Even four-legged friends get cabin fever

Published 10:09 pm Thursday, December 25, 2008

Susan Ronken of Stanwood recently ventured outside into the snow with her mom, Carol Ronken, to feed the wild birds a mid-morning snack. Her mom’s two maltzus dogs (a mix of Maltese and Shih Tzu) — Quincy and Madison — followed, for a quick potty break. They had cabin fever. Snowy weather had prevented the daily car rides and walks they normally enjoy.

“They decided to leave the sanctity of their shoveled area to venture out into the deep snow with us,” Susan Ronken said.

So Susan Ronken snapped photos of the two dogs experiencing deep snow for the first time.

“Quincy, the black-and-white boy, loved the snow but Madison, the little tan girl, is a total princess and after she tried to venture out I carried her back to the porch,” Susan Ronken said.

Quincy had a blast, bouncing in the snow, working to keep his head above the powder, making giant circles. Afterward the two dogs came in to get warm by the fire.

Susan Ronken, who has a Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy named Piper, was involved in Snohomish County 4-H. She makes sure her dogs get proper care during the winter. She shovelled the snow off an area of grass to create a play area for the dogs.

That way, “we don’t have to worry about their pads cracking or other winter hazards since they are house dogs, not acclimated for this weather,” she said.

Susan Ronken recommends the AKC Web site for more information: www.akc.org/public_education/winter_care.cfm.

Leita Crossfield