Have A Cuppa Hot Chocolate

Image courtesy Christmas Stocking Images

Baby, it's cold outside!

Sub-freezing temperatures have given us consecutive frosty days and frigid nights. These are the days that prompt us to bundle up in so many layers that, like Ralphie's little brother, we almost can't put our arms down.

When I stand in my warm house and peek out the window, admittedly it looks pretty. The morning swirls of ice on roofs and on the standing grass suggest the potential winter wonderland that is just around the corner.

Of course, the real eye-opener is when I go outside.

No leisurely strolls for me. I race from building to car and back again with my breath puffing in smoky clouds around my head. These are the days I forego the calories that can be burned by parking in a space at the end of the lot. I'm definitely a winter wimp.

With Indy's short-short haircut, he's not enjoying a visit outside, either. I push him out the door to do his business, and when he comes back inside he's shaking harder than a second hand washing machine. I brought out his lovely black sweater. Hey, he doesn't wear it for looks. He wears it for warmth.

This icy weather poses a whole new set of problems for pups. Check out this ASPCA link on cold weather tips as a reminder on how to keep your pet safe.  And thanks to my friend, Marty, for the suggestion on posting holiday safety tips for pets. This Pet Education link can help you keep the holidays happy for all.

Stay warm!

This n' That

We drove to the river Friday with plans to do some mowing and general clean up. On the trip down we clipped along fairly quickly.  There wasn't a lot of traffic and no major road construction. I was beginning to feel pretty sleepy when a red truck blew past us. It had to be traveling at least 80 miles per hour.

What I saw in the pickup bed made my eyes fly wide open.  A beautiful border collie, obviously full of border collie excitement, continuously paced back and forth. He'd put his front paws on the side of the bed and watch, then run to the other and do the same. Sometimes he even jumped on top of a tool box installed right behind the cab where he balanced precariously.

It was frightening! All I could think about was the driver swerving or slamming on the brakes. That poor dog would be skidding to the pavement in a heartbeat.

I pulled out my camera and took some pictures for documentation, planning to send that guy straight to court if the dog got hurt.  Pardon the fuzzy-muzzy nature of the photos since I used a telephoto lens in a bouncy truck through a dirty windshield.

Eventually the guy turned off the highway and disappeared. 

You may have noted that he had no license plate on the vehicle. I suspect if he'd been caught that the fine for failure to display a valid license plate would be greater than any punishment for animal endangerment.

Why do people think it's okay for a critter to travel in such unsafe conditions? I just don't get it.

Meanwhile, I had a little surgery on Friday for one of those lovely basal cell skin cancers...my third time...aren't I lucky? It was a small spot, but they taped me up enough to look as though half my nose had been amputated. I get to take off the monstrosity today for a tiny dot-size bandaid. It will look much less dramatic, but be way more comfortable.

Aren't I lovely? Sunglasses hide slightly swollen eye. Shots of anesthetic tend to make a person puffy, and since I'm already the reigning Queen of Poof...well, the results simply aren't pretty.

So here's my advice. Beware all you bronzed beauties! One day those delightful sun-filled, sunscreen-less afternoons may come back to bite you!

Flying the Friendly Skies

The mark of a successful entrepreneur is one who sees a need and fills it. When Alysa Binder and Dan Wiesel decided they didn't want their beloved Jack Russell terrier traveling in the dark and dangerous baggage compartment of a regular airline, they decided the time had come for change. Thus was born Pet Airways, the first airline dedicated solely to transporting pets.

Up to 50 animals can travel comfortably on the airline. They receive regular and frequent well-being checks, food, water, and even potty breaks...and the cost is similar to that charged by regular airlines. For pet owners, the security of knowing that their animal is safe and well cared for is worth every penny. The company started in 2005 and appears to be growing successfully. They plan to expand beyond the current five major cities that are served. Goes to show that even in a crumby economy if you can come up with a great idea, you will succeed.

Critter Alley awards purrs and tail-wags to Pet Airways!

Happy Fourth!

The Fourth of July...a day for food, fun, and fireworks. It's also a day to keep your critters at home.

Many animals become terrified by the alarming sounds of fireworks. They'll jump fences and bolt from the area in an effort to escape. On the other hand, some dogs are fascinated by the sounds and sights and will literally chase and attempt to grab fireworks causing burns or worse to their mouth.

A better option is to keep your pets in a darkened area of your home with the radio or television on to help disguise the loud pops and explosions.

And just in case...please make sure your dog is wearing identifying tags and is microchipped in the event he scoots out the door despite your best efforts.

I won't be blogging tomorrow, so enjoy your barbecue and relax. And if you're traveling, be extra careful.

Have a safe and happy Fourth!