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NEWS AND EVENTS

Downtown Dogs

By Karen Jordan

November 19, 2006 - So you've found a great place to live in the city, and you want to share your home with a dog. Chicago is gaining a worldwide reputation as city that caters to canines and other pets. Still, you may be able to adjust to the hustle and bustle, and possible smaller space of urban living, but it could be overwhelming for your dog.

Dogs are fast becoming a popular species in the urban jungle. With more people moving to the city, especially the Loop their pets are getting a taste of city life living in high-rise condos, and navigating crowded streets. Many pet owners say Chicago is a great place to live downtown with a dog. But in some cases, the fast pace of city life can be intimidating for dogs... And can cause them anxiety.

Callie was adopted by Jill Longenecker and her fiance Chris Carlton last year. After Callie settled into their South Loop home, they noticed her behavior would change while they were outside for walks. She showed aggression toward other dogs and would cower at cars.

Their vet recommended they work with a specialist in animal behavior, like doctor Valerie Chalcraft, to help Callie become at ease with all of the stimuli that comes with being outdoors. One exercise they try is coaxing her with treats to get her closer and closer to State Street.

"The small goal is to have Callie walk just a quarter of the way down the block," Dr. Chalcraft said.

While Callie is still in the process of adjusting to her surroundings Richard Vicens enjoys a peaceful walk with his two dogs, Angel and Sammie Pie. At first, Angel was anxious while going for walks near Michigan Avenue but after sessions with doctor Chalcraft, Angel now looks to Richard whenever she sees other dogs, instead of acting aggressively.

Chalcraft says with patience and training dogs can adjust to city life. "It depends on the dog and how much socialization that dog has received," Dr. Chalcraft said.

Doctor J.B. Bruederle, a vet in the South Loop, agrees that socialization is key to helping your dog adjust to any situation and says living in the city may make it "easier" by providing more opportunities for dogs to have play time.

If you have a hectic schedule, there are alternatives like doggie daycare and your own dog walker. Tara Robertson is a professional dog walker. Wrigley is one of her clients who is still getting used to walking on certain surfaces like grates, and climbing up stairs. Tara says that while there may be a process involved with getting your dog used to the city it's worth it.

Karen Jordan,

Weekend News Anchor and Reporter

ABC 7 News

POEMS

"How Could You!"

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You could call me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend...

When ever I was "bad", you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.

My housebreaking took a little longer then expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.

We went for long walks, and runs in the park, car rides, stops for icecream (I only got the cone because "icecream is bad for dogs you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our family and home, and tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.

Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.

There had been a time when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog", and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family

If you would like to submit a poem of your own to this collection,

please e-mail them to tara@pupstars.com

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