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Pet Tracks
GATHER 'ROUND THE BARBY
with Jan Jaeger
The Fourth of July holiday signals two annually recurring events at my house. The first piece of business is the removal of the down comforter that has been so necessary the last several months. Now it is finally time to exchange its bulky warmth for summery linens and a lightweight quilt. The second noteworthy event is a barbeque fest with traditional fare and the much-anticipated Fred specialty of baby-back ribs rubbed with secret spices and then languidly smoked according to a time-tested technique.
I'll wager more than one household has already gotten the barbecue season into full swing as our weather cooperates with more dependably warm days and nights. As a national trend, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, the backyard living industry has escalated into a $50 billion business. Long gone is the 9' x 12' concrete slab with two flimsy lawn chairs and a hibachi. Today's outdoor decks and patios are beautifully landscaped and feature luxury amenities such as weather-resistant carpeting and comfy, overstuffed furniture, special lighting, running water, grilling centers, custom cabinetry and fireplaces.
At my house, the lower deck becomes the spot for enjoying meals alfresco, relaxing either by ourselves or entertaining family and friends. We love using the outdoor spaces to expand our living areas and extend the indoor rooms that have confined and defined our world for several months. When our dogs and cats join us outside, their world changes, too. It's very exciting to have new places and interesting smells to explore. There's nothing like a good back scratch in the freshly cut grass or a catching a nap under a favorite tree or bush. And, there's nothing like the enticing aromas coming from the grill to perk up the taste buds of man and beast.
Just because you're outside doesn't mean pet manners go out the window though. In fact, it is a good idea to practice proper behavior so that if you have guests, your pet can be a part of the festivities without your friends retreating to their car, vowing never to darken your door again.
It also goes without saying that having your pet join in during an outside event doesn't mean this is permission to have the run of the neighborhood. You need a fenced yard, or a dependably disciplined pet that will stay close at hand. Otherwise, some method of restraint, such as a long line or leash, will be necessary.
Regardless of the size of your outdoor occasion, some simple tips will incorporate your pet's needs into your party plan. Make up a basket of toys and put it in an easily accessible place. Fill it with a variety of items like a Frisbee, balls and interactive wand toys if you have a cat. Also include some toys that can entertain your pet on its own such as stuffed Kongs, Everlasting Treat Balls or catnip mice. Encourage your guests to use these toys to play with your pets if they like and if your pet can stand up to all the action.
Your dog will love anyone who gives him a treat. Turn him into a true party animal by having available a bowl of "pets only" goodies. If you think that ingesting small bits of dog biscuits might get to be too much, chunks of carrot or ribs of romaine lettuce are both satisfyingly crunchy treats with no extra calories.
Provide a special spot for your pet to relax outside where they can still see the action, but be out of high traffic areas. Set up a bed specially designed for outdoor use, or temporarily move an indoor bed outside for the event. This way your pet will have its own space available to rest, snooze or to just take a time out from the action.
A large bowl of fresh water should be in a convenient spot, easy for your pet to reach but not where it will be easily tipped over or stepped on. A small bell or flashing light attached to the collar will make your pet more visible and audible and your guests will be better able to keep track of your pet, particularly if your pet is of smaller stature.
Hosting and cooking duties can get in the way of pet supervision, so you might arrange in advance for one of your pet-loving guests to be the designated pet watcher. This way if your pet starts sampling the hors d'oeuvres, becomes over-stimulated or playtime gets too rowdy, someone will be in charge of calling time out.
Hopefully, you have already worked on manners that include no begging at the table, but if you feed your pet several smaller meals around the same time as everyone else is eating, this should help discourage foraging.
Our pets are social creatures just like we are, and with a little advance planning and manners reinforcement, your pet can be a welcome guest at your next outdoor gathering
around the barby. I
Jan Jaeger is owner of Geronimo's, Ltd., Nantucket's pet supply and gift shop, and is a member of DWAA and CWA (Dog and Cat Writer's Associations of America). Her pets at home are Junior, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and three cats. At the shop are cats Messrs. Fish and Chips, Flower bunny, Millie guinea pig and two budgies. Send e-mail to jan@geronimos.com. | 
