7.18.2011

July 18, 2011


White Dog was thrilled when she heard that Steve did not have to go into work today (he worked Saturday) and dashed off to tell the rest of the White Dog Army. In no time, everyone was clustered around us discussing the possibility of heading up for a hike in the mountains where it is cooler. "Sounds good," Steve agreed, "a little get away mental health day!" There was an actual breeze created by the wagging tails.

Before leaving, I hopped on the computer to just do a quick scan and make sure I was missing nothing important. The world seemed to be turning without my help. Just as I was about to sign off something told me to check one last thing. Saturday on the way to the Opera, we could clearly see smoke from the continuing fires which still rage with only 30% containment. So I checked the Forest Service website then went out to ruin the day for both Steve and the WDA.

"Sorry, my loves, but the forest service, open spaces, and BLM lands have all been closed to visitors because of severe fire danger due to the drought and because of the fires. We cannot go hiking today." White Dog challenged me and Nuka yipped her support, but there was nothing that could be done.

The heat continues here (like in most of the country) and the air was muggy. Moving was an effort and water consumption helped, but did not refresh. The WDA panted and the humans dripped sweat. The idea of going anywhere in town, other than for ice cream was not very motivating...and ice cream eaten outdoors in the baking sun or in the car or under a stifling shade structure lost its excitement. So we pulled out chicken/pumpkin pupsicles from the freezer and had smoothies instead of lunch. Everyone listened to their inner dog, found a cool tile floor with a fan breeze and napped...AFTER looking at the building thunderheads and praying for enough rain to cool us down.

Quinn update: TOWD saw the vet for a followup to his abscess. it is healing well and quickly; although it is still pretty deep. Dr. Julia did a thorough cleaning and (horrors) shaved a bit more fur to increase the perimeter around the wound since our boy's beautiful flowing coat was getting in the way. He does not have to revisit unless there is an issue. So please understand if all his photos for a LONG while only show The Mighty Quinn's left side.

17 comments:

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Better to stay away from the smoke for sure. But the heat, tell us about it. And no end in sight. If only we could get a cool evening here and there, but no, it is still unbearable even after dark.

Pupsicles sound good when all else fails.

Your new header is very nice.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Brian's Home Blog said...

I'm sorry go didn't get to go on your hike, but that fire stuff is not good. Save up your energy for onetime!

Bailey Be Good! said...

So sorry you couldn't go on your hike -- I hope things cool down for you soon. :)

Sending lotsa puppy prayers for Quinn!! :) :)

Woofs & hugs,

~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

Asta said...

Deawest Siku and youw bootiful awmy of othew white dogs,

I'm so sowwy youw hiking plans wewe wuined.those fiwes awe vewy scawy
It is tewwibully hot and muggy hewe too..it's impawsibull to bweaf outside. Thank dog we have some aiw conditioning and cool floows.
Mommi and I awe vewy gwateful to have seen youw Momma's wowk.it is wondewful and thoughtpwovoking and so much deepew than the stuff we do..I guess Mommi twies to cweate things to cheew hew cause the iside of hew bwain is too dawk to want to see. Thank you fow shawing youw bootiful wowk wif us
smoochie cooling kisses
ASTA

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Yup....stay out of da smoke and dream bout Eskimos, snow, and Alaska. Remember all dat snow last winter?????

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Oh gosh,, that is so sad that you have all the smoke and hotness in your world.
The hiking trails miss you.
If I could I would send you some rain,,, I think I will do a rain dance
love
tweedles

Teddy Bear said...

We are so sorry there was no hike today but we're glad your Mom was wise to check the smoke report. Chicken and pumpkin popsicles sound heavenly.:) We're so glad Quinn is healing well.:)

Love,
Teddy Bear & Sierra

Maxie said...

I missed you too!!!! I hope you are doing okay despite the heat. My mom is fine, she will be leaving me in a week WAAAAHHHHHH to visit the US for training (Washington DC) and for a short vacation (in NY and Hawaii).

Love,
Max

Kari in Alaska said...

oh my, I hope those fires get contained soon

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

24 Paws of Love said...

Sorry to hear about the smoke still being so close. You are not alone in feeling heat. So glad to hear Quinn is doing better.

Stay cool.

Mack said...

Not having another follow-up visit is awesome!
And those pupsicles were great I just know it!

PS: So sorry about your cancelled hike :(

Remington said...

This heat is so bad! Stay cool!

meowmeowmans said...

Sorry to hear that a hike was not in the cards, White Dog Army. But with all that heat and smoke, you have to be real careful.

We are glad to hear you got some nommy chicken and pumpkin popsicles and that The Mighty Quinn is healing up nicely.

Purrs and prayers to you, dear friends.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Sorry you didnt get your outing but you were wise to stay away from the source of fires. I hope the little one's neck heals completely soon. Pupsicles sound a good way to stay cool.. Hugs GJ xx

KB said...

I'm so sorry that those fires aren't more under control yet - it seems like it's been going on for a very long time. I'm especially sorry that you weren't able to get into the mountains for a hike. We're doing a rain dance for you.

I'm glad to hear that Mighty Quinn is healing.

Sagira said...

Very sad to hear about the fires closing down the hiking areas. :(
Hope it cools off for you guys soon. It is 102 with heat index here in Ohio today.

Asta said...

Hello my sweet White doggie fwiends

thank you fow saying just the wight thing to Mommi about hew awt..she felt it was vewy unsubstantial next to what youw Mom does, but you made hew feel bettew
I hope you awe all staying cool and having a lovely day
smoochie kisses
ASTA