change in temperature Archives - Owl Medicine: Shamanic Healing

Cold Snap – Brutus & Pacha’s First Jackets – Photo: L. Weikel

Cold Snap

Yesterday afternoon’s wild line of storms that barged through our area ushered in an entirely new season. We’re now navigating some deliciously brisk fall weather! In fact, I’d almost go as far as to say we’re enjoying the first cold snap of the season. And let me tell you: there are two short-haired Boston Terrier puppies who take serious umbrage at this turn of events!

Pacha and Brutus are utterly worn out this evening. The sudden change in seasons wears us all out, pups. We humans can relate; at least I know the two-leggeds you’ve chosen to live with can.

Watching their reaction to the sudden shift in temperatures was fascinating. It started last night. Trying to get them to tinkle outside when it was not only raining but the temperature had dropped 30 degrees or so was, umm, frustrating. They obviously wanted no part of that nonsense.

Both of them immediately headed back onto the porch, demanding immediate re-entry into the warm (dry) house. It was a test of wills. Back and forth. Again and again. I have to give it to them (especially Pacha): they are stubborn. Ultimately, I’d say it was a draw, which isn’t exactly the best outcome, but oh well.

Sheila: Mother of a Grand Tradition of Warmth – Photo: L. Weikel

This Shivering

Oh my, let me tell you. The shivering we witnessed today! As it is, they’re tiny and adorable little Beings. But when they start trembling and looking up at you with those irresistible puppy eyes? Putty. You turn to putty. Naturally, lap time was essential.

I was quickly dispatched to locate some appropriate fall weather fashions to keep these sensitive loves warm. Sheila and Spartacus had long since grown out of any puppy-sized sweaters or coats. In fact, we walked so often and so religiously that they wore out most of their clothing. Spartacus was definitely wearing some threadbare ensembles last year.

The other day, Pacha balked at wearing a harness that required her to put her head through a loop. (Brutus couldn’t care less.) I was surprised to find a harness for her that just allows her to step into it. No over-the-head stuff involved. (Wow, these dogs are spoiled. Sheila and Spartacus never had so many options.)

I was wondering, then, how they would react to putting on a ‘coat.’ Suffice it to say, there was no need. In true Boston Terrier fashion, they took to these fleece jackets like ducks to water. Not a single struggle or whimper; indeed, both fell deeply asleep as soon as they got warm and cozy.

Bottom Line

The ultimate take-away from this experience so far is that donning warm fleece jackets may be just the ticket to lulling two little puppies to sleep.

Can you imagine how hard they’re going to fall for the fireplace? I suspect that’s when we’re going to see some major inter-species snuggling (and vying for the best spots in front of the hearth).

Every day holds a new adventure. Thanks for sharing them with us!

(T-40)

First Taste

Wild winds and driving rain galloped through our area this evening, heralding a cold front that will give us our first taste of the incoming late fall/early winter season. No, not snow – at least so far as I can tell from The Weather Channel. But by Wednesday we’re only supposed to reach a high of 41 – with a low of 24 degrees! Brr!

When the temperatures drop precipitously, I find myself wanting to curl up in a blanket with a good book and my beloved beasts cuddled up beside me. I’m also a little unsettled by the sleepiness that overtakes me when the wind howls and the glider gets blown off the porch.

It’s almost as if my processors just need to shut down for a bit. Or maybe it’s that I need to be unplugged and allowed to re-set.

I’m Not Alone

I was sitting on the couch earlier and heard a god-awful snoring. Mind you, I miss Sheila incredibly much – and she was the worst of the worst. Her snoring would definitely have warranted, had she been human, some sort of intervention, perhaps a C-Pap machine. But alas, it’s been almost two full months since she’s been gone and it wasn’t until I heard the massive snoring behind my head that I realized just how quiet our house has become in the cacophonous sleeping department.

No, it was Precious. She was deeply asleep and clearly snuggled in for the night.

I made a short video clip of her sonorous slumber and also snagged a couple shots of her blissful face in repose.

She had it right. Sleep. Deep sleep.

Plant Those Seeds?

I hope you gave yourselves the gift of at least devoting a few minutes over this weekend to reflecting on the transformation and creations you want to be a part of as we move forward. There’s a lot going on.

I planted some seeds today; tried something new. Made a commitment and followed through with it – created a container I’ve been wanting to offer for a few months.

As I take my first tentative steps forward, I’ll be writing about it here. Soon. And offering it on a wider scale as I establish my foundations. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the courageous ‘early-adopters.’

In the meantime, at the moment at least, I’m going to follow Precious’s cue, catch some zzzs, pull the plug and re-set.

(T-376)