Hard to believe that a week ago, I was outside without a coat.  In fact, my winter coat felt superfluous to my travel packing.  Harder still to imagine that exactly a week ago, I was waiting for a tornado to pass.  Meanwhile today, I am bundled up against the wind and snow!

Even yesterday, it was 65 degrees and walking in the rain with Verbal was somewhat of a pleasure.  Today, however, there is no such luck.

It was cold enough today that before our afternoon walk, I took the trouble of bundling up Verbal.  Which meant enduring what we call his ‘fleece-rage’ – a canine version of teenage petulance..”Awe, mom…”  Despite his moping, glaring, and general doggie disdain, I bundled him in a fleece and we headed out to face the forces of nature.

I confess that if Verbal wasn’t a senior dog, I wouldn’t have had the patience for the fleece-rage.  Unfortunately, these days I notice a bit more of the slowness of step, lack of sure-footedness, and a general loss of vision and hearing.  So, when Verbal wants to wander outside in a snowstorm in search of doggie delights in the form of scented bushes and a visit to the horse paddock, I really can’t deprive him.  I know only too well that his time is precious and fleeting.  The least I can do is make all of his days pleasurable.  I endure the weather I loathe so that he can enjoy the elements that bring a little spring to his step.

Verbal is now curled up on his bed, which I have brought out beside the desk.  I have rolled the electric heater nearby, and Verbal enjoys his dog nap pampered, warm, and adored.  I am hoping that he is beyond content.

So while the rest of my day feels less productive than I would like, I am comforted by the fact that I have provided one sweet soul a blissful winter afternoon.  Not too shabby for a gray day in March.

As ever,

K. Quinn