Keep Your “Kool” Dog “Cool” This Summer:
Tips from Mr. Pickles, the Big Dill
From lonely shelter to backyard king—here’s how I beat the heat.
Hi there.
Name’s Mr. Pickles.
I’m a rescue, a backyard boss, and honestly… I’m kind of a big dill.
Life didn’t start out so great for me. I was tied to a tree, barely fed, and left to wonder if anyone even knew I existed. Then I got hauled off to the Marshall County Animal Shelter where I barked my lungs out for three straight months. No one wanted me—not even the lady whose neighbor kept sending her my picture. (I mean, hello? Look at me.)
But one day she came to meet me. I was doing my usual thing—up on my hind legs, barking like a lunatic—and I guess it worked because not long after that, she and her husband took me home.
Fast forward to now: I rule the backyard, I’ve got a full food bowl (most of the time), and these humans? They’re completely obsessed with me. As they should be.
Now let’s talk about summer—it’s hot, it’s sticky, and I don’t mess around when it comes to staying cool. Let me tell you how I, Mr. Pickles, beat the heat like the big dill I am:
- Shade Patrol: I’ve got multiple shady spots in my yard. I rotate like a pro—a little under the covered sitting area, a little on the porch, and then I chill in my special area by the outside chairs. I didn’t have a lot of choices in the past…but now I have plenty of options.
- Hydration Nation: Water? I’m all over it. I’ve got bowls inside and out, and if my humans forget to put ice in it, I give them “the look.” You know the one. I’ve perfected it.
- Cold Floors, Warm Heart: When it’s really blazing outside, I sprawl out on the tile like a royal seal. A/C blasting, belly to the floor, absolute bliss. I deserve luxury. I expect it.
- Cool Treats, Please: Frozen peanut butter in a Kong? Bring it. Watermelon chunks? Don’t even get me started. My humans say I eat fast because I’m still a little afraid of going hungry again. They’re right. But they always remind me—I’m safe now. And loved.
- Smart Walks Only: We don’t do walks on hot pavement. Nope. My paw pads are precious. We go early or late, and if it’s still too warm, we play in the yard instead. Gotta protect the royal feet.
- Avoid Peak Heat Time – Travel Early or Late: Okay, you know how I love early morning sniffs and late evening breezes? Yeah, let’s aim for those times when we hit the road, too! Avoid taking us out when the sun is high and mighty around midday and early afternoon. It gets pretty hot, and I don’t do well with baking under the sun – I’m more of a shade-loving pup!
- Keep the Car Cool – Air Conditioning is a Must: Make sure to keep that cool air flowing inside the car when we’re on the move. It helps me keep my cool—literally! Even though I can’t sweat it out like you, I sure appreciate a nice breeze.
- Take Regular Breaks – Rest Stops: Let’s pull over every now and then so I can stretch my legs, do my business, and cool my paws outside the car. Every doggone hour or two would be great!
- Watch the Pavement: And, human, remember my tender paws? If you think the pavement might fry an egg, it’s definitely too hot for my delicate feet. Maybe do a quick check with your hand? If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for me.
- Never Leave Me in the Car – Never Alone: I know you’d never forget me, but just a reminder—don’t leave me alone in the car, okay? Even a few minutes in a hot car can turn into an oven very quickly, and that’s scary for a fur-coated buddy like me.
Barking this out loud so we can enjoy our road trips without any hitches. Stick to these tips, and I promise to keep being the best copilot ever. Let’s go chase some horizons together—safely!
And did I mention?
I’m a big dill.
Stay cool out there, fellow pups.
Love,
Mr. Pickles
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