When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough ... Take The Path

At a certain point in the winter, when the snow gets deep enough, the dogs typically don't go wandering off any longer (with a few exceptions, like blind Helen and Widget!) but end up sticking to the multiple narrow paths they create around the buildings.  This makes it easier for their humans, too -- not only for walking, but for poop scooping, too, since they tend to do their business in the paths.  (Be careful where you walk!)

But the various paths make it especially easy for the little guys, like the Dachshunds, to get around outside and go for a spin, so to speak.  Alayne got these shots of Bailey out for his mid-day constitutional, in which he just has to go outside and make his way through all the paths before going back inside.  It's kind of like going for a drive to see the sights.  (Sort of.)

Did I already mention the dogs use the paths for certain functions?  Which means there's always time to stop and smell not the roses but something more interesting:

And then it's time to move on...

Until you get to the end and turn around for another jaunt:

You know, it may not be the same as cruising the Pacific Coast Highway in California, but out here we've got to make do with what we have.

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Vote in the Shelter Challenge here.

Last year we won $3,000 in the first round and then won the $20,000 Grand Prize in the second round, so your votes really do add up and make for a wonderful gift for the animals here.

Thank you!

Comments

[Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin]

That is so funny! I love the action shots!

[John & Margaret]

Steve, what you and Alayne are doing leaves us speechless! We have twelve, mostly Collies, after rescuing for years, and we still don't know how you two do it all. Bless you both!!

[Jen]

I love your site. I found it after I adopted my first deaf and partially blind double-merle Aussie about a year ago. We are going to pick up up our new deaf and one-eyed Aussie/poodle boy tomorrow. Thank you for reinforcing what I have learned from my princess- that being deaf or blind is nothing to a hap dog and they are a joy to have around. You are an inspiration!

Jen

[Ann]

It's a bit different here because we don't get snow, but when it rains heavily, my backyard floods and there are only certain parts of it that are above water and "walkable". My 3 dogs have finally gotten the hang of staying above water when they go outside. It's funny to watch them work their way around! I also love the titles you pick for the stories, Steve. They make me smile even before I read the wonderful stories!

[Kathleen Rivard]

Emma Sioux and Genie Bee living in beautiful Nashua, New Hampshire with their "sister" Tui know it as the "Yellow Brick Road". They are black and tan Doxies and Tui is a Shi Tzu. They tell me they're checking their "pmail"! They leave messages as well. It's all about communication!

[Beth]

Cute! We did the same thing in our backyard for Lio, our chihuahua, and then Cody and Jackson used it, too, because they're a bit, ah, lazy. :)

[Adele in the Bronx]

I love all your pics! And the Whirling Willie story is hilarious. I can almost see him revving up!