. A pair of gardening gloves, a canvas bag and a blue thermos lie scattered on the porch boards from an earlier chore.
Panting is one of the main ways dogs cool themselves, since they do not sweat the way people do. On warm days, shady spots, fresh water and rest breaks are essential, and heavy-bodied or short-legged breeds may tire faster in the heat. Signs of overheating can include very heavy panting, drooling, weakness or stumbling, and that calls for moving the dog somewhere cool and contacting your vet promptly. As for the lemonade, citrus and sugary drinks are best kept for the humans. A bowl of cool water, maybe with a few ice cubes, is the right refreshment for the dog.
For now, the porch is cool, the drinks are cold and nobody has anywhere to be. Rufus is perfectly happy to keep everyone company until the sun dips behind the trees.
