Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where only three words dominated the landscape. Cold, white and mats. Elsa here joining our favorite Nature Friday ambassadors, Rosy and Sunny, from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what others have shared.
Like most of the country, Denver was knee deep in a brutal Arctic blast. Outings were fairly limited due to the extreme windchill factors and Mom’s obsession with getting the new guy de-matted. Every day for a few hours, she’s been removing mats as it’s been increasingly difficult to find a professional groomer to take on this project. If he’d been a pocket sized dog, it wouldn’t have been as much of an issue but because this monster [Mom hollering from the other room…ELSA!] , erm…I mean, big boy…yeah, that’s the ticket…no one was willing to take on the project. Speaking of the bigger than life dude, Mom is fairly sure on a name other than ‘Not Sam’ but will wait until the beginning of the week to commit. I remember she took her sweet time picking my name too and she wants to make sure it reflects his personality. The only thing I can say about ‘he who shall remain nameless’ is that he’s humongous and sometimes thinks Mom is his personal toy and I need to be elsewhere. We still have the occasional and very brief dust up before Mom puts us in time out. WTD? I still don’t know how come I get blamed?
The Mom: Sometimes you both are guilty of a little too long of a look or you startle simultaneously.
Elsa: I can guarantee, HE’S the one who starts it, Mom…well after I thought I’d let him know I was the boss. Didn’t realize he was bigger and stronger than me and not intimidated one bit.
The Mom: You were quite surprised someone stood up to you, weren’t you? I realize you guys will need to work out the details on the pecking order but I think I’ve made it clear, there will be no dust ups over me.
Elsa: Don’t tell me…tell HIM.
The Mom: He’s starting to get the idea and seems to be doing better.
Elsa: Oh sure, he didn’t scare the crap out of you when we both came around the corner in the kitchen at the same time.
The Mom: Yeah, the timing was unfortunate but I really do think he’s getting the hang of things.
Elsa: {grumbling under her breath} Fine, you say puh–tey-toh, I say po-tah-toh.
The Mom: Aww, sweetie, you’ll always be my favorite princess and you need to know I will always protect you. We just need to be a little patient. Not Sam has been through quite a lot over the last 13 days. Remember how I was patient with you when you joined the Ranch?
Elsa: You’re right, I’ll try to be more understanding. You gotta feel badly that he lost his home, his mom and then travelled across 3 states to live in a busy noisy city after living on a quiet 13-acre country farm with his OES pals.
The Mom: That’s the spirit, Ninja. You guys may never be BFF’s but you’re getting there.
Elsa: So…getting back to the nature part of this post, like I said before, it’s been cold and we had some snow but mostly the week has been about mats. When you took Not Sam for a bath (thank dog for that…man that boy reeked), you took him for a bit of a walk to wear him out before the Chinese water torture session before the bitter cold settled in and if I do say so myself, was a pretty brilliant strategy on your part. So what did he think about the Canadian Geese on the lake?
The Mom: I think he was pretty overwhelmed with all the new sights, smells and sounds. He’s still startled by auto traffic but he’ll get there.
Elsa: Once it warms up, I’ll show him the ropes around those Canadians. They’re not so tough.
The Mom: {eyes rolling} Uh-huh…sure you will. Why do you think I keep you on short leash around those birds?
Elsa: It’s in your nature to be a helicopter mom?
The Mom: NO!! I’m just trying to protect you. You don’t want tangle with those guys. Trust me.
Elsa: If you say so. They’re cool to watch but I think there are more interesting sights around the lake. Like muskrats and…
The Mom: Umm, no to muskrats or other creepy rodents.
Elsa: Oh man, you’re no fun. Why do we always have to stay on the path and not really get to go exploring for critters when we’re out in nature?
The Mom: It’s for your (and their) safety. Nobody wants to get hurt. When it comes to nature, our motto is “live and let live.”
Elsa: Maybe YOU think that way. I’m sure I can convince a certain someone that chasing squirrels and bunnies makes for fun times.
Elsa: {continuing} I see you’ve managed to get rid of 90% of his mats removed. After last night’s session where you took care of that left paw and chest, Not Sam is starting to look like a new sheepdog.
The Mom: Yup, he’s completely transformed although the removal of those mats make him look like he’s been chewed on by a pack of mice.
Elsa: Wait…you let him play with mice?
The Mom: No, he’s not allowed to play with mice, his coat however looks like it’s been chewed on by mice. I’m sure once I use the clippers and blending shears when he’s completely de-matted, he’ll look better but it’s been quite the process. I’ve filled several large trash cans with all that fur. And as long as it’s going to be cold, it’s a good way to bond while we’re staying warm on a long winter day.
Elsa: Good point…I’m just grateful you’re not “bonding” with me like that.
The Mom: Trust me, I’d never let you get that bad. I think I’ve removed enough fur to make a couple of sweaters.
Elsa: Umm, I’m rather partial to my fur so you can keep mitts to yourself, ok?
The Mom: {smiling} You got it, sweetie. Just don’t get jealous if I’m spending a few hours a day brushing him and removing the final mats this weekend.
Elsa: Trust me…not a chance. So is it ever going to warm up so that we don’t need to imitate Eskimos with coats and boots?
The Mom: I think we’ll get back into the 40’s starting this weekend and we’ll be able to take proper walks around the ‘Hood. We may even go the lake again to see how birds and other critters are holding up. The Stock Show ends this weekend so I’m sure it’ll start warming up and we can start counting down the days until Spring arrives.
Elsa: Well aren’t you Miss Pollyanna. You know there are bound to be some snowstorms over the next couple of months?
The Mom: Just trying to be optimistic. But yeah…I know, there’ll be snow. So long as there isn’t bitter cold temps, we’ll all be just fine. And I think we’ll start planning a trip to introduce the new guy to your Grandpa. What do you think of that?
Elsa: That’d be great, just so long as he understands he’s MY grandpa!
The Mom: {eyes rolling} Just so long as you remember the phrase…”Be Nice!”
Elsa: Tell him that. So…you guys got any groovy winter plans for this weekend? Whatever you are able to do, just make sure you take in some of the beauty nature offers. Have a grand weekend!
The Mom: I think ‘somebody’ started theirs.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
‘Not Sam’ is looking so much better and seems to enjoy all the care and attention Monika ❤ Sending lots of love and hope the transition from his old life will grow smoother with time ❤💫 xxx
Thank you. I’m hoping his new life starts to make sense to him soon. He deserves it.
Lulu: “Not Sam does clean up quite nicely. Belly rub time!”
Thanks. Wilson enjoys belly rubs as much as you do, Lulu.
Sam looks very handsome with the new haircut.
He’s getting there. Feel badly that he’s had to adjust everything about his previous life to something quite different from what he’s used to. The transition has been a bit bumpy at times.
” He who is without a name” is looking good. Much better that the first photograph at the back seat of the car. Yes, he certainly brushes up well… It has been over 40c these last few days, so you just enjoy your snow.
Many thanks, John. He has cleaned up nicely and was very tolerant of a very challenging groom. Sorry it’s so hot down under. Even after last week’s subzero temps and minor snow, I noticed some bulbs breaking the surface of the ground yesterday. Just proves Nature can be forgiving when she wants to be kind. Hugs and greetings to Annabell. Please give her our best.
It was a wee bit hot, but I didn’t realize hot until I saw two hobbits throw a ring into my front yard. I will pass your greetings on – I generally do.
Aww! I am sure your Mom will think of the perfect name for “not Sam” , can’t wait to hear it! He is looking mighty handsome with all of your Mom’s hard work. And you are still a beauty to Princess Elsa. 🙂 Listen to your Mama, Elsa, I don’t think you want to mess with those geese.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I shoveled and I am now hibernating. 🙂
Kick back and warm up with some tasty hot chocolate. A splash of almond extract makes it really tasty during dry January. Otherwise I’d say Schnapps 😉
😆 I might try that!
Almond & chocolate go soooo well together.
😋
Not Sam is looking good, we can see all the hard work Mom has been doing!! We can’t wait to hear the name that gets decided upon. Elsa, just think of all of the good things you are going to get to teach him!
It’s a little too cold here to enjoy nature much, but after the weekend it should be better. The dogs have really been enjoying the snow we’ve gotten, and sometimes we have to make them come in from the yard to warm up!
He’s been extremely tolerant considering the amount of mats he had. Next week he’ll get professionally cleaned up and look terrific! We can’t wait to see him then. The only thing Elsa wants to teach him is how to disappear. 🤣 But the longer he’s here, the personality is beginning to emerge and detente existence becomes more possible. Who knows, maybe they’ll become fur buds, she’d like to but he’s not so keen at least when I’m the one they’re both trying to impress.
Just reading about it makes me feel cold…which is just as well as it is blazing hot here! Elsa is doing so well making the adjustments…but I’d like to have seen the incident where they both came haring round at the same time!
Trust me, all 3 of us jumped! Yes, I’ve got my paws crossed we’ll be getting a respite from the super cold weather for at least a week. Hope your temps stop sizzling soon. Isn’t this the rainy season?
No such luck! Three more months to go.
Oh dear…my sympathies.
We had some sub tropical days where the temp was in the twenties,(Hah!), But right now its -1F again. Brrr…and the snow keeps piling up, there must be at least 8 inches, With deeper drifts. Hopefully if the forecast is correct we might get melting next week.
Pawsome nature pics, I Bet ‘Not-Sam’ likes the walks around the lake, a bit of the country nearby his city dwelling!
He sure looks a lot less scruffy after all your work!
Elsa, be patient with the new dude…he needs a good friend to mentor him about all the new things happening in his life including all the cars and suchlike.
Yuck, to ongoing below zero temps. We’re looking forward to better weather and more walks which will help us all, physically and emotionally. The pics of him with his mats didn’t really show how bad they were. I’ve never seen mats that bad on a dog before and the even sadder thing is that a couple of the other dogs that were surrendered two weeks ago with Not Sam were much worse. Just heartbreaking. 💔
Came across your post on the WordPress feed and just wanted to extend a warm greeting ! Your content caught my attention, and I’m excited to delve into more of your thought-provoking posts. Although I couldn’t locate the follow button (LOL!) , I’ll definitely keep it in my reading list! Rest assured, I’ll stay vigilant for your future posts.
Looking forward to embarking on this reading adventure with you!
Warm regards,
Thanks – TheDogGod pomeranianpuppies.uk
Not-Sam iss lookin much much bettur!!! Wee can hardlee wait to fin out his name Miss Monika an Elsa!
Iss frigid an snowy an UCKY up heer an wee feel like wee have had 3 monthss of Winter inn 1 month **sighss**
Mee an BellaSita went out on patio for monthly fire alarm test an with 3 blankis over mee Condo it was Okay butt aftur 10 minutess mee WAS happy to come back inn.
***nose rubss*** BellaDharma an {{huggiess}} BellaSita Mum
Stay safe and warm, dear kitty and mum and have a good weekend!
Wee stayin innside~~it iss two cold outside fore this Kitty an her Meowmy Miss Monika 😉
Don’t blame you. It sounds like a good strategy for this weekend!
Uh, Elsa, it’s his RIGHT leg and paw your Mom’s been dematting; you know it’s like looking in a mirror. We have to say, Not Sam is starting to look pretty darn great. You two would make a pretty awesome couple, te he! Can’t wait to hear his new “furever” name, and then we can sing that song about sitting in a tree… (we’re too far away for you to hurt us, BOL, BOL!) Just kidding, luv ya! XOX Xena, Lucy, Chia and Riley
Maybe he’ll think of me as the better half of us as a couple 🤣 Mom has thought and thought about just the right name for him. Hopefully she nails it. 🤞🏻
first of all the girl is ALWAYS in charge, second of all, he had a traumatic change Elsa, cut him some slack. He sure is a big boy, maybe not allowed to chase sheep for too long. I love his face, and hair, and I love Elsa… glad I don’t have to come up with a name
LeeAnna
That name thing has really vexed Mom. Just hope she gets it right. He’s got a lot of giddy up and go, that’s for sure. I’m a lot slower than he is but then I’m probably twice as old too. Have a great weekend.
Your mom gets a lot of credit for taking in a big adult dog who was a total mess. Mom’s first dog was a one year old 100 lb lab/newf mix. She was gentle and sweet from day one and she was the only dog in the house. Mom loved her so much. She passed away when they lived in Germany at 10 1/2. She says there will never be another dog like her. One time she got left behind on the front lawn. About half an hour later Mom realized the other person didn’t remember to bring her home. She drove back and the dog was still laying in the same spot, just waiting. All of us would have been off on our own adventure immediately. Good luck with your new housemate.
My goodness, that was some special kind of pooch! Thanks for the well wishes. It’s going to be interesting acclimating him to the city life when all he’s ever known is the country life. It’ll be quite a change.
The boy is so handsome, the girl is so pretty with big attitude and Mama is going to have a great weekend!
Hope springs eternal! Have a great weekend yourself, Marc.
Salud! I say even though we’re doing dry January, 😉
Yeah, I was just thinking what the devil was I thinking when I committed to it? And a 31 day month at that. 🙄
Well . . . I have to go the first week of February for my month since it was a slightly wet first week of January. But hey, it’ll still count? LOL
31 days, is still 31 days. You’re golden in my books.
Thank ye!
” He who is un-named” is looking much better than the first photograph you showed of him. He’s starting to brush up nicely. Don’t know about mice, but it seems to me that you have done a good job with the clippers. Hey Elsa, just to let you know it’s a kind of hot 43C here today. I think the A/C in the car will get a good workout.
Gosh, that’s pretty toasty and a far cry from what it’s been around here. He is looking better without all the mats. For a while I kept thinking he was a Rasta dog! LOL
Not Sam looks like he is making himself at home in the last photo. The beauty of fostering is giving the guys who have had some challenges the feeling that someone cares. Taking away those mats are a great way to show that. Hope y’all have a relaxing weekend.
Thanks, John. They tell me it’s a good way to bond. I’m sure he’s so over it. Hours and hours of snipping a few hairs at a time had to have been exhausting for him as it was for Mom.
I’ll bet. Sounds like a lot of work.
That’s an understatement!
Yes it is.
Much improved… the handsome guy emerges! A cold weekend for us, then a warmer stretch starting Monday. I’m really glad to stay in next to the wood stove. 🙂
Thank you. Yes, there was an actual panda pony in all that hair! Stay warm by the fire, Eliza.
I thought it was cold here in middle England (Warwickshire). It sounds like fun with the cold arctic blast, for about half a day and then just a grind. Stay warm and well 😀
Thanks, it was bitter cold. Even potty breaks only lasted about 90 seconds-it almost hurt trying to breathe that cold air. Have a lovely weekend.
Stay warm!
Thanks, you too!
It’s finally getting a bit warmer in the high desert, it looks like Not Sam is settling in…the picture of he and Elsa snoozing is adorable!
Us sleeping so closely really surprised Mom. She’s got 8 dog beds throughout the house and that’s the only mat he’s laid on. Course, he seems to think Mom is his dog bed. LOL
Glad the high mountain desert is warming up. This January has seemed unusually cold so we’re hoping that those temps will moderate after the Stock Show leaves town and takes the cold with it. Have a great weekend.
He’s looking pretty handsome! We’ve had really cold temps here but the cats don’t go out so they don’t mind too much. Their window perches are a little chillier but that’s ok. Hugs to Elsa and NotSam!
Aww, thanks, Kate. He’s getting there. We hope you have a toasty and relaxing weekend.
Tomorrow will be our coldest day (not quite as cold as your coldest day) but next week is looking like 30s-40s for daytime highs. I’ll take it!
Sounds like a decent forecast for the third week in January to me! Stay warm tomorrow.
Just another day or two hopefully…
🤞🏼
Winter has landed after its long absence, and indeed movement here has been restricted a bit. We still plan on getting outside and enjoying all the frozen and frosty views Nature provides. I can sympathize with Not Sam when we have snow as I am startled by auto traffic as well…drivers Not Good.🚗⚠
Poor guy, it really startles him but much of the city is startling. He’s adapting with more exposure. Hope you have a cozy warm weekend.
YAY! Progress being made turning Not Sam into a dog vs. a big fuzzy rug! The bigger the dog the more de-matting of course but sounds like he’s fitting into his new home well and if Elsa thinks he’s not so stinky anymore (!) that’s progress! We have about six inches of snow – snowing right now in fact – this is the first “real” Winter we’ve had in Virginia (at least our area) in a couple of years. Teddy thinks snow is evil and doesn’t understand why I can’t make it go away. Sigh.
Hugs, Pam
Whoa…your snow seems to be trying to compete with our levels although we had melting over the past couple of days. It’s times like that when the mile high altitude makes a difference in melting. Stay warm and cozy this weekend.
Hey Elsa. I think you should be thankful that you aren’t a horse because I’ve got the feeling if you were, Mom would be sending you to the glue factory. Just sayin”” …. keep your eyes open.
Gasp…Mom would NEVER do that to me! Ever. No matter what I did.
I’m reading between the lines because I sense something. Be aware.
I’ll keep my radar engaged. Thanks for the heads up.
Sounds like a perfect winter weekend to me! Stay warm.
We’re staying inside, other than potty breaks for the pups, and watching the snow (and the new kittens) today, making chili in the crock pot and being slugs. Nature can be seen out the window right now, though it is mostly white. Walks will need to wait a few days!
That looks like quite the job you’ve undertaken! His front left paw is all fuzzy and the right one looks like it’s been gnawed at! You rock, The Mom! He’s already quite handsome so I can only imagine when he’s all mat-free!
Oh hey, how is he with the cold? Is he as big a wimp as Norman was?
Nice job, Elsa. Hope the temperatures warm up.
At this point his preference is to only be where I am. I could easily name him Shadow and it would be appropriate. Not very original but too true. We’re heading into several days of upper 30’s and 40’sF. Not bad for January.
That is understandable. He’s in a new home and you are the one giving him the love he needs. Shadow is not a bad one but I’m sure you’ll know when you know. We’re heading for OUR cold spell for the weekend. But then it goes back up.