By Leroy

Oy, did I ever get in trouble yesterday. My pal Sophie was taking a snooze on the couch – which is about all the old gal ever does these days – and I was bored, so I jumped up on top of her and barked, “Yo, Soph! Come watch me chase squirrels in the backyard!”

Sophie yelped. My dog mom and dad yelled. I was sent outside, but I felt too lonesome and guilty to chase any varmints.

See, I thought Sophie was kind of faking it. Our people give her lots of treats like TJ’s Health Bites and yummy people food like beef broth and rice (hand-fed, yet!), not to mention tons of ear scratches and kisses. So why not just lay on the couch all day?

She reminded me of my pawl Mr. Peanut, a clever wiener dog who pretends his back leg is broken and drags it along whenever his people want him to go outside. I tell you, if they gave an animal Oscar for “Best Performance by a Dog Faking a Major Injury,” Mr. P would be a shoo-in.

But Sophie isn’t pretending. She might be sick for a long time, so my people are training me to be gentle around her. My fellow pooches, I’d like to share with you some of the things I’m learning so you don’t ever get into the big trouble I did. And since it’s flu season, you might want to put down that bone for a sec and really pay attention, allrighty?

If your pooch or people pal seems real pooped and just wants to sleep all day, go ahead and let them. With a lot of rest, they might feel better sooner and ready to play with you again.

Don’t jump on your sick pal. They won’t like it at all, trust me.

Don’t bark at them, either. Your yapping won’t make them get better any faster.

If your sick pooch pal is getting lots more attention from your people than you are, don’t be jealous. I bet the pooch would gladly give up all those extra tummy rubs just to feel better.

If your people pal is under the weather, don’t nag them to take you for a walk. It won’t hurt you to skip a day or two.

It’s okay to give your pal a very, very gentle smooch every now and then to let them know you care.

With a little TLCC (tender loving canine care), your pal is sure to feel better in no time!

Leroy is a 4-year-old “Terribull” adopted from a Carson, Calif., shelter by i Love Dogs writer Laura Goldman. When he’s happy, Leroy snorts just like a pig. He really misses his gal pal Sophie, who has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. But he adores his new pawl Ella and his chew toys (a little too much). Check out Leroy’s other articles!