Grandma Loretta Poured a Tall Glass of Lemonade. Cotton Had Questions About It.
It's a warm afternoon, and the porch is the coolest spot around. Grandma Loretta sits in the shade in her green cardigan and blue checked shirt, sipping a tall glass of iced lemonade through a straw, a lemon slice floating among the ice cubes. Cotton has pressed right up beside her, his fluffy white face tilted toward the glass, nose almost touching the rim as he investigates the strange, tangy smell. Loretta's eyes are lowered toward him with a fond little smile. Potted plants line the porch railing, and the green yard glows in the sun beyond the steps.
Hot days call for extra care with dogs. Shade and plenty of fresh, cool water are essential, and many owners keep a water bowl on the porch so their dog can drink whenever they want. Lemonade isn't a good choice for pets, as citrus can upset a dog's stomach and the sugar isn't good for them. Signs of overheating in dogs can include heavy panting, drooling, weakness or bright red gums, and they warrant moving the dog somewhere cool and calling a vet promptly. Bichons have a thick coat, and some owners keep it trimmed shorter in summer, but never shave a dog down to the skin without asking a groomer or vet first.
Cotton will stick to his water bowl, but he's happy to keep Loretta company in the shade. On a slow summer afternoon, a cool porch and a good friend are all anyone needs.
