Dog experts agree that dogs need to sniff. How else would they know who you are? They say sniffing is good for dogs because it exercises our brains, allows us to learn about the world, calms our bodies, and builds confidence. If sniffing does all that, I must be a genius.
Remember back in July when all the rain fell and the wind blew? Boy, I was in dog sniffing heaven with the new and fun smells. When the rain wet the desert bushes, I heard people say, “I love the smell of desert rain.” Silly humans, it’s not the rain, it’s the creosote bushes that create the smell. See, I told you I was a genius. The wind brought in a whole bunch of smells, some from hundreds of miles away. I’m pretty sure I could smell my two-legged brother up at his cabin in the mountains. I hope he watched out for those deer prowling around his property.
What else did the monsoons bring? On one of my walks we came upon a tree that had blown down on the sidewalk. I was sad for the tree, but it gave me a chance to smell all the birds that liked to nest on its branches. I wondered where the doves went when I chase them out of my yard. Now I know.
Another fun thing about the wind is all the paper and bags that blow into our yard. My humans call it litter; I call it smells of peanut butter, cheese wrappers, and tissues. It’s my chance to help recycle by tearing up the paper and cardboard. Mom and Dad should be grateful instead of shooing me away.
In September, I can smell cooler weather as autumn approaches because the evening breeze is just a tiny bit cooler than August. It’s not exactly sweater weather unless you’re a Chihuahua, but my humans get excited about opening windows if the temperature falls below 90 degrees. I like that because more smells drift inside. That way I can tell if the big brown truck is close or who’s been marking my favorite mailbox post across the street. Must go cover that up immediately!
The best thing about September isn’t that summer is over. It’s that the desert starts whispering instead of shouting. The mornings are softer, the evenings start sooner, and every walk brings a brand-new story, if you remember to stop and sniff.
Love and great sniffs to all my readers,
Love, Larry