Cold is Gold for Jeep

Jeep loves to be outside especially now that winter is here. She LOVES the snow and can romp in it for hours on end with absolutely no desire to come inside.  The colder it gets, the more she wants to stay outside.  In fact after a few hours in the wind and cold, Mrs. Sassy Pants will come right up to the glass door look in at me nestled on the couch in a blanket with Dot Com and stare at us.  When I finally do get up to let her inside, she playfully retreats and dares me to come out and catch her. (As if I could!)

Like true pyr owners everywhere, I have to laugh at the fuzzy clown before turning around and shutting the door.  We all know pyrs have a mind of their own.  Obedience is just not one of their strong suits.  I am aware that Jeep would love for me to come outside and play with her in the cold.  But without boots, mittens and a down coat that is not going to happen.

This video shows just how much Jeep likes it outside.  Watch her walk away and plop down in the snow.  What would you do if you were Jeep’s owner?

Of course, we worry about our fluff ball becoming too cold.  We just have to remember that unlike Dot Com who can only stay outside for short bursts with a coat on (she owns three) our friend Jeep is a Great Pyrenees.  Pyrenees are one of the top five cold-weather breeds.  You may remember that pyrs have not only have double dew claws, but double coats of fur.    Their thick  undercoat acts as insulation while their outer coat is weather-resistant.  It is not uncommon to see pictures of pyrs with icicles on their fur.  Dogs also have warmer body temperatures than people.  An average person has a temperature of 98.6 degrees whereas a dog has 102.5 degrees.  (Maybe there is something to be said good about hot dogs after all.)

So instead of forcing Jeep inside where it is warm and toasty, we will allow her to be outside in her fenced in, snowy, windy  yard where she is clearly the happiest.  Besides, when our girl really wants to come in, she stands up tall on her back legs and places both of her front giant paws on the glass door.
Who needs a doorbell anyway?  Jeep communicates with people just fine.  Good girl Jeep!