An Experiment

Gracie has been acting rather depressed lately.  I wondered if it was indeed time for another dog.  I have asked this question so many times that Gracie and Kiki usually leave the room – and Rescue Daddy’s patience must be wearing thin.

I constantly preach about the need to provide your furry friend with lots of exercise.  It occurred to me that this could be the problem.  It rained for many days then we had an ice storm on Friday.  We have had frigid weather too. 

Yesterday, the weather was tolerable, meaning it was not raining or snowing.  I spent as much time outside with Gracie as I could.  We took several “walkies” instead of a couple of long walkies, as we normally do on weekends.  Rescue Daddy tossed toys and played tug with Gracie.  We both talked and cuddled with her.

Gracie seemed more engaged and excited than she has been in a while.  We think Gracie’s “depression” is just plain old cabin fever.  She is sick of being stuck in the house during this dreary winter, just like us!

If your buddy is acting differently, be sure to look at the whole picture.  Gracie’s appetite has been fine.  Her ”potty breaks”  have been normal.  Her coat looks good.  Her gums are not pale.  If she had anything out of the ordinary occurring, we would have taken her to the vet. 

Gracie just informed me that it is time for a trip to Kiawah.  Well, Gracie, use that keen sense of smell to find us some money, and we will go!

Rescue Mommy

Winter Safety Tips

Like it or not, winter is here. It brings all the usual hassles of the season. Don’t forget your pets are having just as difficult a time as you are. Here are a few things to consider:

• Ice melt is not your pet’s friend. It may work wonders for clearing sidewalks and roads, but it is extremely hazardous for pets. While some brands claim to be pet friendly, most are not. If your pet travels through a spot where these chemicals are used, please be sure to carefully clean your buddy’s paws upon return from your walk. You can consider booties; I have not found any that work well, though. Then again, I did not purchase $50 booties for Gracie.

• Baby, it’s cold outside. If your pet is an outside pet, please consider let him or her come inside during cold temps. (This is particularly important with the very young or very old, who have a tough time staying warm.) Please provide adequate shelter if it is not possible to bring your pet indoors. Check water bowls regularly as they frequently freeze in colder temps.

• Don’t forget your sweater, dear. Dogs who do not have thick coats (think Greyhounds) get colder quicker than, say, a Husky. Please consider placing a coat on your pet when the temp drops.

• Snowballs are for throwing, not wearing. When you return from your walkie, please examine your pet and remove any snowballs you find. Snow tends to accumulate between the pads of a dog’s feet, creating very uncomfortable blocks of ice. This happens frequently if your dog has furry paws.

Just as we must take a few extra steps to personally stay safe and comfortable during winter, we must do the same for our little buddies. Before you know, spring will be here…and then we can worry about ticks and heat stroke! Whoopie – it’s always something!

Rescue Mommy

Lands' End Squall Snow Pants

OK, the Lands’ End commercial continues.

I had been looking at these pants for weeks. During Black Friday, they had a good sale, so I purchased them. Oh, where have you been all my life?

Lest you think I am a total wimp, I can handle average winter temperatures just fine. I draw the line, though, at 0 to 20 degrees, with 30 mph winds and wind chills below zero. Add a bunch of snow. That is intolerable.

These pants are fantastic. When Rescue Daddy and I were shoveling snow, I was actually hot. Yes, HOT – in 15 degree weather, with driving wind!

The pants are lined with Thinsulate. The exterior fabric is some sort of tight weave material that blocks wind and stays dry in the snow. The pants do not feel that thick, but they really provide a lot of warmth. When I have worn the pants subsequent times, I have not needed thermal underwear underneath.

The waistband features Velcro tabs that allow you to adjust the waistline. This is a great feature because the sizes seem to be a bit big.

While the pants seem like a bit of a splurge, they are cheaper than other ski-type pants I have seen. As I said on Wednesday, when you are freezing outside, you would be willing to pay any price for warmth. Put these pants on your Christmas wish list.

Rescue Mommy

Lands' End Snow Pack Boots

As I mentioned last week, I have been upgrading my winter gear. Last year’s brutal winter was just too much. Unfortunately, this year is not looking all that great either.

I bought these boots two weeks ago. They are fantastic!! On Monday, wind chills were at zero and below. My feet were warm and dry.

The boots have a faux shearling lining from top to bottom. The top of the foot is covered in seemingly waterproof rubber. The upper part of the boot is suede-like.

The boots are a bit heavy. You will need to wear a thick pair of socks because, like most snow boots, the shoe is a bit “generous” in sizing. However, I would highly recommend these boots if you are looking for something to keep your feet toasty.

Yes, they are a bit pricey. Check Lands’ Ends’ site though. They have offered some really great deals lately. Plus, let’s face it. When you are standing in a foot of snow, with 50 mph winds, how much would you pay for warm feet?

Rescue Mommy

Snow Report

We are in the middle of our second storm in a week. Ridiculous!

We lost Internet access Sunday afternoon. Fortunately, we have not lost electricity and hope we will not.

We have at least 8 inches at this point, more in the drifts. Frankly, it is too cold to check. Who wants to stand outside to do it?

We hope you are warm and safe wherever you are!

Rescue Mommy & Daddy

Land's End Down Parka

Whoopie – winter is here! (I say that with great sarcasm.) Last winter was absolutely brutal here. After years of mild winters, we had cold temperatures and snow earlier and longer in the season. The 30-minute, twice daily walks with Gracie made me long for better winter gear.

One purchase I made was a Land’s End down parka. It is fantastic. The cuffs have fleece on the inside, which gives a nice illusion of warmth in frigid temperatures. The fabric is also water resistant. I tested it once again on Saturday when we had pouring rain/sleet/snow.

I mention this because I have spotted some great deals on their website. You might want to whisper a wish for a parka in Santa’s ear. You will love it if you take long walks with your buddy – or are just tired of being cold!

Rescue Mommy