changeable weather 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)

Ridiculousness

Has anyone else written a check lately and struggled to recall what month it is? First of all, I realize that ‘writing a check,’ in and of itself, is an archaic concept that undoubtedly merits ridicule. So compounding that ridiculousness with a straight up admission that I’m having a hard time keeping track of what month it is probably puts a strain on my credibility as a contributing member of the 21^st century.

Putting that aside, I’m asking the question in all honesty. We’re only two weeks away from Halloween! I went to Pet Smart today (not to buy another toy for the pups) (really!), and I nearly fell over when I realized that the entire main aisle of the store is now dedicated to Christmas regalia and toys. CHRISTMAS.

Meanwhile, I’m sitting here on the couch, surrounded by my minions, with my front door open to a cacophony of cricket and katydid chatter. It sounds like it’s the middle of summer. And the ever-so-slight coolness of the breeze coming in feels much more summery than fall-like as well. My senses are confused.

How Quickly It All Could Change

Would any of us be surprised if two weeks from now we suddenly found ourselves under two feet of snow?

I, for one, don’t mind snow. But it wouldn’t be good for the trees. Many would still have their leaves, and snowstorms in October are notoriously ‘wet’ snows, which cling to branches and weigh them down. More leaves on trees would mean more snow piling up – increasing the potential for branches snapping or entire trees being felled.

But I have to cop to an even greater immediate concern: puppy hygiene.

It’s hard enough at the moment to catch them in the act and whisk them outside to do their business. Once it’s frigid outside? Oh yikes. I’m praying for a miracle here, guys.

Evening Sprawl – Photo: L.Weikel

For Now

So for now, before we have ‘Pacha and Brutus’s first snowfall’ photos, I am going to give you two shots of my perspective on these puppies today.

The first (at the top of this post) is the somewhat M. C. Escher-like conglomeration of paws and fur, one creature seamlessly blending into another, that greeted me when I opened my eyes this morning. It’s literally the view I enjoyed this very morning.

And the photo above, in the middle of this post, you’ll find is just ’giving the facts, Ma’am.’ We start our day together, we’ll end our day together. It’s clear to all (or me, at least) that Tigger is refusing to relinquish his ‘by my side’ status to these interlopers. Nope. He’s planted his flag. He’s here to stay. These ‘children’ can rough and tumble, bite his tail, and yip at him with all the puppy aggression they can muster. But he’s staying. By my side.

(T-42)