Peter Verdone

The Care and Feeding of Maggie the Dog.

The first thing that you have to remember is that maggie is a princess. She thinks that she is in control. You are lucky enough to be with her, so get used to it.

The second, and probably most important thing, is that she is A+ Alpha. In any situation involving other dogs, she is going to attempt to prove her dominance. Keeping her on a leash when walking downtown or in other areas where dogs are around will help avoid problems. Try to look ahead to see if dogs are coming and prepare Maggie for their passing. Always use the "pokey" coller when taking her out (the silver choke chain). Tell her to "sit" until the other dog passes, and mean it.

Around people, you have no worries. She loves everyone, old people and kids. Around little children, she may accidentally knocks them over. That is about the only worry you have around people.

Thirdly, she has a bit of a barking issue. The police will come by if it goes on too long. Some of our neighbors have little patience left regarding the issue. Do not leave her out during the day unless you are around to keep her at bay. We have a citronella collar that you can use if you take her somewhere else to visit. The collar works, but only in controlled situations. Over time she will drain it so that she can be free again.

POTTY

She needs to be let out for a bit in the morning to relieve herself. Give here about 10 minutes then let her back in. She will be fine until around 6:30pm or so.

WALKS

She needs at least a short walk around the block or to downtown each evening. A longer walk into the hills and trails is preferred, but a luxury for her. Either way, she will be happy to be with you and all her friends. Camp Tamarancho or out of Deer Park are about the easiest trails to go to.

FOOD

One single scoop of dry dog food with about 1/4 pound of cooked burger (fatty & cheap) each evening. Check to make sure she always has water in her bowl. Tell her to sit before you put the food down. make her suffer for a while, then say "ok" that is the release command.

RUN OF THE HOUSE

She pretty much has free reign in the house, but please close the bedroom door when you leave so she doens't sleep on the bed all day. She will sleep on the couch over night, sleep on the chair during the day, and visit sleeping people in bed in the morning. If she is in your way, tell her to "get off", otherwise enjoy her company.

COMMANDS SHE KNOWS

Sit, Off, Off the bed, Move it, go potty.

If you are staying at our house

We ususally grocery shop at the United in San anselmo. It's right at 100 Red Hill Ave, just before the Hub. They have good quality food at good prices. PLUS.. the cheapest prices on the best avocados in the valley.

We have deer, racoons, opossums, skunks, etc. If you hear loud noises at night, even footsteps right outside the bedroom window--it is ANIMALS. If Maggie starts barking insanely at 2:00 am, it's ANIMALS.

Dining out in Fairfax

The best place to go is Sorella Cafe. It is on 107 Bolinas Rd. just at the end of park st. Itailan with a brazillian flair. The Thai restaurant is good too.

Please water the basil on the deck. Don't worry about anything else.

Parking

You should park pulled onto the drive, in front of the garage, or on the right side of the street by the fence.

Directions to our House