DENVER -- April 22, 2009

Ah, Spring!

New smells, birds in the back yard, flowers popping up, sticks to chew, lots of mud to track into the house....really, there's nothing I don't love about spring.

Marianne, on the other paw, has been grumbling quite a lot about the mud resulting from all the recent snow melt. For some peculiar reason she thinks mud should stay outside. In fact, she's so annoyed about cleaning off 12 paws after Meryl, Mina and I have had a good romp outside that she has threatened to pave the yard.

"Now, hold on!" we protested. "There must be something else you can do. We love our yard!"

"Yes, well, you love it a bit too much!" Marianne retorted. "You've run paths around the edges and torn up the grass so there are big patches of dirt that turn into mud pits when it snows or rains. I think Meryl is even digging holes!"

Meryl blushed and tiptoed guiltily out of the room.

"Can't you find a way to fix up the yard so we can still play in it?" I asked. "We can live without the mud as long as we can still run around like cracker dogs."

Marianne looked thoughtful. "You know, there are some companies that specialize in pet-friendly landscaping. I think I'll call one of them and set up an appointment to discuss our options."

While she was doing that, I checked my e-mail. Coincidentally, Dr. Vicksman wrote to tell me that he's talking about this very subject this Saturday on our early morning newscast! Here are some tips he provided [with my comments in brackets]:

**If your yard is fenced, take the time to look over the fences. Look for loose boards, exposed nails, broken chain links, or any gaps that may allow a dog to escape. [Make sure the gate has a secure latch that won't come undone, even in a storm. I hate to admit it, but dogs are adventurers at heart and take advantage of any opportunity to go exploring.]

**Any dog-friendly yard should have areas of shade to help your canine friend stay cool during the summer heat. [And lots of fresh water. But really, Fido would rather be in the nice cool house with you.]

**When considering plants for the landscaping, avoid potential poisonous plants and trees. Some of the more common plants include azaleas, lilies, morning glories, daffodils and tulips. A complete list of poisonous plants can be found here. This site also lists non-toxic plants that can be used in your landscaping. [OK, now I understand why Marianne won't let me nibble on the tulips in the front yard.]

**Although poison ivy is not typically a problem for our pets, it is best to keep your yard free of this plant. The ivy’s oils can transfer to us from our pet’s fur.

**Since your dogs are naturally curious [WHO, US?], keep all lawn and garden products behind a secure door. Many of these products could be potentially poisonous or even fatal to your pets. [Especially Labradors, because we truly believe everything is food. Really.]

**Home owners with dogs should avoid the use of cocoa mulch in their landscaping efforts. Although people enjoy the color and smell, our dogs do too, and that could be a potential problem. Cocoa mulch contains high levels of caffeine and theobromine which can cause toxicity and severe effects in our dogs. [YUM -- mulch....]

**Keep your yard free of weeds like foxtails. The seeds can easily penetrate a dog's skin or get caught in an ear, nostril or between the dog's toes. They are very difficult to remove because they are barbed like fishhooks. [OW OW OW -- please promise me that you'll call your vet right away if Fido has a run-in with foxtails!]

**Finally, avoid the use of stainless steel garden edging. This product has a sharp edge that can easily cut a dog's paw or his face. [OUCH!!]

Be sure to watch our Saturday morning news around 7:30 to see what else Dr. Vicksman has to say. Maybe he'll mention me.

Chow for now!

Ross

Questions or comments for Ross? Send him an e-mail!

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence or perhaps be a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to CCI for details.