Cold and Restless
It is cold in Chicago. I'm not complaining, it just is. Cold. My dog comes in from a brief time outside to take care of her business and she's shivering from head to toe. In fact, (she cracks me up), she starts to shiver as she walks to the door, before I open it, before she goes out. Yes. She's Ruby, my short-haired Viszla high strung eight year old. I do put a sweater on her. She also has a heavy duty blanket/coat, like horses wear, for longer walks.
The real problem with this cold are the brief bursts of moisture we get at night which promptly turn to ice on the cold ground. Sidewalks are covered in layers of ice. It's treacherous!
So, the really real problem with this cold and ice is that I can't walk my dogs. Not only do I fear slipping and injuring myself but I worry about my dogs on the ice. Roxie, my13 year old dog,is having issues with her hind legs, a spinal/nerve degeneration issue. She's very feeble - even as she is incredibly strong and healthy for a 13 year old. And then there's Ruby who I fear would just be too cold. And then there's Emmy, our baby pit bull/border collie mix, who would be fine.
Actually both Roxie and Emmy LOVE the cold and the snow. I think Ruby is ok in it if she is warm enough. But if you have ever had dogs who are use to being walked, dogs who are suddenly home-bound do to the weather...well, you can imagine the restless energy in my house. Thankfully I have a stash of toys that I can pull out, a new toy every day or so. These toys become the means of great entertainment as the dogs tussle and compete for the toy and eventually tear the toy to pieces trying to get the stuffing and the squeeky out. Once the squeeky is out I have to throw the shredded toy parts away, quickly, for fear the dogs will consume the squeeky.
Yup. That's how I'm living this week. And the worst is yet to come - a high of 9 degrees is expected for Friday. Winter is half over and I'm not complaining. Just trying to stay warm and keep these dogs entertained.
The real problem with this cold are the brief bursts of moisture we get at night which promptly turn to ice on the cold ground. Sidewalks are covered in layers of ice. It's treacherous!
So, the really real problem with this cold and ice is that I can't walk my dogs. Not only do I fear slipping and injuring myself but I worry about my dogs on the ice. Roxie, my13 year old dog,is having issues with her hind legs, a spinal/nerve degeneration issue. She's very feeble - even as she is incredibly strong and healthy for a 13 year old. And then there's Ruby who I fear would just be too cold. And then there's Emmy, our baby pit bull/border collie mix, who would be fine.
Actually both Roxie and Emmy LOVE the cold and the snow. I think Ruby is ok in it if she is warm enough. But if you have ever had dogs who are use to being walked, dogs who are suddenly home-bound do to the weather...well, you can imagine the restless energy in my house. Thankfully I have a stash of toys that I can pull out, a new toy every day or so. These toys become the means of great entertainment as the dogs tussle and compete for the toy and eventually tear the toy to pieces trying to get the stuffing and the squeeky out. Once the squeeky is out I have to throw the shredded toy parts away, quickly, for fear the dogs will consume the squeeky.
Yup. That's how I'm living this week. And the worst is yet to come - a high of 9 degrees is expected for Friday. Winter is half over and I'm not complaining. Just trying to stay warm and keep these dogs entertained.
Comments
I have never forgotten .... so you have my sympathies and hopes that the ice melts soon.