*bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles December has been the most difficult month by far. I was told in September by a friend the Farmer's Almanac declared winter would rear its ugly head in November.
When they mentioned it to me, I sure didn't see snowmageddon in that forecast. It wore me out with the first snow fall. To just try and go with it and accept this is the way it is all going to unfold, wasn't good enough. Since the arctic front arrived with it. After an extended summer without any rain, going from one extreme to another without reprieve-has just left me exhausted and joyless. I had been looking forward to time off over the holidays, but with all the cancellations, missed outings, & working on my days off. My holiday was spent in the driveway shoveling snow at the worst in minus 16 cold with a windchill of -22, instead of writing Christmas cards, gift wrapping and making plans to be with loved ones to visit and share a meal together. I know I am not suppose to complain-I am to be grateful. So many lost their power, were in the cold and for some lost their lives during this wicked storm that blasted through Canada and the USA less than 72 hours ago. I found myself sad, broken hearted, & tearing up hearing the news over the loss of life. How could anyone be prepared for what we just went thru. I have been winterizing my shack for months trying to beat the cold. Some of the things I did, helped. My bill came in FOR Christmas and it revealed my consumption is 25% lower this time over last year. So, my hard work paid off. Only the best thing to do would be to move into better accommodations. Which is just out of reach at the moment. I cancelled hikes when the extreme temperatures arrived. Here's why. Even though our pets need exercise. To be outside on the worst day was too cold for their paws. Unless they are Husky, Samoyed, Bernese Mountain Dog, Alaskan Malamute you know, true cold weather dogs. I wasn't risking injury to the pack. During extreme temperatures hot/cold. Adventures are reduced and only bathroom breaks are suggested until the heat or cold return to normal seasonal temperatures. Regular seasonal temperatures are back and hikes will resume-but I still want to touch base on being prepared. Not just as a dog walker, but for anyone travelling during such extreme temperatures. We absolutely can carry emergency kits in our cars. To give us a better chance of surviving the weather in the event something happens. A breakdown kit can include blanket/sleeping bag, water, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, emergency rations or granola bars, dog treats for pets, hot warmers, extra hats, gloves, scarfs, these can be tucked away in seat pockets, glove box, consoles, trunks, under the seats, in a bin that can be removed when the risk is over. This is a pretty basic list of supplies, as well, true planning to get a head of the weather event or wait for it to pass, rather than traveling while it strikes. As much as I was saddened to not see my family during the holiday-I said in Sept I wouldn't be travelling, nor did I want anyone travelling to see me. My next thoughts are seeing loved ones before winter and in the spring from now on, as the winters here are becoming more extreme. As for those who insist on braving the elements. My prayer for you is God sends His angels to go before you and make your paths straight with safe passage today and in 2023. Happy New Year everyone, Praying it gets better for all, in the coming days.
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AuthorHi, my name is Lori and I want to personally welcome you to Making Tracks Dog Hiking Blog. This is where I will begin blogging posts about current adventures in the outback as well as, important topics regarding our furry companion(s), as Making Tracks leaves paw prints all over the web and I hope your heart and mine. Archives
April 2024
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