It was 5:30 A.M. when I was walking my West Highland White Terrier in the backyard and I felt a lap of cold air wash across my face and down my jacket into the crevasse of my back. I shivered with the rude awakening of an early winter and yet, “Nanook of the North”, i.e., Dexter stood there, nose pointed to the sky, sniffing and then rolling in the iced crystal leaves, as if to say, “accept it dad….winter is on the way”.
Image via Wikipedia
Dexter is my best friend and buddy. I swear he knows what I’m thinking and feeling. He is inside my head and yet I can’t tell what is troubling him, but he astutely knows what troubles me. Dexter is fully aware of my distaste for the upcoming months and it adversely affects him as well. Gone are the leisurely strolls in the back field or the endless hours lounging on the patio or just sitting in front of the glass door happily receiving the radiation heating of a strong sun. Dexter will also miss his joy of endlessly hunting for the ever elusive mole and chipmunk that are always inches from his grasp. Yes, the game is over for the season. It’s too hard to catch these vermin when there is a foot of snow on the ground.
My boy is fully aware how much I loathe being cold. He knows too that the days are shorter and the nights longer. It’s time to curl up on the blanket and take even longer naps then before. One would think we would all feel more rested during these next few months, but alas we only feel more tired and sluggish.
On a positive note, my little fella is growing old with me. We are inseparable. When I rescued him at the ripe old age of six months I told him then he was going to have the best life he could have ever hoped for. Nine years later, it is I who have been blessed with him.
So, as the winter brings in those horrendous cold and snowy northwest winds and below freezing temperatures, Dexter and I will simply have to sit a tad closer or snuggle a little longer. Life is good….even if the weather isn’t…isn’t that right Dexter?
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
Liked it
hfj
On November 22, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Man’s best friend. Nice looking pet, and a great friend i bet. Well done
Analyst
On November 22, 2010 at 10:59 pm
It’s really nice that you shared and I enjoyed it!
vijayanths
On November 22, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Nice share.
Will Dee
On November 23, 2010 at 1:34 am
Even thought the weather is turning cold you shared a very warm and loving story. thanks for the share.
BlogArtist
On November 23, 2010 at 2:35 am
I loved this article.
Eunice Tan
On November 23, 2010 at 10:37 pm
How cute. I want to hug it.
lillyrose
On November 24, 2010 at 8:36 am
That was really beautiful and I know your feelings toward this little man Dexter so well. I just couldn’t imagine a life without dogs. As you said they are in your head, they can pick up your true moods far better than any human. I am still so very sad over the death of my old dog Floy but as I walked out with my other two dogs in the woods and fields covered with frost this morning, I felt their happiness and I felt life was good.
yes me
On November 24, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Another good share and I like the wee dexter a bonnie wee dug, cheers
john smither
On November 29, 2010 at 9:01 am
Great story as the two of you keep warm this winter together.