the great outdoors

When I first adopted Bella, someone asked me what the biggest difference was between having a dog and not. And I said, "You know those lazy, cold days when you just stay in your pajamas all day and never leave the house? Those days are gone."

As it turns out, what they say is true: If you dress warmly enough, there is no such thing as bad weather.

On Christmas, Bella, Ellie Mae and I enjoyed the great outdoors with our friend Deena. I honestly, truly don't miss those never-leave-the-house days.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Let a dog run free only when you are confident she or he knows his/her name and will come back when called. Some dogs can be off-leash only in contained (eg fenced) areas.

photos by Deena. Thanks, Deena!