Please do not step on the puppy

Angus is great at getting up the stairs. But he cannot yet get down.

Oh, January thaw has been great. I am so sorry it's over.

Yesterday morning, a balmy 36 degrees (!!!), Rosie and Angus played in the back yard while I (a) made lunches; (b) put dinner in the crock pot; (c) took a shower. So easy! They played, they were safe, they entertained each other, and I was able to get things done without fear of stepping on a small fast-moving furry creature that seems happiest when he is right underneath my feet.

They had fun, they wore each other out (more or less--actually, less), and Angus learned that he can have fun and play without my taking part. (This is important. I like to play with him, but he needs to also play without me.)

Last night it was still warm and misting when Doug put them out at 9:30, and this morning: everything is coated in ice. We were supposed to get a half-foot of snow, but instead we got freezing rain that turned into a thick glaze. It is ugly, and dangerous. And we are now headed back into the deep freeze.

So the dogs are back to playing in the living room, and I am back to worrying about house peeing and stepping on the puppy.

The Angus in this picture is smaller than appears.

I took Angus and Rosie together on a leash walk the other evening, and while Rosie is beautifully trained and walks at my right side nicely, leash loose, doing everything right (unless she sees a rabbit), we haven't yet started that part of Angus' training (he's just little, he would like to remind you) and he darted all over the place even though I kept his leash as tight as I could. Behind me, in front of me, under me, off to the left, zip toward Rosie, zip back again. We only went about six blocks because I didn't trust myself not to crush him if we went any farther.

Puppy class no. 2 on Saturday, and then a photo session with Shuttersmack.

And then the following weekend I'm off to New York for a few days and Doug will be flying solo.  Pray for him.