Growling at the Cold

We received a heavy snowfall over the weekend, and temperatures dropped. Monday was cold. But, because high winds and blowing snow kept me from taking Parker out for his walks on Saturday and Sunday – intelligent fellow that he is, he barely asks to go out on days that I work, but knows I have the time when I stay home – I felt I owed it to the orange-boy to go for a small excursion on New Year’s Eve. My work-place was closed that day, and I had it free. I warned Parker that it was still cold outside, but he insisted.

It was cold. It was, I think, -20˚ (Celsius), so I dressed warm. Parker wore his fur coat. Even so, I don’t think he was prepared for the chill. A few steps outside and he stopped to ponder. We walked a little further. The snow, of which he is not afraid, was nonetheless extra frigid, and clung to his feet. A few yards further on, and Parker started shaking his feet with irritation. Then he growled.

I believe he growled at nothing more than the cold. He scratched at the snow the way he does when angered or annoyed, then turned around and trotted back the apartment building’s door. No protests about going in too soon, no complaints about the brevity of the time spent outside. We were done. The two of us went back inside, I to have a cup of tea, and he to have his mid-day snack, nicely warmed up.

Today was pleasanter. A Chinook wind blew in the night and raised the temperature come the morning. The photographs below are from today’s adventure, much more enjoyable for both of us. Even so, I think the sturdy-boy is counting the days to spring, a season in which there will be no more growling at the cold.