Where will you stoop to scoop when the power’s down?

Picture this: there’s a blackout. The elevators are down. And your bulldog has to pee. Again. So, you pick him up and walk down 18 flights of stairs. And, when he’s done being a good boy, you hoist him over your shoulder and trudge all the way back up.

A few years ago, the elevators in my building went on strike. For me, it was a nuisance. For people on higher floors, it was worse than that. And for the people with dogs… especially older big dogs… well, my heart went out to them. Fortunately, the issue was fixed after a few days. But, in the event of societal chaos, that may not be the case.

In the event of prolonged catastrophe, how will you deal with your dog’s biological needs? Will you set up a corner of the balcony with a litter box? Or a spot in the corner of a room? Use puppy pads? And what will you do when those run out?

I recommend you NOT consider training him to use the bathtub. If there’s a blackout, filling the tub can provide a lifesaving reservoir of water.

Your dog may not be safe outside. In the event of food riots, your best friend may look a lot like dinner to someone else. That nice neighbour may prioritize his hungry children’s well-being over your beloved doggo. And, unlike you, he didn’t prepare for shortages.

So what are the options? Is there a spot on the rooftop that residents near the top of the building could use? Thinking these issues through in advance could prove useful… because when TSHTF, people will have more pressing issues to consider.