Dreaming of Spring

We’ve been suffering through some really cold temperatures for Southern Illinois with negative wind chill, snow, and generally bitter and dangerous winter weather.
Ivan and Dasa are not fond of ice, snow, rain, dew or any other form of moisture on the ground. They do not think water in any form is appropriate for them to step in, ever. After last week’s snow we cleared the patio and shoveled some spots in the backyard so grass is visible. Dasa gets worried and confused if she can’t find any grass. However, when she could see some grass, she was a very brave little girl and trotted out to quickly potty. Ivan, on the other hand, was convinced the backyard must be the only place with all that nasty white stuff, and refused to poop until we wrestled him into two coats and booties and took him for a short walk.

On chilly mornings, Ivan holds up a paw to step into his sweater. He’s a smart boy. Dasa always tries to be helpful, so wriggling her into a sweater is easy. We have blankets of varying sizes all over the house so there’s one within reach every time a small dog curls up to nap. They do not like cold, and they are more than happy to spend cold winter days in sweaters, under the covers on a dog bed, couch, or people bed. Dasa prefers to be on her people bed, wrapped in blankies. Ivan likes his heaters. Make no mistake, they are his heaters.

Ivan prefers a dog bed placed strategically in front of the heater. After he circles the correct number of times, whatever that number might be, he settles in and sighs contentedly when I cover him with a blanket. His favorite spot for napping in front of his heater is in my office. He is a very diligent little office helper, snoozing away while I toil at my computer.

It’s such a nice feeling to see little ears poking out from under blankets and know my babies are safe, warm, and probably dreaming of spring.