Winter so far...

 How could she say such a thing?  Spoiled?  I'm so hurt!

It's been one of those weeks when I could really use an extra pair of hands for each dog.  I haven't felt well and while all of the dogs are good about that sort of thing,  Brut's patience level are starting to plummet.  He's starting to get a bit touchy about not having his Mommy and me time.  Like the boy needs a reason to start something.  :)  Spoiled brat!

This winter has pretty much sucked, unless we figure out a way to dog sled on ice.  Two winters in row now with hardly any snow.  Our new sled has been in the living room for 2 months, getting it ready, haven't been able to try it out except to walk it back out to the shed.

On the plus side, the warmer temps have kept me more outdoors than normal, working on leash walking with the Back Dogs.  Some of you may remember I started working with Chance and then Blaze this past year and without being able to sled, I've decided to tackle Brut, Fiona and Zappa with leash walking.  Nothing keeps my non-pulling tactics sharp like an icy road.  :) 

Which brings me to one of the greatest investments I made for my husband and I.  Slip on ice studs for our boots.  These babies are fantastic!!  I have always wanted to get some and finally remembered at Christmas time to pick up a few for us.  They are great for walking the dogs and actually having some grip or even playing in the backyard.   Considering we could rent out ice skates out there.  I don't even know the brand name of these slip-on studs or a website to give you, which means that this isn't any promotion or endorsement, we were just really happy this product and not falling on our a** all winter.  :)

And if this winter hasn't been crappy enough, the skunks are out in full swing, in FEBRUARY!!  Considering we are lucky if spring gets rolling by May in these parts, we usually don't have to worry about these little stinkers until June or so.  It is one of those, if it isn't one thing, it's another type deals.  The dogs have been going bananas as the little bugger who lives under my neighbor's shed taunts them just past the fence, not to mention the way the little stink bombs are announcing their presence all over the neighborhood.  I'd better stock up on lots of  vinegar.  :(  Lord help me it's going to be a long spring...  And summer...  And fall...