There’s no denying, the winter scenery surrounding us here in the hills of western Massachusetts is magnificent. With the sky an azure blue, and the sun shining brightly, it’s truly a Currier and Ives winter wonderland.
So lovely to look at, but way too cold for the dogs. It’s amazing how quickly all four of our dogs can go out the door, do their business, and bolt right back inside. Within five minutes of standing in the snow in below 0 degrees temps, they are holding up one paw, then the other, while hobbling back in.
The Kongs have been a source of entertainment, stuffed with peanut butter and biscuits. These I refill several times a day. Great for their teeth, too. Sometimes I substitute low fat cream cheese (they love that!!!) for the peanut butter. Just a little stuffing keeps them busy for at least a half hour. Once satisfied, it’s off to their beds surrounding the wood stove. There they remain most of the day until I make them take their obligatory trot outside, which they would gladly forgo, if I’d let them!
I miss our daily walks with the dogs, but they’ll just have to wait. No rides in the car while doing errands around town, either. It’s hard to put these fun activities aside, but during these extraordinarily cold days, it’s all about safety for the dogs. Fortunately, English Setters, with their cat-like nature, are as happy lying around on couches and beds, as they are running out in the field. As long as they are with their family, they’re happy.