It's a Little Spring Thing

Ahhhh! What feels better than napping in your very own patch of sun after months of snow, sleet, ice and sub-zero temperatures?

Today I've seen people on bicycles, jogging, or just taking a walk. We've all been housebound far too long and itching to get out and enjoy a dance with a glorious day. This one certainly fits the bill. Tomorrow we may even hit 70 degrees. H'mmm. Maybe I need to take a psychological sick day from work. After all, I am totally sick of winter.

Yet I must admit I love the seasons we have in Missouri. Christmas wouldn't be the same without (a little) snow and chilly temperatures. But just as gray begins to completely permeate my world, I start to long for the green grass and yellow tulips of spring. Then when spring gives way to the warm temperatures of summer, what fun it is to wear flip flops and shorts while sitting by the water. As the last days of summer brown both people and plants until we're brittle and dry, I dream about the crisp air and brilliant red-gold colors of fall. And of course, once those leaves have drifted to the ground, reading a good book by the fire while snowflakes swirl outside sounds like heaven. And so we begin all over again.

I'm lucky. I know I wouldn't appreciate the warmth of spring nearly as much if I hadn't spent time shivering in the frosty cold first. Guess that makes me a true "four-season" person. Or someone with multiple personality disorder. You pick.

We hope you've found your patch of sun today. Enjoy it!

Help Needed for Seasonal Allergies

Most everyone loves spring. The grass greens, the flowers burst into bloom, and brilliant color dots the landscape. Such a sight can't help but brighten both the scenery and the soul. After a cold, damp and gray winter, what's not to like about spring?

How about seasonal allergies?

Perhaps due to the excessive rain, you've probably noticed that pollen is everywhere. Even after only 24 hours, if you wipe an outside table you'll see just how quickly and heavily the pollen has collected. As a result, there's an epidemic of sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes.

Critters have problems with allergies, too. While some dogs have symptoms similar to humans, my son's dog is the prime example of allergies that manifest as skin problems. Brady has always tended to be itchy, but in the spring, his troubles go far beyond the ordinary.

Here's how the poor guy looked on Mother's Day.

He's licked and chewed each side of himself literally bald.  And when not licking his sides, he rubs his eyes raw against the carpet. Fortunately, Brady's doing better now with the help of antihistamines and steroids prescribed by his vet. A few years ago, Brady went to a doggie dermatologist for a while, but the array of injections, medications, and weekly appointments soon became cost prohibitive.

Many Critter Alley readers are experienced dog people. Does anyone know of a natural, effective treatment for spring skin allergies for dogs that won't break the bank?

 We're itching to find an answer!

Fall Weekend

We had another terrific time at the river. The weather couldn't have been more perfect: sunny warm days coupled with crisply cool nights.

Leaves of gold, red, and yellow fluttered to the ground with every breeze, looking like large and colorful splotches of rain. Mother Nature has been busy spinning her magic.

The critters weren't idle, either. We saw an assortment of frogs. Heard the howls of coyotes. Were buzzed by a beautiful young eagle.

The smell of burning leaves gave a bittersweet reminder that summer is truly gone.  And as with so many other things in life, we say good-bye, savoring our memories while we look forward to what lies ahead.  A newly born season has arrived.

So welcome back, Fall.  It's good getting to know you again.

Seasonal Observations

Indy made a trip to the groomer's on Saturday. Not only has he been overdue for a haircut for quite a while, but our temperatures have soared to over 80 degrees for several days. Wearing a winter coat in summer weather is never a good idea.

The warm temperatures have the landscape bursting with color. We've waited so long for spring that it's hard to stay inside.

Unfortunately that reminds me it's past time to do my own seasonal switch. All the winter clothes must go to the basement closet. A few other items will go into a donation bag. If I haven't worn it all season...it's time to say good-bye!

Then out come the short sleeves, capris, and light jackets. I'll be holding my breath for the moment of truth.

After a winter of slothfulness, will all those lovely spring/summer clothes still fit?