No, they didn't supply me with santy-panties. I wonder if they even know such a thing exists? I didn't, and just had to google it. Both my dogs are spayed and this is my first experience with a dog in heat.

I'm beginning to understand now how unplanned dog pregnancies might happen. The temptation to let your dog stay outside during the messier parts of this process must be strong, and male dogs can smell a female in heat for miles (according to my research online, anyway.) Even just letting your dog out briefly for an unsupervised potty break is risky. I'll be keeping a close eye on Hera while she's outside, especially since one of the neighbor's pit bulls is not neutered. I've read accounts of dogs climbing fences to get to one another, and I sincerely hope that won't be the case here!