Article: If you know that dogs frequent a particular area, choose another path for your walk. This is especially important if the dogs are strays as they are more likely to be hungry or territorial.  While it's common for dogs to share walkways with people, think about how comfortable you are around dogs before you go to an area that is popular for dog walking. Dogs can sense emotions and will know if you're uncomfortable, which could trigger a stressed dog. Be on guard while walking on country roads. Unwanted dogs are often dumped in the country and left to fend for themselves, which leads to roaming dogs along country roads. Always carry a big stick and other protective items such as a stun gun while walking alone on a country road. If you are going on a walk to explore a new area, ask the locals about the likelihood of dog encounters. Dogs roam in packs in some countries or rural areas, so get information about how to stay safe before you go exploring. Dogs are very territorial and will aggressively defend their home. If you see a dog or know that a dog lives at a particular house, change up your route to avoid the dog. Large dogs can jump fences if they're agitated. If you see a dog that is walking near you or is engaged in an activity nearby, don't walk up on it. It's best to quietly walk in the opposite direction. Surprising a dog can make even the gentlest dog act out aggressively because it's afraid.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Choose safer places to walk. Cross the street if you see a fenced in dog. Be sure not to surprise a dog.

Problem: Article: How to get excused for sick days depends on where you work and live. In the UK, for example, employers can’t ask for proof of illness unless you’ve missed a week or more of work. In the US, things are more complicated.  US companies can ask for justification before giving you sick leave. Your boss is legally allowed to ask questions about your condition or to demand a doctor’s note, even if the illness is minor.  However, companies CAN’T demand to know your diagnosis or other private medical information. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers from obtaining medical info that is not strictly job-related. A doctor only needs to write that you were examined and need time off. Ask around to see what your workplace requires. Companies may ask for proof in case of “suspicious” absences, like missing too many Mondays or Fridays, or they may simply have a blanket policy. Your sick note will have to be signed or stamped by a doctor or medical professional. Most likely, you’ll have to schedule an appointment so that she can assess your condition and then certify your absence.  Certain employers might ask for a doctor’s note for minor illnesses like the flu, food poisoning, or even the common cold. This is legal in some places.  For longer absences, the doctor may have to attest that you are not fit to work and specify when or how you can return to work. Some practices offer telephone consultations. If your doctor is booked up or you have a fairly minor illness, see whether she is willing to assess you over the phone. If you are already being treated at a hospital or another medical institution, a doctor there can issue a sick note or a certificate confirming that you were a patient. Submit this to your workplace as proof.  You may be treated by a professional who is not a medical doctor but a nurse, physiotherapist, or a mental health therapist. You might be able to ask them for a letter or a copy of your hospital discharge summary as proof. Keep in mind that documents like discharge summaries contain private, confidential data. You do not have to give this sort of detail to your employer. You might have to give documentation or comply with additional policies, especially if your absence is long. Make sure that you do so.  Fill out a self-certification form, if needed. In the UK, your employer can ask you to fill one out for their records if you have missed less than a week of work.  In Canada, your employer can request a formal medical certificate for extended sick leave within 15 days of your return to work.  Have a doctor fill out a “reasonable accommodation form” if you need special consideration after sick leave, when returning to work. This will inform your employer of your condition, any limits it places on you, and how you can perform your duties.
Summary: Figure out the rules. Schedule a doctor’s appointment. Get a sick note directly, if you are under medical care. Follow any other workplace policies.

Songwriters come in all shapes and sizes. If you're wanting to get serious as a songwriter, you should get an idea of the direction you would like to take. Some songwriters write music to play themselves, while others work for publishing agencies and have their material used by famous artists. The vast majority of songwriters also have particular genres they're most inclined to write in. Take a moment to imagine the sort of songwriter you would like to be. The most successful songwriters listen to a wide variety of musical styles. This is because work isn't always available in one style. If you're aiming to make a living from your songs, you'll need to cover the range of popular musical styles. What's more, being versed in a variety of genres will open new doors to be inspired by. Don't be afraid to listen to types of music you don't normally listen to. As always, it's a good idea to look at hits from a variety of styles and eras. This will offer you the most dynamic insight into what a "hit" is, and how you can replicate that success. Here are a few hit songs you might look at for the sake of a good example:  "Roundabout" by Yes. "Yesterday" by the Beatles. "Trains" by Porcupine Tree. "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson. If you're thirsting for inspiration, there are few places as well-suited to get the creative fires stoked as a live concert. Not only will you get to watch an artist passionate interpret a collection of songs, you'll also be able to see the life-affirming effect music has on the listeners. By the time you get back home, you should have a refreshed perspective on the reasons why you want to write songs. Inspiration doesn't come to those who idle. Even if you're fixated on writing music, the only way you'll be properly inspired is if you are getting out and doing things. Spend time with friends, or go out to see  new film. The more fresh stimulation your mind has, the more potential you'll have to be inspired about something.
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One-sentence summary --
Decide on the kind of songwriter you want to be. Broaden your musical horizons. Analyze a variety of hit songs. Attend a live concert. Stay busy.