Sky talk and small talk

Everyone is gathered and bundled around the fireplace this week, passing the time like we're hosting a 1950's radio segment. The commentary has been riveting stuff, truly. But when it sounds like your roof is about to file for relocation and float down the street, that is exactly the topic of discussion.

I wouldn't say my dogs LOVE the rain, a drizzle they don't even notice, even a slight passing rain storm doesn't seem to phase them.

"Ah yes...this again. Acceptable" or "Rain? Bring it on.. where's my ball?"

Humans and dogs alike around here definitely accept and embrace the rain in these long and soggy months. It's basically an excuse for puddle jumping or even at times an ooo natural spa day!

The question has surfaced more than a few times this week though, "How do we keep our beloved fur friends dry, happy, healthy and ourselves sane through this canoe and rafting audition?!" It's not the most ideal weather conditions for our fluffy friends but we do our best by putting on our best hat, figuratively and literally, and jump in with both feet.... figuratively and literally.

Out comes the high speed dryer with the dehumidifier cranked to high in the background. Ears get shook, thoroughly dried and powdered and towels get brought out in generous stacks. Coats get combed out and fluffed in between pockets of monsooning. Even though I don't put coats on my dogs here as that would simply be inviting a disaster with a pack of obsessive munching maniacs, I absolutely would put a coat on my dog in this weather, if I only had one. With the options that are out there these days for coats, who wouldn't want to strut this style every single day! Style factor and high cuteness factor aside, the practicality of a coat is faster drying time coming home after a fall walk in the dampness we've been blessed with recently. Curly coats are dry and fluffy again in no time and smiles are ear to ear top notch.

Even though we have the practicality of how to stay dry and sane down through these wet and drippy months my mindset also is dialed in so I don't wrap myself up in the thought that I'm going to live in this 'Noah era' forever. Soon enough the crocus's will surface, my favorite, the rhubarb will arise, also a long time favorite of mine, and the skies will open up with warmth and welcome new life. I squeeze my beloved furry faces as the leaves whip around us and I thank them daily for not cycling quite yet as the longer they put off their cycles this go round, the further into spring we get for babies. As much as many of you say "I understand mother nature, and will honor and respect the plan that is unbeknownst to us, I will be grateful for a pup whenever I am blessed to bring one into our hearts and home" ... The rain falls in endless buckets and you realize your gum boots have holes in them and you haven't replaced them in years, you hear stories of new pups down right refusing to pee in the rain and the wind trying to de cloak you at every chance it gets.... I pull you on board in the thought of being grateful for being seasoned by the seasons but also in the same relieving breath, also being grateful for delayed time. So so grateful for my furry friends.

On another practical level, spring pups offer just enough breaks in the heavens to give potty training a welcoming invitation but also it gives families the time to get new pups fully vaccinated and ready for the magical summer adventuring ahead that your family has planned, hoped for and dreamt about for so long. I quietly whisper to my girls.. "hold off a bit longer would ya?"

On the small talk front... my baby, my small, my little of the pack turned 1. My darling Anya Bae marked this yearly milestone with overwhelming beauty, grace and sweetness that simply takes your breath away. She revealed her calm, even-tempered sweet demeanor and spirit almost immediately and continues to do so every second. She was a darling puppy so eager to please and today she also continues to be good as gold. Every one of us falls for her more and more each and every day.

She is in strong competition with her half sister Neema around here for striking beauty and elegance but with her long legs she is is definitely striding the princess carpet with intention. She gains width and blockiness more and more every time I double take the 2 sisters and at times, I have a hard time telling them apart. Neema still is holding strong the stocky, stout, wide with pride title but Anya is coming up with rapid purpose to try to claim the queen of the land title. She poses for me constantly and makes the perfect model to fill up my camera roll with endless photos of this beautiful girl. She goes in next week to run a few more health tests that are on her list and we will continue to check them off into the new year. So proud to have this girl here within our pack.

Sending everyone from all of us here, all our best as you walk out with confidence into this wet but beautiful morning laced with gorgeous autumn colors in every corner.