I'm a canine with extremely sanitary habits. Even though my
master forces me to live on the patio, I avoid the grass at all costs. On
our daily walks, I stick to the sidewalk. Why, you may ask, do I do this?
Well, for one thing, I'm allergic to grass. It makes me break out! The other
reason is pure and simple. Ticks and fleas live in the grass, and I can't
stand the itch! Why is it that we canines must endure the infestation of such
pesky little creatures? Not only are they bothersome, they are devious and
malicious! They don't stop at a simple nip like a mosquito. They dig in and
hide in places unreachable by the canine paw, no matter how much I scratch.
It's disheartening, Sparky. What can I do?
Ticked off in Topeka
Dear Ticked,
Don't give up hope. You're not alone in the fight. In fact,
there is a documentary TV program called "The Fleas in America, a Tick in
Time Saves Mine" which airs monthly on the Canine Broadcasting Network. I'm
a faithful viewer. Did you know that ticks can't swim? This is only one bit
of information you can learn by watching. The question is, do you have access
to this program? Since you live on the patio, you are at the mercy of the
master. Hopefully, he is a sympathetic human who realizes the importance of
good health and will give you an occasional dip on the wild side.
Here are a few activities to draw attention to your situation:
Scratch like crazy. Lie on your back, roll back and forth and groan. Whenever
he calls you, don't respond; whimper and hide.
