Instructions Regarding My Dog Sparky (To Whom it May Concern)

Detailed Instructions Regarding Care for My Elderly Dog Sparky (To Whom it May Concern)

PLEASE READ THESE NOTES CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY (CALL OR TEXT ME AT +1(***)***-**** IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS)

Feed him the dog food contained in the four plastic bags I’ve provided. He should be fed one bag per day on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (I will feed him on Saturday). You can feed him at any time of the day. But it’s best if his feeding schedule is consistent.

Let him go outside to pee/poop AT LEAST two times per day (once in the morning and once at night). However, if you can, it’s best to take him outside to pee a minimum of four times each day. And most importantly, take him outside as soon as you wake up (because he has to hold his bladder for as long as you sleep). He also often takes a minute or two to find a place to pee once he goes outside. So be patient with him and be ready to lead him or walk with him. If he takes longer than a few minutes and you think he has to pee or poop, you can say “Sparky, go pee” or “Sparky, go poop” an he will understand what you mean.

Please do NOT feed him food made for humans, especially chicken! If you do, he may develop an ear infection. He has sensitive skin and various allergies. If you really want to give him a special treat, text or call me first to confirm whether the food is safe for him to consume (and if it is, only give him a small portion).

If he accidentally eats something he shouldn’t have and you are uncertain how it will affect him, call me FIRST (this situation must be treated as an urgent matter, in case he ingested a food that is poisonous to dogs and needed emergency veterinary care immediately) and be prepared for him to possibly vomit. If he does vomit, provide him plenty of water to drink and postpone feeding him to allow his stomach time to settle.

Please do NOT allow anyone other than you to carry him. They can pet him. But they should NOT pick him up! He is a very old and fragile dog with weak bones and muscles. He should be handled with care to avoid any injuries. Furthermore, his paws are very little and delicate; watch that no one steps on his paws or any other part of his body. One step could result in a severe fracture (or even kill him) and cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Keep clean water in a bowl for him to drink from throughout the day. It doesn’t need to be particularly warm or cold; room temperature water is best.

At night do not allow him to drink too much water or eat too much food. Otherwise he may feel the need to go before you are awake.

He can sleep in the large crate Precious uses. Only put blankets, towels, sheets, or other material in there that is machine-washable, in case he gets them dirty.

If you leave the house for a short period of time (0-6 hours), keep him in the cage (after you let him go outside to pee) and let him go outside when you return. If you leave the house for a long period of time (6+ hours), you can (and should) take him with you.

He regularly scratches his ears/skin and licks his paws; you can ignore this behavior. BUT if he starts behaving abnormally (for example, squealing a lot as if he is in immense pain or bleeding profusely) and you are concerned about his health, PLEASE text or call me immediately and I will advise you on what to do next.

Use one of Monica’s seat belt buckles to keep Sparky safe while you are driving with him. And do not drive too fast or brake too hard while he is in your truck or you will risk hurting his neck.

You can use one of Monica’s dog leashes, if/when you feel that it’s necessary. But he will usually just follow you wherever you go. If he’s not on a leash, do not let him out of your sight and especially do NOT let him walk near a busy street.

Do NOT allow him to jump in OR out of your truck or any vehicle. Always carry him before you let him enter or exit a car to avoid potential injuries.

Do not remove his collar for any reason, without calling me first.

If you feed him dog treats, first break them into smaller pieces so that he does not choke while attempting to swallow them whole.