Month: January 2025

Cleaning up a bit, the intent was to toss Mr. Moose into Sparky’s crate.  It landed on top, and he immediately went to retrieve it.  Since Sparky started working from the inside, I wanted to see if he’d try from the outside when he got stuck. 

If Mr. Moose is thrown under the couch, Sparky will go behind the couch if he can’t reach it from the front.  I’ve seen him switch strategies when necessary, but the crate was too much.  I had to coax him out of the crate and on to the trunk.

I am impressed with his diligence.  Most of the video is at double speed, and Sparky was working on it for a little while before I started recording.  He was trying to get Mr. Moose for almost 3 minutes, and never came over to have me bail him out. 

I thought this would be harder for Sparky.

I brought Sparky home just short of 2 years ago.  It was a mild winter, but I was concerned that he’d be too cold when we went on walks.  He’s got that short, seal fur, but didn’t have the fat layer.  I got him the Carhartt jacket.

Now that I know Sparky, it’s clear that even in the snow, he has a lot of dog stuff to work on.  When we are out, Sparky stuffs his snout into the snow like this all the time. 

I also know that if Sparky gets cold, he will head for the house.  I could lead him on a longer walk, but he would not be reluctant to give his opinion.

After a week of use, Sparky appreciates his heating pad Christmas present.  It’s on low, and keeps the back half of his bed warm.  It got down to 20^o F last night and we’ve been burning consistently.  The bedroom was in the low 60’s. 

If Sparky was cold, he’d curl up like a pill bug.  If he were too warm, he’d be in the front of the crate.  FYI, that’s why only a part of the bed should be heated.  His eyes are open, and he stayed in bed for another hour.

My guess is that Sparky stays in bed so I have time to stoke the stove.  When he did shamble out of bed and had gone out for a piss, he settled in for a comfy morning.