Sorry to be absent for a while.
I’m working on writing my book.
Koko’s Shaggy Dog Tales. A dog’s life in Subiaco
It’s nearly ready to get scrutinised by our editor again. Mum and I have worked hard. We hope it is improving ready for your scrutiny in a few months time. Woofs from KoKo
|
KoKo went missing after a tradesman left the gate open.
I searched the nearby streets and lanes, then heaps of people joined in .
We could not find any sign of him anywhere.
I was traumatised, as my best mate rarely leaves my side.
If KoKo does go on an adventure from the park he always comes back rapidly to find me.
After 12 years in Subiaco he knows where his home is.
A long two hours later I discovered he’d been kidnapped and thrown into a cage.
The man wanted a reward.
Poor KoKo was so terrified he didn’t even bark even though I had walked nearby several times.
We are so happy to be back together.
Thank you to all his human mates who helped search.
Regards Helen
PLUS Woofs from a tired KoKo
It was a cold and gusty day today with a fine drizzle of mist.
Not enough to stop Mum and I sharing a walk along the foreshore.
KoKo at the Estuary
We’d enjoyed a tasty lunch with John and Alison, Anne and Helen and Mum Helen.
The best part of the lunch was that the five of us: Bro, Bonnie, Poppy and Baxter and I, of course, were allowed to sit under the table.
Luckily the humans were feeling generous. We snacked on some crumbed squid, crispy prawn tails and marina pasta!
All in all, a fun social day.
We didn’t even bark at each other.
The only naughty dog to run to another table to be some fish from an elderly couple was someone whom I won’t name!
Woofs from KoKo
by Kerry Martin at Waves and Waggy Tails:It’s hot, too hot. The dog is panting, you’re wilting, and both of you are going stir crazy indoors. The idea of clear blue sea and a cool coastal breeze suddenly pops into your mind. Well, water you waiting for? (Excuse the pun!)
A trip to the beach and a splash in the surf is just the thing for you and your pet pal. it helps to be prepared. Here are 5 steps to the ultimate beach experience for you and your canine companion.
Before leaving home, try a spot of surfing – on the web, that is. Not all beaches welcome dogs, check the rules of beach use such as whether dogs must be kept on the leash or can be let off and the hours that they are permitted.
Having found a pet-friendly beach and whilst online, search out the nearest vet clinic. The unexpected can happen in the form of cut pads or fish hook injuries, and by having an emergency number in your mobile, you are prepared for potential problems.
Bikini. Sunscreen. Flip flops. Hat. Sunglasses. Water. Towel. Yep, these are all in your beach bag. So what about your dog’s sun essentials?
Your canine companion isn’t so very different and has similar needs to you. Remember the essentials for them on their beach visit and you won’t go far wrong. Pack plenty of water, not just for drinking but to wash the salt off his coat. Don’t forget doggy bootees – after all, if the sun is too hot for your feet it’s too hot for paws. To keep your four-legger safe in the sun, take along an umbrella or a sun shade for when the sun gets too strong, and don’t forget doggy sunscreen for pink or thin-furred ears and nose.
As for fun, well a floating toy is the ideal inducement for your dog to get their paws wet. But if he’s not a great swimmer, take along a dog life-vest to assist or encourage them. Neither does it do any harm to pack a canine first aid kit containing items such as saline for flushing wounds, antiseptic cream and bandages. Oh yes, and to touch on an un-poop-ular subject, but don’t forget the pooper scoop bags! Remember, leave no trace for to do otherwise is not only antisocial but it gives dog owners a bad name.
Canine Companion Check List
Incredible as it may sound, not everyone likes dogs. Human users don’t like badly behaved dogs, sand kicked over their sunscreen, or dog mess on the beach.
Always respect other beach users and keep your dog under control at all times. Whilst your Labrador may be as soft as butter left out in the sun, if in his enthusiasm he bowls a small child over then he’ll spoil their day and that’s not fair. Likewise, you may know he only jumps up is to give kisses, but a stranger on the sand doesn’t know that. If his recall is dodgy, then keep him on the leash. This is also for his safety as well, in case he gets distracted and runs for miles.
Be vigilant for hazard warning signs about strong currents or rip tides. Just as you would never go swimming yourself when the warning flags are up, make sure your dog stays out of the water.
Currents aside, another hazard is the salt water. If your dog swims and then grooms himself there is a risk of him ingesting large amounts of salt water.
This can lead to salt toxicity, of which the signs are vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive trembling, and can possibly develop into seizures. This can be avoided by rinsing him with fresh water after the swim, and ensuring he has plenty of clean drinking water available.
From time to time natural hazards arise such as beached jelly fish or washed up Blow Fish. Do not allow your dog to investigate and keep him well away just in case he snacks first and is unwell second. There may be a very real risk of toxicity leading to an inability to breath, and if you suspect your dog has eaten Blow Fish, contact a veterinarian immediately.
To fully enjoy your day, don’t let your dog overheat. He can’t sweat and that fur coat is great in the cold weather but how would you fancy wearing winter thermals on a hot day? Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, distressed breathing, a bright red tongue, staggering as if drunk, and collapse. If you notice any of these signs, get him into the shade, offer him water to drink, wet his coat, and soak his paws in cool water. If these measures don’t prove effective, then take your dog to the nearest vet.
If you introduced your dog to sea and surf as a pup, the chances are he’s already a well-adapted beach buddy. If however, this is your older dog’s first trip, don’t be surprised if he’s a little befuddled. Depending on your individual pet’s personality, they may be anything from euphoric (and dig on the beach kicking sand everywhere) to completely confused.
Take it steady. Don’t force your four-legged friend to do anything but let him investigate and try things out for himself. Of course, have those treats ready to reward those bold moves such as stepping tentatively onto the sand.
If he’s overwhelmed, keep him on the leash and close to heel. It may help to do a spot of impromptu training, to give him something to concentrate on other than the strange sights and sounds. Then, put a beach towel down on the sand and have him sit with you, then praise the bold behaviour when they soon start to investigate what’s around them.
If you have the opposite problem and your dog is over bold, remember other beach users and keep him on the leash. Back home, work on those training disciplines, so that you’re better prepared for next time.
And finally…
A day spent at the beach with your dog is a special time, and a chance for them to dig, swim, and run free with the wind in his fur. The beach is for everyone to enjoy so be a responsible pet parent: plan ahead, ensure your pet is under control and monitor them at all times.
(Modified by Helen Potter 2017)
At Mosman Park Beach WA
Not sure any Subi Council campaign is complete without a photo with KoKo Potter.
While Parking is a huge issue as you get closer to the high streets, traffic is the bigger issue further up Townsend.
The impact of the school development on both needs to be seriously worked into the development plan but in honesty believe 2 way Hay and Roberts is the right move.
Helen Potter FACP via KoKo Potter
Mum tried to get me to like water when I was just a puppy, but she wasn’t successful. If the weather is hot I’m a happy race down the sand slope and lower myself into the cool water but I will forever be an “armpit Swimmer” that’s as far as I’ll go! woofs from KoKo.
