Dating Doghouse

Dear Dog Lady,

I know this sounds crazy but I judge my dates by how well they treat my dog.

Let’s see, there was Tom. He got miffed when I cooed endearing nicknames to my darling pooch Cleo. And, lo, the shaky alliance lasted 13 dates. Then there was Bob. He pretended to like my dog by stiffly petting her behind the ears for a few seconds each time he came to pick me up. But he banned Cleo from the bed, the sofa, or any reclining surface where Bob was inclined to recline -- even though it was my house. The relationship lasted 8 months.

Am I too unyielding and unromantic in these matters? Does Cleo’s opinion count?

- Sarah, Boston, MA.

Sleepy La Beef

Dear Dog Lady,

What is the normal sleeping time in a 24-hour period of time for a miniature Schnauzer? Lucky Eugene is now 7-years-old and spends a lot of time snoozing day and night. He is exercised daily when we walk and run. He has regular vet visits and is in good health, as per his vet.

Ron, Mansfield, MA

Obama Mutt Hello; Barney Bye Bye

Barack Obama interviews dogs on the cover of The New Yorker. Brian Williams, NBC anchor, can't resist giving a shout-out to his "girly" dog, Lucy.

Dog Lady will miss Barney Bush. She has written much over the years about him and clung to the theory that Barney embodied George Bush's better self. That the dog chomped down on a reporter two days after the election seems kind of cosmic. Below is a tribute to Barney from Slatewhere Michael Schaffer writes about Barack Obama's bowser.

A Dollop of Yogurt Will Never Hurt

You can let them lick the cup when you're done. Always make sure to liberate the container from their snouts when they're finished licking.

Oh, by the way, a teaspoon of Greek yogurt eases doggy digestive tracts. A teaspoon of unfiltered apple cider vinegar also helps.