Butter the Akita Thinks Phuket Summer Is a Plot

Butter is my five-year-old Akita, and he is built for snow, not for Phuket in April. Every afternoon he lies flat on the cool tile, sighing as if the whole world has betrayed him. Our walks have turned into a negotiation. I've learned a few things. We go out before seven in the morning, when there's still a hint of breeze and the pavement hasn't soaked up the sun. I check the ground with my hand first, and if I can't keep my palm there for seven seconds, we turn back. I also bring a foldable bowl, because Butter will drink from anything with water in it, including my flip flops. After walks, I wipe his paws with a damp cloth and check between his toes for little cuts. He is not thrilled about this, but he tolerates it when a cold treat is waiting. Not my finest parenting moment, but it works.