It's that time of year again when the coats get put away, no need for snow boots and for some of the wimps, the toque is definitely not needed.
I have never put a raincoat on my dog, but some owners hate wet dogs, and for a service dog it might be a nice idea when you are going in and out of stores. You are not supposed to take a wet dog into a store; just the way it is.
But I had to laugh the other day when we had the rain early in the morning and by about 6:30 am, it turned to snow. It was absolutely beautiful. No wind, but a beautiful decor of fluffy snowflakes covering everything. Pearl could not pass up doing a happy dog in the snow. That's what we call it when she gets on her back and squirms and rolls in the snow.
On my journey, a very peaceful walk for sure, I only came across one other owner and dog out for a morning walk. We smiled at each other, him with his Border Collie and me with my Heeler. We both knew; you have to take a working dog for a walk. It's not an option to stay home. For the sake of the dog's sanity, a walk is imperative.
Over the day I heard funny replies to the lack of people walking their dogs. The best one was, 'I don't like rain and neither does my dog.' I know some small dogs may not like rain if it is too heavy or there are big puddles. But realistically, a dog does not associate a puddle with being made by the rain.
I think those dogs that don't like rain are owned by owners that don't like rain and really dislike the chore of drying off a wet dog.
I have seen the dogs after we have had a dry spell and then get pelted by a good afternoon rain storm as they almost dance in the water coming down. Not often, but a few dogs I have seen trying to catch the falling rain. I don't think they associate it with thirst but that it's a game to catch the stuff falling on them.
So let the rains begin and let us all dance for joy. Right now the rain in town is giving us more snow in the surrounding hills. Maybe go for a drive up to apex and give the dog a play in the snow before summer descends upon us.
If the rain is a little overwhelming for your dog, maybe go shopping and buy a raincoat. I can see the raindrops being a bit confusing and causing a small dog to feel like going for shelter if it's too heavy. I go under a tree if the rain starts getting too much for me and my dogs. They are not small, but they seem to appreciate the reprieve. So maybe a raincoat for the weak of heart. If you are really into protection from the weather, think about the opposite of those rainy days and the hours of sunshine we love about our area. Maybe some sunglasses for the dog, especially if you are going on a boat or spending the day on a paddle board.
That constant reflection can be a challenge for a dog. But we are all happy, I am sure, that winter is over. So let the rains begin!
