Snacks Sanchez

Snacks is a seven-pound silkie Yorkshire terrier with the attitude of a 100-pound pit bull . Formerly known as Mia , she is a recovering rescue dog who found her new and loving home in 2013 when she was unexpectedly dropped off at her new mom ’ s place of work . Her new dad — a seasoned empty nester , was not a fan initially . A six-year battle of wills ensued , which Snacks eventually won . In the process both Snacks and Dad gained a clear understanding of who the real Alfa in the pack was — Mom .

Wow ! Ruff . That ’ s how the dawg days of summer have been shaping up . It looks like a long summer is ahead , with October and November being hotter than normal . Lucky for me , I am still a “ short hair ” Yorkie since getting a buzz cut a few months back . But dawg , I feel for my long haired , furry friends — especially those not fortunate enough to live indoors like me . Here are some things to keep in mind to care for your fuzzy pets and my pals during the extreme heat that is sure to continue for some time ( inspired by the ASPCA ) with my “ Snacks-itude ” for effect :

1 . Water please ! Always keep fresh , clean water available . Fuzzy animals can get dehydrated very quickly on hot or humid days , just like humans .

2 . Cool shades man : Whenever possible , create a place of shade to give the fuzzies a break from being in the direct sun . Because , when you ’ re hot , you ’ re hot . And when you ’ re not , you ’ re not .

3 . I heart you : be aware of the signs of overheating . Is the big dawg panting heavily ? Having difficulty breathing ? Drooling ? Walking like he ’ s had too much T-bone ? He could be having heart or respiratory issues . Other symptoms of overheating can include bloody , “ liquidy ” stool ( didn ’ t want to say diarrhea ) and vomiting , which are common when body temps reach over 104 degrees .

4 . Go to the park — don ’ t park : Never leave your fuzzball in the car ! On hot days the temp inside a car can increase dramatically and the result is a very hot , or dead , dog . Also note , it ’ s illegal in many states to leave your dog in the car , and some good Samaritans will just break your window to free your sizzling pooch . # sorrynotsorry . Instead , get them to the wonderful cool grass of your local pet-friendly park , just not at peak heat times of the day .

5 . Deep dive : This might blow your mind , but not all pets can swim . Don ’ t leave your fuzzy unattended by the pool . Instead , wait on them like they ’ re on vacay ! Just kidding , but be vigilant !

6 . Shaved by the bell : Thankfully my hair has grown some since the run in with the

shaver . Hot weather is not the time to shave the furry . Our hair actually helps deflect the heat and direct effects of the sun . Want to make a statement ? Go all out trimming and styling , just don ’ t shave ! # ruff

7 . Walking on sunshine : What a great song from the 80 ’ s . However , street heat is not great for the hairy ones . Asphalt can reach temps of more than 10 degrees hotter than the weather on hot days . Please keep sensitive paws off asphalt and concrete during peak heat times . Since they are also lower to the ground , the reflective heat can literally melt their joy away . If you have to be in the heat with Bowser , consider walkeepaws or booties to help protect from burning paws .

Look , I know you love your pets . My owners love me , too . Even humans can be lovable sometimes . Let ’ s just keep in mind that no pet or person is really designed to be in direct sun on scorching hot days . Some have to , so let ' s be kind , and help make it more bearable for all . Ciao !

Stay furry my friends ,

ABOVE : This past Summer we took an epic road trip and stopped in at Beaver Taco — awesome ! We also stopped at Eddie World to see the world ' s largest ice cream sundae . It ' s an actual record — and the biggest sundae I ' ve ever seen . It was a windy day . Hope your Summer was great too . Stay cool , and stay furry my friends !

Images provided by Team Sanchez for gmhTODAY magazine : snacks @ gmhtoday . com

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