The Thaw

It has been fairly mild here lately, so the snow is beginning to melt. We live right by a cross country ski trail, which has become a slushy mess. I am a little relieved that ski season is just about over, as our crazy dogs go nuts whenever they see skiers. It is difficult to dig my toes into our icy driveway and desperately hold on to their leashes so that they can't leap on top of the hapless skiers and greet them in a slobbery and highly enthusiastic way. I have become one of "those" dog owners, you know the kind, reassuring terrified strangers that, "Really, they're very friendly, they wouldn't hurt a fly!" while the dogs lunge and bark like maniacs! Sadly, even though we might not have to contend with many more skiers this winter, a new and bigger challenge presented itself today...the equestrians have started using the ski trail as a horse path. Kermit knocked me over in his great excitement, and then both dogs proceeded to drag me down the icy driveway to see the horses. I managed to (barely) regain control of them just in time, so no riders were thrown and neither of the dogs' skulls were crushed by a well placed horse hoof! Wow, we SO need to get a big, high fence! (Or maybe a couple of little doggy straight jackets!)