I had to talk to my Mom about this one. Basically all I know is that I do not have to live outside in any kind of weather!

Mom said that many years ago humans discovered they needed to take shelter because it was either cold, or raining, or too uncomfortable to live outside, so they moved into caves. If you could not locate a cave for shelter, they figured out that they could use trees and rocks to build one. They also began to figure out that some wolves could be tamed and live among the humans peaceably.

When they decided to take this route, they brought along the trusty and loyal family pet.

Through the years as they (and canines) evolved, they began to make bigger more sophisticated shelters and once again, they brought us dogs into the shelter.

Humans began to lose their body hair. They did not need it anymore, because it’s warm inside. Humans took us with them and made us a part of their world, doing away with some of the ex-wolves’ normal lifestyles. Though we were once great at adapting to elements, we changed our behavior patterns, the same as you.

This does not in any way mean that all dogs want to live in the house and sleep in a king-sized bed, like me!!

My Mom knows this man named Bill Borden. A few years back he decided to do the Iditarod. That is a race where a team of dogs pull a man on a sled over hundreds of miles, enduring very harsh conditions. Mom asked Bill if the dogs had any desire to come inside when the conditions were too extreme. Bill explained that these dogs burrow into the snow, making a little den and creating a warm environment for them to stay until it’s time for them to continue the race. They awake the next morning arising from the den and shaking the snow off of their bodies. Quite a sight to behold, I am told. It’s also kinda weird if you ask a dog like me! Those dogs, however, have a very special kind of hair that I do not have. They stay a whole lot warmer!

A dog is a big responsibility. The commitment should be the same that you would make to a child. Yes, we are animals, but we are domesticated!  How cold is too cold?  When you go outside, you must ask yourself, “Is it too cold for my little buddy? Would I stay out here all day without a coat?”

If not, then it is time to bring her inside! If you can’t do it, do not get a dog!

Mom says maybe in a few hundred years, man will have domesticated cows. Tax can’t wait!!