Hello Madam Foxtail, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Thank you for having me here today, and please call me, Foxy. I’m a little spikelet whose generations have been blowing around these parts for ages.
Madam Foxtail, I mean Foxy, can you tell us a little bit about what is happening this spring and summer?
I’ve waited all winter and have just been blooming to spread my awns and soak up some summer sunshine. Over the winter I attended a solstice seminar to help me reach my potential and become more engaged throughout the community.
Foxy, what type of comments and remarks do you hear from the pet owners?
Oh, my favorite is “My dog won’t stop shaking his head”. That’s because I love to get into the ear canal and just tickle…tickle.
Another great one is, “ AHHHHHHH CHOOOOOOOO”. And that just goes on, while the dog is pawing at the nose or rubbing his face. When I’m inhaled in the nasal cavity that creates a lot of sneezing and irritation.
I like to get in between the dog’s paws. That is a great sweaty place to hang out. The dog starts licking a draining tract I leave behind and the next thing I hear from the owner is, “Not Again!!!”
Foxy, who are some of the other groups you have collaborated with in the area?
I’m usually hanging out single, but there are times I get together with some girlfriends and stir up some real trouble. Meadow, a little grass seedling, can be pretty rambunctious. Last year I spent a lot of time hanging out with Garrison Grass but he turned out to be a creep.
Can you share with us some of your biggest fears and concerns you have when first starting out?
I always worry that when your dog is shaking, rubbing, or licking the affected area where I have concealed myself, the owner will discover me and take their dog to the veterinarian.
I just need a couple days ignored to really be a menace leading to redness of the skin or eye; and a stinky infection or non-healing wound to develop.
Thanks for taking the time to speak with us today. Are there any last inspirational thoughts or words to share with us?
Long live summer.
Protect your pet from foxtails.
Look between your pet’s toes, inside their nose and ears, and also through their fur.
(You’ll want to use a fine-toothed comb if your dog has long fur.)
If you find a foxtail, remove and discard it immediately.
