I took these photos of Bailey at mid-day today in his favorite shady spot. The thermometer on the back porch in the shade said it was 102; our LaCrosse Technology wireless weather station was reading 106 in the sun. No matter how you slice it, it was blazing hot out there. Yet Bailey can't get enough of it! He would rather be sitting under the leafy cottonwood right outside our house than inside the air conditioned house.
And he is a bit nutty about this. He will finally come in, only to turn around 5 minutes later and scurry outside again as soon as I open the door to let another dog out to go pee. On days like this, I actually have to use my feet to block Bailey at the doorway to keep him inside when I think he's been out too much. His shady spot is right by the front steps, so we keep a careful eye on him whenever he's out there. After a while we'll go and scoop him up and bring him into the house, whether he wants to come or not (and he doesn't, which is why we do it!).
He doesn't like to be in direct sun on hot days, but he clearly loves the heat, and as long as he's got some shade, that's where he wants to be!
(Click on photos for larger image.)
I've never understood animals and their choice of hot/cold locations, especially when they have a real choice. We had one dog, Spot, who would sit on the top step of the pool for hours in freezing weather, and others who would sprawl out in the full sun on the patio bricks when it was over 100F (and the bricks were baking). They knew perfectly well the doggy door and a nice couch were within reach, but that's what they wanted.
Posted by: Bruce Small | July 21, 2007 at 04:58 PM
What a great way to spend a hot summer day. He is such a cutie!
Posted by: Brenda | July 18, 2007 at 09:28 AM
Bailey is just soaking up the heat so he can remember what 102F feels like in middle of a cold Montana winter! What a cute furry face!!
Posted by: Nina | July 18, 2007 at 08:33 AM
Some Like It Hot!
Posted by: Janet | July 17, 2007 at 06:53 PM
Bailey, the desert dog! With the advantage of changing seasons, I would think all the animals would find their favorite but this day and heat is clearly all about Bailey! His face is always a delight so see.
Posted by: Boundforglory | July 16, 2007 at 10:18 AM