Shiver and shake

"Mom, what's happening to Zoe?" asked my daughter. Zoe was shivering and shaking. "She looks like she's on vibrate!"

We were on our way to the car, and Zoe realized that we were about to head off on a trip. That means I lift her into the vehicle, then she sits in a  dogseat lined with fleece, with the lead clipped to her collar. The Outward Hound seats are great: the dogs are secure, able to sit or lie down, and can see out the window. But when Zoe gets nervous or anxious, she "vibrates.

We spent some time on the deck later in the afternoon. It was relaxing for both dogs, and our reward for finishing the final flea shampoo, drying, and a new poodle clip for Zoe to match Missy's cut.

We had a weird experience last week. A policeman pulled up just as Kirsten and I returned to the car. We ate in the courtyard of the restaurant where we were able to see the car , parked in the shade, windows slightly open, sunroof tipped up. Missy kicked up a fuss when we left her, wanting to come along. A big woman with a handbag big enough for golf clubs and a prissy looking guy kept standing by our car. I looked at them a few times, but didn't hear Missy since the restaurant is beside a thoroughfare. We kept our eyes on the car, and finished our meal.

The policeman said there had been two 911 calls, that a dog was "in distress." With those two troublemakers were standing by the car, yes, Missy would go ballistic! I opened the car door, gave Missy the chicken pieces we'd saved for her, invited the officer to feel the car temperature.

"That's fine, Ma'am," he said. "We'd see the heat rising if the inside of the car had been hot. The dog looks happy to see you, but you know we have to check out these things."

The odd couple on the sidewalk watched the whole thing, looking our way, not-too-subtly eavesdropping, and talking only to each other. They looked dismayed that it was over quickly without a good show.

We thanked the officer and pulled out of the parking spot. I really appreciate Good Samaritans who notice when animals are overheating in a vehicle. I'm glad they called in. But they weren't nice people, from what K and I could see. More like troublemakers and busy-bodies. When a dog is in the shade with plenty of ventilation on a 72oF day, he's probably just fine.

Nice to see Missy settling in with her new companion. They got a good walk, tromped through an empty field that will some day be a subdivision, and ate raw chicken.

They stayed in the car, quiet and snoozing in their dog seats this morning while I was in church. The extreme yapping that Missy did when Kirsten and I left her in the car last week? Seems over with canine company. Zoe hasn't cried (or wailed) for a few days, so she's learning the ropes around here, too. Having a dog buddy helps. Good doggies.