Holy swamp ass. 
Y’all…it feels like Great Balls of Fire outside today. The humidity isn’t just high—it’s clinging to every inch of my body like Saran Wrap straight from hell. I stepped outside and my deodorant whispered, “Girl…I’m gonna do my best.”
Of course, my dogs laid on the guilt trip until I caved.
Today’s walks weren’t a marathon—they were a 4×100 relay. Josey insisted on carrying her giant, slightly deflated tennis ball—the official relay baton—for the first two legs. She teamed up with Milo for the opening lap, passed the baton…well, technically she never let go of it…then tagged in Buster for leg two.
By the final leg, even Josey had enough. She finally tagged out, her beloved tennis ball got promoted to stroller cargo, and Mikey took over while Teddy rode along like the veteran anchor.
Poor Teddy’s biggest obstacle wasn’t even the heat. It was one stretch of sidewalk where the weeds had apparently declared independence. They were sticking up through every crack like Olympic hurdles, and Teddy was bouncing around in that stroller like he was riding barge waves on the Mississippi. By the end of the block, I think he was seriously reconsidering his choice of chauffeur.
We only made it around a block or two each trip before calling the race. In this heat, everybody earned a participation ribbon, a doggy snow cone, and a direct flight back to the air conditioning.
When we got home, I made everyone doggy snow cones—just crushed ice with a little Ready Whip on top. It’s a cool and crunchy treat. Judging by how fast those bowls were cleaned, you’d have thought I’d served filet mignon.
A little reminder on days like this…
Dogs don’t sweat like we do. They cool themselves by panting and through their paw pads.
Always make sure they have plenty of fresh, cool water.
Cool treats like crushed ice can be a fun way to help them beat the heat.
Cool floors are their best friend after they’ve been outside.
If my crew insists on hanging out while I’m working in the flower beds, I let the hose run until the water gets nice and cold, gently spray their bellies, then wet down a shady patch of grass. Before long, they’re stretched out in their own little doggy air-conditioning system.
One small note: The whipped cream is just an occasional topping—not an everyday treat. Always make sure it’s not sugar-free and does not contain xylitol, which is extremely dangerous for dogs. I like the original Ready Whip because it has a short, simple ingredient list. The crushed ice and fresh, cool water are really the important parts—the whipped cream is just a little bonus.
Stay cool out there, friends. If it’s too hot for you, it’s probably too hot for them too. Keep walks short, provide plenty of fresh water, shade, and cool places to rest. I also try to stick to grassy areas or shaded sidewalks whenever I can. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for theirs.
Anyway—Off We Go. 
The dogs were walked. The snow cones were devoured. I need a shower…and Mother Nature needs to simma down now
