Bonnie was a Sun Bather and Loved the Sunshine
Bonnie was quite the sun bather and an expert at finding the sunshine wherever it happened at home or in the houses she visited. Even when she stayed with Robin and Bruce in their Peterborough residence or their Surry residence (once they moved there) while Charles and Susan were away, Bonnie found the sunny spots at their house where she could bask in the sun.
One huge difference Bonnie encountered when originally moving in with Susan and Charles was the availability of sunny spots throughout the household. She found them all!
Bonnie Explored the Entire House
She must have explored the entire house at different times of day. Bonnie was able to to find sunshine wherever it occurred in the house. It was not uncommon to occasionally see her in a chair in the living room that got a sliver of sunlight in the afternoon.
The kitchen has a spot where the sunlight would come in for a short time. Bonnie managed to find that spot as well and would lay in it and enjoy the warmth there. One would think from reading this that Susan ad Charles kept the house cold but that was not the case! Bonnie was originally born and raised in Florida and that certainly showed.
Upstairs Sun was her Favorite
The most sun came in the sliding glass doors in an upstairs room with a deck outside. She most often was found up there in the mornings after sunrise. That’s when the sunshine came right through those doors.
Another more recent activity Bonnie enjoyed was sitting in the sun out on the deck. When it was sunny outside, she would bark to let Susan know she wanted to go out on the upstairs deck and sun bathe. She seemed to love to go out and bake in the sun for a while. Then Bonnie would bark a while later when she wanted to come back in.
When Susan was out on the deck enjoying some sun, Bonnie would most likely be with her. Bonnie loved spending time with Susan throughout the day. It didn’t matter what Susan was doing or where in the house she was.
Doggie Sunshine Tips
Sunbathing can be a relaxing activity for dogs, just as it is for humans. For a malti-poo like Bonnie, soaking up the sun offers a cozy, warm experience. However, while there are benefits, it’s important to ensure your dog enjoys sunshine safely.
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- The Benefits of Sunbathing
Sunlight helps dogs produce vitamin D, which supports bone health and overall well-being. Additionally, a short nap in the sun can be soothing for sore muscles and joints, particularly for smaller breeds that may feel the chill more easily. - Watch Out for Overheating
Too much sun can be harmful, leading to dehydration, overheating, or even sunburn on exposed areas like the nose or ears. It’s essential to limit your pup’s sunbathing sessions, especially during the peak heat of the day. - Provide a Cool Retreat
If your dog enjoys sunbathing outdoors, ensure their comfort and safety by providing a shaded area to retreat to. On hot decks or patios, dark surfaces can become scorching. Place a towel, small rug, or cooling mat where your dog can lie down comfortably. A chair, chaise lounge, or umbrella nearby can also offer shaded respite from direct sunlight. - Monitor Behavior
Dogs often signal when they’ve had enough sun. Bonnie, for instance, barked to let you know when she wanted to go out and again when she was ready to come back inside. Pay attention to these cues and always ensure your dog has access to fresh water. - A Balanced Approach
While brief sunbathing sessions are generally safe and enjoyable, balance is key. Keep an eye on the weather and your dog’s behavior to ensure their time in the sun is a healthy, happy experience.
- The Benefits of Sunbathing
With the right precautions, sunbathing can remain one of Bonnie’s—and any dog’s—favorite pastimes!