I got this shot of blind-and-deaf Spinner staring at the wood stove in our living room, looking expectantly at the non-existent fire. Now, what she's thinking I can only guess, but she does know where she is and she does know the wood stove is in front of her ... because she sleeps every night on a cot right there in the living room. So she expects warmth to be radiating out from this corner. But this was late afternoon, and I usually don't start the fire in the wood stove until early evening. That's how we heat the house, and if I get the stove going really well, it will keep the house warm all night ... and into the next day.
As for Spinner, I think she was ready for her fire ... right now!
I love the blog it's a great way for me to end my day. What a nice winter photo!
Posted by: Shirley & James, Portland, OR | January 09, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Spinner has a happy association with sitting in that spot and feeling comfortable. Perhaps that accounts for her sitting there. She's a beauty!
Posted by: Moon Rani | January 09, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Beautiful and smart Spinner! She's trying to use mental telepathy to light the fire. Either that or she knows if she focuses on it long enough, you will eventually feel guilty and light it for her. My dogs do this with the treat jar - stare at it long enough and I will cave and give them one. I hope you lit it for her.
Posted by: Carol | January 08, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Subject of photo: "The Joy of Anticipation." Spinner has a beautiful white coat to keep her warm until her fire is lit for her.:<)
Posted by: usfour | January 08, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Even a blind stare produces results; you did start the fire at some point, Steve. Tee-hee
If only Spinner could see Alayne's Babushka, she could wrap it around her ears and sit in front of the stove; just another way of getting your attention. ;-)
Posted by: Boundforglory | January 08, 2008 at 07:31 AM
Maybe Spinner thought if she kept that position long enough, if would magically start producing heat! Yes, it would be interesting to know what's going through their minds. Sometimes I catch Tobias watching parts of a DVD with me. When I'm sick, he really watches me closly.
Sending warm hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | January 08, 2008 at 07:15 AM
Haha, every dog I've had (and have) does the same thing. The fox terrier I have now even turns around and looks all doe eyed at me if the heaters not on and starts shaking to give me the 'hint'. Then sometimes he sits so close I wonder how he can stand the heat. "happiness is a warm puppy". :)
Posted by: Andrew | January 08, 2008 at 03:56 AM
Its amazing how Spinner, a blind and deaf dog, knows exactly where the best seat in the house is on a chilly winters night!
Posted by: Kate and Luke! | January 07, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Beautiful photo! There is nothing like a fire in the woodstove to keep all humans and furry critters warm on a cold night!
Posted by: Nina | January 07, 2008 at 07:03 PM
I have a cat, Maxie, who likes to do almost similar thing. Maxie knows I like to turn on the space heater in the living room during winter (we live in Florida but hey it gets cold here too). Like you, I usually start the heater in the evening around 7PM. But Maxie would stand by in front of it since 5PM. He would not move; he would not give up his spot. We have 2 other cats and 6 dogs so I can understand Maxie's reasoning.
Posted by: Lita | January 07, 2008 at 06:46 PM
It doesn't hurt to hope. Spinner probably thinks if he looks long enough someone will take pity on him & light a fire. Wish I was sharing a fire with him right now. I am always amazed at how these animals could actually fool someone that didn't know they were deaf & blind. My daughter & her husband had a blind husky. She got around as well as their other dog. If you didn't know she was blind you couldn't tell by watching her. Animals are so resilient. I love your blog & look forward to it every day. It's an upbeat, great way to start my day.
Posted by: Kathy Huffman | January 07, 2008 at 04:53 PM