However, cold morning or not, the dogs and I went outside to check the yard, and plug in the car so J can go downtown to have lunch with a friend. (Why anyone would want to go anywhere in this temperature is beyond me. But, well. . . .) Block heaters are amazing things for helping your car's engine to start on a very cold day. Even if you just plug the heater in for an hour or so.
Oh. The dogs? Well, since you asked. . . .
Please allow me to introduce Shadow.
He is named that because, wherever you go, he goes too. Just like a shadow. So I think that name suits him well. The minute I sit down in my chair to read, he's sitting or lying down at my feet. He won't necessarily stay there, but he never goes far. (He's sleeping at my feet right now.) I just have to make sure I don't step on him when I get up.
And this is Salsa.
I don't know how she got her name. She has a bit of trouble hearing, so hand signals work best with her. She likes to sleep in closed-in spaces, where (I guess) she feels well protected. Safe.
They are both very quiet dogs. When I prepared lunch, they are right there at my feet, watching, silently. They seem to think that, if it hits the floor, it's theirs.
And how did we get two beautiful Shelties (Shetland Sheepdogs)? Some friends are going to be away for a few days, so they left their dogs with us.
They think we are doing them a favour. Actually, it is the other way around. These two are my "dog therapy," or therapy dogs, or whatever. That's not a joke.
There is a growing body of research that shows having a dog around is good for your health. I have read about it in the medical reports and journals I get. Petting a dog will lower your blood pressure, make you feel more calm and relaxed, help you get out for a walk in the "fresh" air, etc. This also seems to be true of horses. (Cats? Don't ask.) So they are particularly helpful for people, and Bears, with many mental health issues. A colleague of mine, a counsellor, takes her dog to work, and allows her clients to interact with the dog. She thinks the people do better because of the dog.
Phone just rang; I got up to answer it. Shadow came with me; Salsa kept sleeping. Now I'm back, and Shadow has ultimately gone to sleep by the door. I don't know why there; perhaps he is just a "cool" dog.
Anyhow, our animal ethics committee at the university approved a project for dogs to come on campus during exam time in April. That was at our meeting on Wednesday — two days ago. Yes, this is ethical treatment of specially-trained dogs in a well-supervised situation. We also think it will be a good thing for students, particularly first-year students who are away from home. Help them to deal with year-end jitters, and the like.
Anyhow, I have my own therapy dogs for a while. And I feel better with them around. Much better, really. I think one would be enough, but them come as a pair, so this is dandy. I'll tell you more about them, anon.
I think this is going to be a good weekend! I can feel it already!
Blessings and Bear hugs, friends.
Currently (noon), -27 (or -17F), but the wind chill goes to -40 (same in both languages). Tonight, -52 (-62F, if your thermometer doesn't break!). A bit cooler than usual.
I don't know what I'd do without my dogs. Maybe you'd like to consider adopting a dog.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I'd love to have a dog. I did for time, a while back, but had to give her up when we moved to an apartment. Now, I'm not sure. Thanks for the suggestion.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Oh Bear that is just what you need. I have to get someone to let me babysit their dogs. They are beautiful. Hug B
ReplyDeleteBeautiful they are. And under all that hair, quite chunky. Yeah, they are what I need.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
All you said was true. Dogs, and yes, cats also, add so much to our lives. I know you will enjoy every moment of your dog sitting. They are beauties.
ReplyDeleteYes, cats are that helpful. I'd feel a lot more positive about cats if they didn't kill so many birds! I am having a wonderful time with these two, and you're right — they are beauties.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Yikes! That is cold, all right. But I must differ about cats. Lowers MY blood pressure when I sit with a purring kitty in my lap. Glad you've got some therapy dogs, though, Bear. Good for everybody. :-)
ReplyDeleteIf cats were't such killers, I'd be more disposed to say nice things about them. And,no, we don't let the dogs out on a night like this, unless I'm right with them. Their paws could freeze up very quickly. But they do provide wood therapy!
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Whoa- that is just too dang cold! Ouch even! Oh those two pups look like little sweethearts. Have a fabulous weekend, and stay warm.
ReplyDeleteIf I had my way, they wouldn't be going back home. But, that wouldn't exactly be fair to our friends.
DeleteAnd it's not so much cold as fresh, brisk, bracing, invigorating. I know that sounds a bit much, but that's because I live here. Perhaps my brain is partly frozen.
And we are going to have a grand weekend!
Blessings and Bear hugs!
OH good grief! That is super cold! At one point do your eyeballs freeze?
ReplyDeleteHa!
Anyway, I love dogs, so pretty. I'm glad they are quiet. Enjoy your time with them.
Yeah, cats? Touch or go.
((Hugs))
I don't know about eyeballs freezing, but (as I said to Terri) my brain may be a bit frozen. Happens up here sometimes.
DeleteHaving a wonderful time with the Shelties. Expect it will be a great weekend.
As for cats, in your case, may raise your blood pressure instead of lower it. Evil Twin, even more.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
My son said just get me started on dogs and I go on forever. lol
ReplyDeleteI agree. Dogs are man's best friend.
Dogs get my vote, all right. I'm with your son on that!
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Those are two lovely looking dogs, bear.
ReplyDeleteIt's very true about how therapeutic animals can be. There's an undeniable connection and I'm glad it works for you.
I won't ask about cats but I know they good for my soul. :)
You make our -30 overnight windchills seem downright balmy.
These are great dogs! Quiet, present, friendly. And it does work for me. As I said to others, if cats weren't such killers, I'd have a better opinion of them.
DeleteThat's one of the things about the prairies. We can be a lot colder in the winter than Ontario. But we'll be all right. If it gets really cold, I have a couple of dogs I can toss on the bed.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
I had a dog I loved so much .. Chloe, an English Springer Spaniel. She was twelve when I had to have her put down (arthritis that caused great pain that medication didn't ease) .. that was back in 2003 and I still miss her. Enjoy the pups while you have them. If I lived closer, I would help too ~ then again, you probably wouldn't let me. Smiles.
ReplyDeleteThanks for telling me about Chloe. Dogs are such amazing companions!
DeleteAnd if you lived closer, I would be happy to share. How about taking Shadow or Salsa for a walk in the fresh — as in -49 (-56F) — morning air? Well, perhaps not.
Blessings and Bear hugs (and dog licks)!
dogs?best friends ever and all things you said about the calming effect, esp on those of us with mental health issues, is true.
ReplyDeletelove the dogs. love you.
Sweet that you have your fur babies.
ReplyDeleteThey are both beautiful.
Do they mind going outside in your bitter cold temperatures?
I mowed our grass on Monday. Here in South Georgia (USA) the temperatures are mild and warm, and the grass is growing to the point that it needed mowing.
Hopefully, spring will be around soon for you.
In the meantime, I am so glad that you have your sweet dogs and that they have you. Wonderful post....
Yes, Jackie, the fur babies are great. They don't mind going outside in the cold, but they don't stay out very long! They've been out, had breakfast and are now sound asleep; Shadow at my feet, Salsa nearby.
DeleteHaving to mow your grass already. Wow! That is a bit different from up here. I'm sure we'll see spring in a month or so. Maybe even sooner.
Blessings and Bear hugs — dog licks, too!
comment lost for the 2nd time. can't complain about the cold. you have trumped me there. love the dogs.love you. all you say about the health benifits of dogs....esp for those of us with mental health issues...is true. curl up in you cave Bear and stay warm.
ReplyDeletetrying to comment for the fourth time. color me stupid. everything you said about the healing abiities of dogs...esp. on those of us with mental health issues...is absolutely true. love the dogs. love you. would like to complain about how could it is here but you have totally trumped me. stay curled up in your cave Bear.
ReplyDeleteSorry that you have had so much trouble leaving a note , middle child. To tell the truth, I'm having trouble responding to the comments here. Yes, the computer does need to go to the hospital. I just need to back up a few things, then I'll do it. My external drive is a bit of a challenge to operate.
DeleteBlessings, Bear hugs, and big doggie kisses, too!
Bear, when I first started reading this post, I thought it might be mostly about weather, and I was all ready to tell you that it's still below freezing in NYC with more snow due at the end of the weekend...probably about the time Academy Awards are awarded in LA (where rain thankfully had begun to fall.)
ReplyDeleteI was going to tell you about how one of my brothers lived for some years in Calgary and that's how I know a bit about the etiquette of plugging into the car heater in front of one's home.
And then, I get a glimpse of that beautiful dog, and learn that you and J are taking care of not one, but two lovely pups. Wonderful for dogs and humans.
Just last weekend, I cringed, without the ability to do anything practical about it, as I listened to the barks, whines, pining of a dog somewhere in the vicinity of my apartment. I thought it was the sound of a young dog whose owner just wasn't home.
I know nothing of the specific apartment, the owner's devotion to the dog, or any other details. It really distressed me to be a witness to that pup's loneliness, and simultaneously, reinforced my reasons for not owning a dog in a NYC apartment.
I love dogs way too much.
And so, dear Bear, I am so delighted that you and J are keeping some beautiful dogs very happy and calm and comforted while they stay in your den.
Did I overdo it with this comment? Please say no. xo
Such a wonderfully newsy note, Frances! Not overdone a bit. Love to catch up with people this way.
DeleteWe couldn't have a dog in our apartment, which is one of the reasons I was not inclined to enjoy life in a human filing cabinet. But that puppy so left alone; heartbreaking.
We had a light dusting of snow last night, but really, at -40 or so, we done't usually get more than that. It seems just too cold to snow, for some reason.
Blessings and Bear hugs — dog licks too!
"THEY" say dogs don't have expressions. Beau's eyebrows go down, if I'm not feeling right. When the oven "dings", he leads me to the stove. "THEY" also say dogs don't like eye contact. Beau stares steadily into my eyes til it get's freaky. Now, when Joe leaves the house, Beau jumps in my lap, SITS UPRIGHT, so he can get in on the goodbye kisses.
ReplyDeleteDogs know more than all the "THEY" people put together. But petting Beau is not relaxing because he wants to be SCRATCHED, and scratched HARD.....and fast. That is not relaxing.
Dogs are very empathic, so breeds more than others. Shelties are so bright and friendly! I don't know who "THEY" are, but they don't know much about dogs. And the research simply proves what we already know.
DeleteSorry that Beau still has those terrible allergies.
Blessings and Bear hugs! Greetings to Beau from Shadow and Salsa.
I have my own therapy dog and I could not agree with you more about them being good for your mental health. I think my dog has kept me out of the hospital. He has a very good influence on my emotional well being. I will most likely have a dog until my dying days. xox
ReplyDeleteI've always believed that Tyke helped you in important ways. I can well believe he has kept you out of hospital. When I sit in my downstairs arm chair, they both crowd around, wanting attention. I start petting them and I practically fall asleep.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs! Greeting to Tyke from Salsa and Shadow.
Time to rescue a dog, beAr. Or two.
ReplyDeleteLove
kj
Great to see you back, kj!
DeleteHave been thinking about a dog rescue. But the dog might outlive me. Decisions, decisions.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Do it do it!!
DeleteThank you, Susie!
DeletePeople still go out when it's that cold? And cars still work? And commerce continues?
ReplyDeleteLike the wheels on the bus, everything just keeps going round and round. Stop commerce at -52°C? I can hear people laughing. Especially in the banks.
DeleteMe? I just sit inside with the dogs, who are perfectly happy to sleep wherever. I was thinking of building a fire in the fireplace, but the house is nice and warm. So I'll maybe wait until things get a bit darker.
Blessings and warm Bear hugs.
Dogs are an lovely addition to a home.I firmly agree with you, and you already know the crazy transition I've made with getting a dog! But I do not regret having Layla one little bit. Your visitors are gorgeous! Susie
ReplyDeleteI think every home needs a dog. But our grandkids, I think, have allergies. That would be really unfair to them.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs (to keep you warm)!
Those dogs are so beautiful! I love them!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, indeed. And very relaxing!
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs, MCL!
I agree. Every home should have a dog.
ReplyDeleteSkip
Right you are, Ship! Every home should have a dog. (Unless someone has an allergy. to dogs) You, above all, would understand the importance of a dog in a home.
DeleteWe trust that you are taking good care of your Human. Zoe counts on you!
Blessings and Bear hugs! Sniffs and licks from Shadow and Salsa.
It was Will Rogers who said (and I most heartily agree):
ReplyDelete“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
I would love to have a dog but most apartment managers won't allow them and as a long-time apartment dweller, I can never be sure when we may have to move.
Will Rogers got that one right.
DeleteNot being able to have a dog was one of the reasons I wanted to move out of the human filing cabinet. I am glad we did. Even if we never get a dog permanently, caring for visitors is just fine.
Blessings and Bear hugs. Best regards to Crow. Dogs send their greetings,too.
I adore Shelties and those are two very cute ones....
ReplyDeleteOh to recall the days of block heaters growing up (haven't used them in years, and I even used to keep jumper cables in my car. Spring cannot come soon enough, right Bear?)
And these are two very adorable Shelties. It took less than a minute for them to own my heart.
DeleteBTW, I was in a local store and saw a sign for sale saying that one should beware, because there was a guard Sheltie on duty. (Shadow is a real guard dog!) I saw a similar sign for a guard Airedale. Would you like one of those for Mia?
And I rejoice in the fact that you are sufficiently civilized to know what a block heater is, and how to use it, and what jumper cables are for, and how to use them! Well done, amanda!
Spring? Spring is still a figment in our imaginations. And no, we don't have any figs here.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
That's great you have some extra company right now. They look like great dogs!
ReplyDeleteGreat dogs and excellent company, indeed, Lisa. And excellent therapy. Everyone should have one. Or two. Just like everyone should have a horse. Or two. Sadly, our back pasture isn't big enough for even one horse. Sigh!
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Animal therapy can do wonderful things for people. It's hard to stay in a bad mood or depressed around an animal who wants to cuddle, play or just give you kisses. My rats always make me feel better. Those dogs are really cute, loved the pictures.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to overestimate the value of a four-footed friend. Dogs, cats, rats, whatever. Glad you enjoy your fur babies. And yes, these two are really cute.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs, Mary!
I have had dogs for most of my life and they are really very helpful companions, particularly that part about getting up and going outside to walk or hike. I also think that if you need your blood pressure lowered, place a cat on your chest and let it purr.
ReplyDeleteYes, dogs make wonderful companions. For just about anything.
DeleteA purring cat on my chest, however, might raise my blood pressure. But Bears are funny that way.
Blessings and Bear hugs. Sniffs and licks to Samson from Salsa and Shadow.
They're beautiful! I grew up with a Sheltie. They're such gentle, protective dogs. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are right - I do need to update my animals page. Francie is doing very well. I'd still like to see her put on some more weight. Hoping when the grass starts growing she will. I sat on her back for the first time yesterday. She was nervous - I kept getting partially on and then hopping off when she got jittery. But I finally sat in the saddle and just sat there for 5 minutes or so before getting back off. Maybe next time she'll be calmer, and I'll be able to walk her a bit.
ReplyDeleteLucky you to have grown up with a Sheltie in your house. They are wonderfully gentle dogs, and Shadow is very protective. They are quite content to stand by my chair and let me pet them for ages.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Bear hugs, Dana!
Beautiful dogs and great names! Btw, I thought I'd left a thought here a few days ago, but do not see it, so I'm back. Could be that I'm using my cell phone that I can hardly see. :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I hope your weekend was as good as you anticipated.
Wonderful dogs. They left an hour ago, and I'm already missing them. The weekend was wonderful!
DeleteI checked back through and didn't find a note from you. Technology; who knows about anything?
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Your dogs are such big fluffy pretty babies! It has been super cold here too and I am so ready for spring! ♥
ReplyDeleteThe dog have come and gone. But they will be back. They are so well-mannered, and such fun. Hope it warms up at a your place.
DeleteBlessings an Bear hugs!
Your dogs are adorable and I love their names.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I forgot to mention that I am a strong believer in animal therapy. Petting a cat or dog can lower the heart rate and blood pressure, and a cat's purr has great health benefits as well!
ReplyDeleteThey are wonderful! I fell in love with them by your descriptions, even if you had not provided photos. But the photos cinched it. They are blessings for you and I am so happy you have them for therapy for awhile. Give 'em each a pat for me, please, and let them know that even Bonbon who is so shy around other dogs would likely love "your" dogs.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes! These dogs are very special, and such good dog therapy. They will be back for a month in April. It will be good month, I think. I'll let Bonbon know when Salsa and Shadow are here.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!