Well, winter is a fickle thing, at least up here in the northern Rockies. Mom always says she doesn’t understand how plants and trees endure, with the capricious temperature swings we have. In the past days, we’ve gone from 20 below to near 50 above. And that is not the most drastic, but every heretic thermometer, with its wild swings, have to be hard on flora and fauna alike.
One night it was 20 below, and a merciful Chinook blew in. By morning, it was 30 above. I am grateful for these days that reach 40, even if only for a brief spell in early afternoon. There is melting snow and plenty of ice. But at least I can lay comfortably on the porch and keep track of my ranch.
A Chinook is a warm dry wind that has mercy on those of us on the east slopes of the Rockies. It is like a miracle in the darkest, coldest time of year. Suddenly we believe in Spring again!
Now we have a January Thaw. It is some weird weather, but don’t panic and wring your paws – it isn’t global warming, just a normal cycle when the Arctic weather patterns trap the cold up north, and the balmy pacific air blows inland further east. Pretty good weather lesson from a cowdog, you say?
I hear it from Mom, because country people need to keep track of things like temperatures, weather and road conditions.
Last year, instead of a balmy Chinook and January thaw, we got hurricane force winds that nearly blew the world away! It is funny how different one January is from the last, one year is from the last.
You can read about how I was clawed in against ice and wind last year right here : https://cowdogsadvice.com/2021/01/a-chinook-and-the-january-thaw/
As a Heeler I, naturally, am grounded, focused and not blown about by the ups and downs of this world. After I wrote about resolutions I got to thinking about keeping my direction, maybe honing the edges a bit, ensuring my own path is straight and clear. So here are a few of the things I’m going to work on in the coming months:
- Toys – I’m going to inventory the toy box, thin the herd, donate a few of the best. Maybe I will get a new one for my birthday. Everyone is always looking for that Heeler-proof toy, the ones that do not end up as confetti in 20 minutes. Mom found good ones, some I’ve had for years. They are made of some kind of bomb [or cowdog]-proof fabric, they are soft and funny and of course I know them by name. I have Pinky, Pig, Froggy, Paint, Squid and many others. I tell you, it would take a stick of dynamite to destroy these things – believe me, I’ve tried! You can find a great assortment of Tuffy toys here: https://amzn.to/3GG1KaE You and your pup will be so glad you did!
And there are even some Heelers in the videos there! They have toys and have NOT destroyed them!
I will not get to counting the bones buried throughout the ranch, at least not until the freeze is out! Then I will try to find a few shed antlers out there, too.
2. I plan to patrol the ranch better and ensure security for my family. Even though I’m older, I exercise , take my vitamins and stay in shape so I can be the best guard dog in these parts.
Maybe I am Cowdog emeritus, and am semi-retired. But I still intend to do my job the best I can. A lot depends on me!
3. To celebrate Spring, I plan to have a Spa Day at my groomer. Even though I dislike being left, and may bark at the other dogs there, I don’t really mind going for the day. Sara is kind and gentle as she washes, trims, cuts, and brushes. After I am the most beautiful cowdog ever, with no shedding for at least a few days! I will tell you all about it when that day comes!
4. This year, like every year in a true Heeler’s life, I will rally my rumblegumption. More common sense, more wisdom, more mercy, more integrity, I know us Heelers practice that all the time, but I’m raising the bar. What is rumblegumption, you ask? Well, read what I wrote about it here : https://cowdogsadvice.com/2021/01/gumption/
An important part of my routine is writing this dog blog. I bring different things, hoping readers may gather encouragement and enjoyment. Here is my routine for now:
- I post at least once a week about my adventures, opinions, and general cowdog wisdom, mostly up on Fridays. Sometimes I post links on Facebook, but best to find it right here.
2. Cowdog quotes have been every Monday morning, but will be going to the the first of each month, plus special holidays instead.
You can find all the quotes on my page here: https://cowdogsadvice.com/cowdog-quotes-2021/
They are always helpful and always all Heeler!
3. Grip and Gump, those cartoon cowdogs, stop by now and then, but they are busy with ranch life and I never know when to expect them. 
4. In addition to great apparel designs like Heeler Heart and Soul,
which you can get here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnythingForJess?ref=shop_sugg
Or here: https://cowdogsadvice.com/shop/?orderby=date
I have new designs in the works, plus look for a book and Heeler Angels in the coming months!
I tell you I am busier than….well, me at a cattle drive! I can’t wait to share it all with you. Please stay tuned for the latest Cowdogs Advice. 
