October 12, 2007

Dear Labby:

Marianne and I were at the grocery store yesterday and we walked past something that smelled really good, dark and yummy. Marianne yanked me away and gave me a lecture on proper grocery store manners (yeah, yeah, I know: no sniffing, no tasting!) But she also said the stuff that smelled so wonderful was CHOCOLATE and very dangerous for dogs. Was she right? Can something that smells so delicious really be bad for me?

Chow for now, Parker

Dear Parker,

Oh, the injustice! I bet you've seen Marianne eating chocolate, haven't you? Well, the truth is that most people food really isn't very good for dogs anyhow, but certain foods really are dangerous to us.

Chocolate has caffeine and theobromine in it, and neither substance is good for us. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is! If you're lucky, you might just get a little tummy trouble, or you might get really sick and have to go to the vet. Some dogs have died from eating chocolate!

Bottom line, Parker: LEAVE THE HALLOWEEN CANDY ALONE! Just walk away and go chew on a Nylabone.

And just so you know, there are some other foods that could make you very sick indeed, including grapes, raisins, and onions. Since you are a Labrador and therefore food-obsessed, I know this is a struggle for you, but be safe! Unless Marianne has given it to you in your food dish or your Kong, leave it alone.

One last thing: no imbibing either. Alcohol is deadly for pets, so no wine tasting for us. Our systems absorb it faster than humans, so it's very toxic. Plain old water tastes better anyhow!

Love, Labby

Questions or comments for Parker? Send them to Call7ForHelp@TheDenverChannel.com.

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence, or perhaps be a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to www.cci.org for details.