Deb D’Andrea, 
Nederland

As the holiday season winds down, we find ourselves with time on our hands to spend with loved ones without holiday pressures. For myself, I am looking forward to short winter dog hikes, warm nights sitting with the pups by the wood burning stove watching a good movie or reading, and the length of daylight increasing as we transition into the New Year.

This morning the sun was blazing as the girls and I strolled across the back field, fooling us into thinking it was warmish out. Heck, I didn’t even have a jacket on and was fine for the short time we were outside. We made it half way across the field when Tiki started quickly lifting a front paw, an indication her feet were too cold to be out for long. They did their business and we headed inside. I threw another log on the fire and looked at the temperature. Yes, it was about 9 degrees!

Tiki and Bear have booties for these types of temperatures to help protect their feet; and Tiki has a jacket to help keep her little shaved head and neck warm. Neither of them wants to be outside for long in these temperatures, something to keep in mind when you’re out with your pups for a morning walk or winter hike. They let us know very quickly when temperatures are uncomfortable and my rule of thumb is, if I’m cold, they’re cold. At 9 degrees, I admittedly didn’t want to be out for long.

While the girls enjoy their morning walks, they also enjoy relaxing in the warmth inside, napping for hours at a time. It is winter, a good time to chill, enjoy and curl up together. It is a good time to be a dog. If I head out without them to run into town or to a friends, I check that the wood burning stove is locked down, that they have plenty of fresh water, and I limit my time away to short trips. With cold temperatures, they can quickly become chilled sitting in the car for even short trips; so while they’re not thrilled that they don’t get to go, it’s better for them to stay warm at home.

Here’s to you and yours—wishing you a safe and happy 2014! Tiki, Bear and I look forward to continuing doing what we do at 4TheLuvOfDogz, Making Tails Wag Better.

Till next time…Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz, provides mobile Canine Massage, PawQuatics, Canine Agility and Petz Nanny Services. Her home-made dog treats are sold at local stores, and 4TheLuvOfDogz K9Birthday Cakes are available direct. Deb Petz Nanny’s for dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses, etc. Contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or info@4theluvofdogz.com.