A Break for Dakoa

The bitter temps and snow have been especially hard on our canines. I am so glad that I got Dakota booties before the sub-zero temps hit. WE got into a routine of getting them on quickly and putting the coat on so as to make it pleasent and fun for him. Who am I kidding? He wasn't thrilled but he was patient and did accept all of the dressing and undressing.

Today the temps moderated enough so that he could go out without any booties or coat. To his delight it has been snowing lightly. That was THE perfect combination for Dakota. When I went to open the door for him, he hesitated and looked up at me as if to say --"You're really going to let me out without all of that other stuff?" He started out the door and then saw the snow coming down. He was in his glory. He dashed across the deck with Boo Boo Bear on into the snow in the yard. He immediately dropped down to roll and roll and roll. Not only one, not only twice, but three times before he even thought about stopping. Then he stood up and shook all of the snow off, looked up at me with the biggest smile I've ever seen, wagged his tail, whipped around, grabbed his bear and off he went looking for the rabbit. Finally he came in and waited for his treat. But it wasn't long before he wanted out again. So far we've been through this routine for three rounds. He's had a wonderful day. I'm so glad for the break. We are heading down to the minus side again and we'll have to get the booties and coat out again. But it shouldn't be a long spell this time.

He is such a joy to watch outside. You can see he's catching up on all he missed for those 10 years and I don't think the well will ever be filled but he's sure working at it.