This is my sweet, but very naughty, Miss Zsa Zsa, our fourth English Jack Russell terrier. They are “terrors,” but adorable! Photo credit: Gabriella Narus
“Dogs laugh, but they laugh with their tails.”
Max Eastman, American Author
As long as I can remember, four-legged furry animals have always made my heart go ‘pitter-patter’ with happiness. I have been fortunate to have always had a dog (and a few cats too). I brought home all kinds of “random treasures” as a child, much to the shock of my unsuspecting parents. I cannot imagine life without animals!
But, not everyone loves dogs, so here are a few etiquette reminders.
This sweet illustration with a Jack Russell captured my heart as a child… and still does!
If your dog is going to be a houseguest, consider these courtesies:
~Inquire where the animal should stay in the house before arriving. Either bring a kennel cage, or a baby-gate, as needed to mind your pet.
~It is rawwwther presumptuous to ask if your pet can sleep in the bed with you, as the host/hostess may not want pet hair or dander in their guest room or on their beautiful linens.
~Along with the food you pack for your dog or cat, bring along bowls for their food and water. Don’t expect to use their pretty porcelain.
~Bring a lead to walk your dog and pick up after them… and if a “mistake” happens in the house, clean it up the best you can. It is thoughtful to admit this mistake to the owner of the house and offer to pay for a professional to clean the spot on the carpet.
“A house is not a home until it has a dog.”
Gerald Durrell
“Oops, the flower vase fell over… curious Jack Russells!
For guests visiting your house: Ask them two questions, either at the door, or preferably in advance of their arrival:
- “Are you allergic to dogs (or cats)?”
- “Are you afraid of dogs?”
Their answer will alert you immediately so that you may place your pet in another room while your guests are visiting. We will keep Zsa Zsa in her “penthouse” until our guests leave… unless they request to see her!
“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role models for being alive.”
Gilda Radner Comedienne
Jack Russells tend to be “jumping-jacks,” especially as puppies, and cannot control their excitement when greeting someone new! Remember, it can be quite disconcerting for any guest to have a dog lick, jump, or shed on their clothes, especially on a black dress, stockings, or dark suit.
“If you want a friend in Washington, D.C, get a dog.”
Former President Harry S. Truman
Instill in your children, at a young age, to always ask first, “May I pet your dog?” before touching someone else’s dog.
Do not assume that other people want your dog to sniff their dog! Keep your dog close to you while walking them. While my dog loves people and children, she is not friendly with other dogs and it’s very disconcerting when others allow their dog to come running over to her!
Grandmillennial Tips:
If your dog is allowed on your furniture, consider purchasing a few extra yards of the same fabric when you are having a piece upholstered or slipcovered. With the extra yardage, have a throw-blanket made. When you place the throw on the furniture, it will “disappear” visually and can quickly be dry cleaned as needed, saving the actual upholstery fabric undue wear, and… pet fragrance! It can even be quilted or have a decorative trim applied.
If your petite dog is allowed to hop on your sofa or sleep on your bed but requires a leg-up, consider buying a small, decorative antique footstool to place next to it, versus mundane generic dog steps!
“If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them.”
Author Phil Pastoret
Xx
Holly
PS: If you have dog-loving friends, please forward this to them, and hopefully, they will be inspired to subscribe too!
