Fall is here!
October 1, 2009 -
Fall has always been my favorite time of year. I love everything about it. The start of a coolness in the evening, Fall colors, Fall fashion, Fall foods… Being in Arizona, the Fall is particularly welcome to me. While nearly devoid of Fall colors in the trees, there are still signs that I cherish. The coolness and light breeze in the evening—the promise that cooler temperatures are coming. I love to open my windows at night to let the cool breeze cool my home. Likewise, I like to drive with my windows open in the morning on my way to work.
The dogs have been keen on the perceptible change in evening temperatures, as well, and have been more anxious to get outside in the early morning. They’re getting more active, and are enjoying playing more in the cooler weather.
I took down their kiddie pool this past weekend. While sooner than I would normally have (because the days here are still quite warm), Molly had chewed it practically beyond being able to hold water anymore. I think she misses it: I caught glimpse of her trying to fit herself into their water bowl, which is about 18” round pan she certainly does not fit in. She had her four feet squished in together, and it was funny to see her velvety ears cascading around her face as she looked down, trying to assess how she could sit or lay down. I would have loved to catch a picture of it.
With their increased activity, I always seem to find that they need a little boost up in the amount of food I’m giving them. I can start to view their ribs, and you shouldn’t be able to do that. They readily eat more at this time of year, and need it to keep at a healthy weight. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to feel their ribs easily, but they should not be visible. Iams has a good visual pet weight chart that I sometimes refer to just to know if we’re on track. My dogs tend to run underweight, and get too thin in Fall, so I usually adjust by giving about an additional cup per day (half a cup more in the morning and again at night). I usually start by adding a little and watching the effect on their build. When they start to fill out to where I can’t see their ribs, I maintain that amount through the winter.
With all this cooler weather, I’m looking forward to taking more walks and hikes with them, as well!
Enjoy the season!
Comments
02 Oct 2009 10:55 am
cubbybear said:
Type in Oatman AZ on your comp and it will come up. Being around the burros all day is like having an extended family. They are pretty cool. my profile pic is of April giving me a burro hug.
02 Oct 2009 9:35 am
shawniec said:
Wow, that sounds so neat! I've never even heard of Oatman, but sounds like my kind of place. I went somewhere years ago that had wild burros and I just loved seeing them! Last night was wonderful; it was down in the 60s and I left the windows open. The dogs are loving it. :-)
01 Oct 2009 10:24 pm
cubbybear said:
you must have loved the temp today. my two girls are definitely loving it. They want to be out much more. This is the best part of AZ. When we say goodbye to summer. I live in ft. mohave but work in Oatman which is a bit cooler. In Oatman it was only 73 today. What a breath of fresh air. If you've never been, you should visit. And you sound like an animal lover and you would love it there. We are home to the oatman burros. They are awesome. so not only do I have my girls at home, but I have the burros all day too. God must love me.
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