The day after it snowed, it was bracingly cold outside. A day the word “bone-chilling” was invented for (spoken as a true Southerner, I know). The bright sun helped only a little.
“Are you sure we have to go outside?” I asked Pepper as we stepped out on the icy front porch.
“Yes!” she cried, bounding ahead into the frosty yard as I gingerly proceeded across the treacherous driveway and into the safer grass.
Pep ran joyfully around the yard, looking up into various trees to stare down the local squirrels and checking out scents in all her favorite spots. She made sure there were no bunnies or other critters lurking in the local bushes and underbrush. My face meanwhile felt like it might harden and freeze. I slung the frisbee a few times though it was hard to throw accurately with my very puffy Canada Goose mittens on.
It took me a while to warm up once we came in. Pep on the other hand radiated warmth and good cheer, curled up in her chair in the kitchen.
“Pep, how can you be so happy?” I asked with more than a hint of grumpiness.
“Two words,” she replied contentedly. “Core mission.”
Not to be neglected, even on the coldest of days, I reflected.
From what I can tell, you and your family are very fortunate to have such a devoted scent sniffer and squirrel chaser. Who knows what ills Pepper’s steadfast detective work has spared you? (She is a professional and would never share notes from the field.) My cat Mavis’s most active pursuit yesterday was taking up as much space as possible on my yoga mat to turn it into a decidedly more acrobatic exercise – for me. Cheers!
And you are so fortunate to have a darling kitty so invested in your fitness, Mary!! xo
Love this as I had a similar canine experience yesterday! And I need to know about those Canada Goose mittens. I recall we both have cold fingers!! Miss seeing you–jane
Yes we do! And you may need these: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/canada-goose-down-glove-women/3371676 They are the best I’ve had IN MY LIFE!! Thinking of you, miss seeing you as well – xo
Pepper is committed to her duties for sure!! Every day, bone-chilling or intensely hot, is a good day for Peps!!
Every day IS a good day for Pep – but every day she sees you and Rachael is a very, especially good one! Thank you, Darlene…xo