Life with dogs is full of joy. When considering what snapshots I photographed over the last week would best express the exuberance of each moment the dogs and I enjoy together, I wondered if I should share a picture of what makes me happy or something that brings the dogs joy. The list of what Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley find blissful suddenly became longer than what just a few snapshots could describe. As I perused a weeks worth of photos, I decided to compromise on photographs that show merriment in things the dogs and I both enjoy. The most important of our common joy is being outside most especially in the winter sunshine. Whatever the weather, we all love a walk. Finally, I chose photos that express how joyful Cascadia, Seattle and specifically how jubilant our Super Bowl bound Seattle Seahawks make us all. Life here is the definition of perfection as evidenced by the tail and smiles of a dachshund, corgi and collie in this weeks snapshots. I am also made merry by sharing these peeks of the joyful life we lead.
Typist: Bethany Life with dogs is full of joy. When considering what snapshots I photographed over the last week would best express the exuberance of each moment the dogs and I enjoy together, I wondered if I should share a picture of what makes me happy or something that brings the dogs joy. The list of what Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley find blissful suddenly became longer than what just a few snapshots could describe. As I perused a weeks worth of photos, I decided to compromise on photographs that show merriment in things the dogs and I both enjoy. The most important of our common joy is being outside most especially in the winter sunshine. Whatever the weather, we all love a walk. Finally, I chose photos that express how joyful Cascadia, Seattle and specifically how jubilant our Super Bowl bound Seattle Seahawks make us all. Life here is the definition of perfection as evidenced by the tail and smiles of a dachshund, corgi and collie in this weeks snapshots. I am also made merry by sharing these peeks of the joyful life we lead. Do you and your dog have joyful things in common? Share this post:
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Typist: Bethany My road to learning about keeping dogs warm has been an interesting adventure in itself. Dog warmth wasn't something my family ever worried about since we only ever had Siberian huskies. We were always careful of the huskies physical condition in hot weather or when backpacking. My dad taught me about caring for the dogs feet in cold weather but that was all I had ever needed to know about dogs in harsh environments. My first dog as an adult, Tynan, was obviously not a husky but his fur was rugged enough to keep him safe in any weather we encountered at home or in travels through Cascadia. Then Tynan's cancer treatment made his previously luxurious, water repellent fur dry and thin. So I got him a coat and boots. Tynan loved his coat and boots. Unfortunately, among all of the wonderful things Tynan taught Wilhelm, loving to wear warm clothes was not one of them. Wilhelm hates wearing anything. However Wilhelm's fur has never been warm or water repellent. In fact it is the opposite. Yet Wilhelm has been snowshoeing and camping with me since he was a puppy. I have learned a lot about keeping my little dog warm throughout our adventures together and I have put together some adventure dog tips for staying safely warm. Layer Upon Layer Of Warmth Hating coats seems to be an instinct Wilhelm was born with but he was also born with a natural desire to burrow. So I never go anywhere without at least one medium sized fleece blanket to keep him warm. I wrap him in it when we settle into our tent for the night or when we return from a cold outdoor outing. A blanket is often the outer layer of other coats and sweatshirts. It depends on the weather and our outdoor activity but Wilhelm has a base layer, a windproof layer and a water resistant layer with varying leg coverage. Layering is always a great warmth system for humans or dogs because it can change as the weather or activities do. Wilhelm can choose to remove the blanket or I can take any unnecessary layers off. I don't believe I could ever travel with too many dog coats or blankets. Check, Check and Check Again No matter what adventure my dogs and I are on, I am constantly checking in on their health, especially when it is cold. I remove my gloves to feel the dogs ears and feet, making sure their blood is pumping enough to keep their extremities warm. If we are camping, I wake up several times in the night to do this same check. If necessary, I recover the dogs with blankets or add extra blankets. We never camp in temperatures extreme enough for hypothermia to occur but I know the signs and I take extreme care when we are snowshoeing. At the first sign of a shiver, we get back to shelter as quickly as possible. Wilhelm is the dog most likely to shiver and he can be carried back to warmth inside of my coat. I also carry instant heat packets in my first aid kit if I need help keeping myself or a dog warm on the way to safety.
Warm Dogs At The Top There are so many spectacular views to be enjoyed from snowy peaks or chilly locales. Ever since my first snowshoe up the Glade Trail on Mount Hood with Tynan, I have enjoyed packing a picnic lunch. Yet I always remember that it is harder on dogs than humans to stop and just hang out in the snow. Even if the dogs are wearing boots and coats, they don't have as many advanced fabric layers of clothing as I do. When possible, we stop in the sun. If stopping for more than a few minutes, like for a picnic, I always offer the dogs a non-snowy option for rest. This dog rest is usually a blanket but can also be a warm rock or bare ground. Human or canine, as soon as our bodies stop moving and our hearts stop pumping, the cold affects our bodies much more quickly. I continue to check the dogs physical condition and we get moving again as quickly as needed. All my life I have experienced spectacular, cold weather adventures with my dogs. All outdoor sports have their risks but I wouldn't trade a moment of any of the fun we have had for the safety of couch time by the fire. In fact, the couch time by the fire after our cold weather wanderings are made better by the exercise, bonding and excitement of our adventures together. How do you keep your dog(s) warm while enjoying the outdoors together in cold weather? Share this post: GO SEAHAWKS! (In all honesty, Amelia usually sleeps in another room while football games are on TV. However, she does like the the long walks we take before Seattle games and the celebrations after we win!) Share this post: |
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