Jennifer Long
Columnist
Summer is here, and while many of us love soaking up the sunshine, my four Toy Australian Shepherds have their own opinions about these hot days!
Lucy, our indoor queen, is perfectly happy lounging in the cool air conditioning. She’ll occasionally peek outside, but the heat doesn’t appeal to her one bit. Her favorite summer activity? Sprawling out in the coziest spot on the couch, keeping a close eye on everything happening inside.
Brutus and Scout, on the other hand, are usually the adventurous ones. They love their walks and exploring the neighborhood, but lately, the summer heat has slowed them down. Walks have to wait until early morning or late evening when the sun isn’t blazing. Even then, they’d rather take shorter strolls and hurry back to the shade.
Luna, our playful girl, likes a mix of both worlds. While she appreciates the comfort of staying inside where it’s cool, she can’t resist her little pool in the backyard. On particularly hot afternoons, she’ll splash and play in the water, tail wagging, before heading back inside to relax.
Watching my Toy Aussies handle summer in their own ways reminds me that, like people, pets have their unique personalities and preferences. Whether it’s lounging indoors, enjoying a quiet evening walk, or splashing in a backyard pool, there’s no wrong way to beat the heat—so long as they’re happy and safe.
A Few Summer Tips for Your Furry Friends:
Hydration is key! Always keep fresh, cool water available indoors and out.
Paw check! If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Walk during the cooler parts of the day.
Shade & splash zones: A shady yard and a small kiddie pool can turn a hot afternoon into a play day.
Frozen treats: Ice cubes or frozen dog-friendly snacks make for fun (and safe) summer cool-downs.
Know their limits: Just like us, dogs can overheat quickly, so watch for signs of heat exhaustion and give them plenty of rest.
Summer with my Toy Aussies is never boring—between Lucy’s lounging, Brutus and Scout’s short-but-determined walks, and Luna’s splash parties, there’s always a story to tell!
