Emmy, dog about town, writes: These really are the dog days

A big smile from Emmy Elfin, our canine affairs contributor.

by Emmy Elfin

The summer always starts badly for me with the Memorial Day weekend and Rolling Thunder. I cannot bear the noise of motorcycles and have to stay away from Connecticut Avenue when platoons of cyclists ride by. If there are any dogs who like the racket they make, I haven’t met them.

Then comes the Fourth of July and the sounds of firecrackers which terrify me and compel me to take refuge indoors. As if that weren’t enough of a problem, lightning and thunderstorms continue through July and I am forced to wear a thunder jacket which compresses my ribs and is supposed to calm me. However, it doesn’t work that well and isn’t comfortable. I suffer it only to appease my human companion.

The other day I was reveling in my grassage on a Forest Hills lawn and thinking about the cold winter I prefer. Although rolling on my back on the grass is enjoyable, it can’t substitute for a snow massage.

Emmy taking her grassage.

These days when it’s very hot I have shortened my walks. As a result I see less of the neighborhood. The mornings are okay with the usual canine companions and their friends, but by lunchtime, it’s shutdown time for most dogs. This explains a huge decline in canine social life.

I had my summer cut a few weeks ago and received many compliments which pleased me. Many asked me who my hairdresser was and were surprised to learn it was no French salon, but a kennel in an industrial district of Silver Spring. So much for snobbery. Now my hair is growing back and it’s not even August.

Although we have a pool, I prefer not to swim. I’m not worried about my hair so much as the exposure to chlorine. It doesn’t smell good.

My biggest complaint these day is that I am not allowed to do errands. That is a shame because my favorite activity is riding in the car. Yet apparently, waiting in the car would be dangerous for me in hot weather. There are a few stores and banks where dogs are welcome. I hesitate to mention Strosnider’s or my bank because every dog in the area would soon be shopping for screws and lightbulbs and kitchen supplies or entering a bank to make deposits and withdrawals while staying cool.

Perhaps I’m getting old and grumpy. I’ve certainly noticed that happening with my human friend. I’ll know for sure when the leaves start to change if that’s the reason this summer has lost its charm.