Its been so long that most people have probably forgotten the acronyms *HFH (Hounds from Hell) and **GPP (Gratuitous Puppy Pictures) but rest assured that Nicky and Nora are still running around the household. Mind you they are no longer puppies however as far as I’m concerned they will always be my puppies.
This is now their third winter here in Canada and much like the humans they own they are still not use to or happy with it. And they are particularly not use to (or happy with) winter arriving at the end of November! They have however learned the difference between the temperature and the temperature + wind chill. As an example this past Monday it may well have been only -24°C but with a sharp blowing wind that -30°C was more like it. They’ve learned that when it gets that cold the stylish doggie coats come out.
They’ve also learned that when there is snow and ice on the ground plus salt to melt the snow and ice – and our super uses generous amounts of salt – then those detested red booties are also necessary. The past week or two the boots have become de rigueur for even the quickest trip into the cold.
But of course this winter sartorial splendor requires that the human equation in all this do some fancy work to get puppies clad and booted. Not having a great experience of it I am only guessing but I would think it is less work to get a child ready for skating on the canal.
Particularly with our Nicky. First he runs and hides on the couch, then reluctantly creeps towards the entrance hall – trembling in (feigned) fear and trepidation. A furtive look up and an attempt to placate the demanding human with a quick lick face-wards. Then the real fun begins
Okay so the left paw – nay won’t fight you on that one:
The back paws – hmmm well okay I’ll let you win that one. In fact I may even lift my leg so you can get them on without too much trouble.
Ah the right paw – not sure on that one…. how about I just put it over here out of reach and push real hard against your paw.
Gosh you weren’t able to get it on that way – how about I push the other way. Oh sorry that doesn’t seem to be helping much, does it?
Well okay that one is finally on – hey it only took three minutes this time, if you want I can do a repeat of the morning I went for the record????? Okay I’m ready! Hurry up I have to go!
Nora is a bit more of a stoic about it – no fuss, the odd furtive look and attempted lick; she won’t fight you but she’ll be damned if she’ll help you with this form of canine torture. She is not really happy about this; in fact if she had a cell phone the Humane Society would be on speed dial!
Okay now I’m ready! I don’t like this one bit but damn it red is my colour isn’t it?
Okay torture – not to mention the indignity of being seen in those damned boots – over! Biscuits given as a rewards for doing what we were aching to do anyway. Time for a doe-doe. Wake us when it’s summer!
December 21 – 1913: Arthur Wynne‘s “word-cross”, the first crossword puzzle, is published in the New York World.
Willy Or Won't He 
Yes, Canadian winters must have been an awful shock to their little Italian selves!
The last photo is on the sofa! Are the HFH allowed on the sofa? Is it a reward for the dress-up for going outside in the winter? Uncle Pervy.
poor pooches
If it is any consolation we put little booties on Harper (the four legged one) in the summer so she doesn't burn her feet on the 40-45 degree concrete.