Ready For Spring!

As most already know, this February was the coldest on record.  I figured that out a week into the month when the temperature was -32 degrees in Waterford, PA.

Even our pups were having difficulty.

One thing you need to realize is that our two girls love the snow! They enjoy rolling in it, running around in it and eating it.

Mindy Lou likes to stick her whole head in it then come up with her snout so full of snow she sneezes, then will bury her head again which brings more sneezing and barking to get my attention.

Every day they looked forward to going out with us to feed Lizzy Bell (our goat), and to the wood furnace with my husband. 

They would cry and whine to be let out when the neighborhood red squirrel would raid the bird feeder.

Missy May would blaze a trail through the back yard with Mindy Lou following in her tracts barking the entire time as if she was cheering Missy onward to an imaginary goal.

Their adventures in the snow have gotten them into a few precarious situations also. The one that comes to mind was when Missy sunk down into the creek without realizing it and was stuck unable to climb out because the snow was too deep. She apparently didn’t realize that the snow had covered over the creek and because the water was flowing under it gave way and she fell through. 

Fortunately my son had stopped over and he was able to rescue her; the snow was up to his waist! I say fortunately my son was able to help because I still wonder if he hadn’t been here, if I would have gotten stuck too!  

They love to chase snow balls and run after the birds feeding around the bird feeders. 

There were days that Missy May would sit continually at the back door because she repeatedly wanted back out to play in the snow.

Not this year! Oh they wanted to go out at first. But would quickly want back inside.

Early one morning I needed to go out to check on Lizzy Bell. I had prepared her some special treats of lettuce, apple pieces, and carrots. The pups wanted to come with me and without thinking out we all went, trudging through the snow to Lizzy’s goat house (it happen to be -11 that morning).  I did the usual things, filling her hay bin, giving her grain along with her vegetable treat, checking her water, and giving her a [much anticipated] back rub. 

It was on the way back to the house when I noticed the pups were becoming distressed. Missy kept sitting down and lifting her paws off the snow covered ground looking at me like she was confused. Mindy kept stopping and would lift a paw up and bark at me. Within a few seconds I realized what was happening and I knew I had to get them back inside as quickly as possible. I'd call to them but they would only walk a few steps then stop again and repeat the same thing over, with Mindy barking and Missy sitting there looking pathetic with a leg up in the air then a front paw then another leg! Thankfully by continually calling them to come (I mean continually!). . .  
Missy come, Missy come, Missy come, Missy come! They sensed the urgency in my voice and we all arrived safely back in the warmth of the house. And yes, I only have to call for Missy to come because Mindy goes wherever Missy goes, but Missy doesn’t listen to us calling to Mindy to come.

So that’s where we’re at; the pups no longer asking to go out, no longer watching for the squirrel or the birds. They have become lazy and compliant only occasionally gazing out the window. The poor pups, this winter has been hard on everyone!