Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of the Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. We’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together. This month, Charlie gets ready to celebrate Independence Day, and reminds us that feeding the wildlife isn’t healthy for them.
Oh boy Independence Day is here again. Our family gathers together and the welcome smell of grilling meat from my next-door neighbor’s balcony entices me with heavenly aromas as I catch the scent on the soft summer breeze. (I have to rely on my neighbors for the celebratory elixir ‘cause my people don’t cook, even on holidays.)
Everyone is relaxed and celebrating the birthday of our wonderful country, and I sure love a good party, especially birthday parties. I hope they get the piñata again this year, but this time stuff it with dog treats.
Even though I’m a free doggie, living in this free, wonderful country of ours, I still rely on my people for good, wholesome meals. And that got me thinking about some of my wildlife friends. In a way, they seem more free than me— for starters, they don’t seem interested in dragging a human around on a rope when they want to go places. But unlike me, they have to eat whatever they can find.
On pondering this paradox and the deeper meaning of freedom, my doggie brain got overwhelmed, and I decided to go visit some of my duck friends to reorient to my instinctual nature. Well, when I say visit, I mean stare at delightedly and occasionally run after, while they back away from me sometimes with great alacrity.
But oh no! Imagine my dismay when several of my feathered friends are looking a bit peckish. They sort of lumbered about and seemed like they had a bad case of indigestion. I scampered back to the office to tell my people and find out if they know what’s going on.
I learn that I’m not the only one who notices that the ducks aren’t feeling well. Apparently they’re having too many carbs. As author of an etiquette and manners column for pooches and people, I feel it’s my duty to remind everyone that feeding wildlife is decidedly déclassé.
I feel I speak for all animals when I say, that when it comes to our stomachs, we often eat what we’re given even if it’s not best for us. Hey, it’s instinct.
Despite their enthusiasm, it’s best to let them forage for themselves. Please care for the wildlife, just like you would your beloved canine companion. Treating them with consideration just might inspire all of you to feed yourselves better too. What a win-win!
Until next time,
P.S. Follow me on Facebook to keep up with all my latest news, www.facebook.com/InsiderCharliesCorner and on Instagram @charlieparkerscorner.
To read last month’s edition of Charlie’s Corner, click here.
