This was the burning question this a.m. --who has the keys to the Ark?  I have six dogs, that's two of something three times right?  (See that algebra class is paying off! HA!)  According to the backyard it was time to re-launch an Ark.  I was up at the usual "before flippin' dawn" time and the scene out the back door reminded me of a series of connecting lakes.  The rain was falling so hard and fast the ground, which is already saturated just could not soak it up fast enough.  The older two dogs, Riley and Maddy bravely trudged out and went potty.  The other guys just peeked out and you could see it "nope, not gonna do anything in THAT!".  So back to crates for them.  I got ready and by then the rain had dulled to the monsoon variety, so I shoved the crew out for 10 minutes. 

Seriously, those outdoor kennel runs are looking better and better when weighed against the smell of 6 wet dogs and 24 wet, muddy feet that have to be wiped off.  Now, ten years ago I wouldn't have thought twice about it, but I've definately taken the "less is more" theory to heart.  Of course, maybe it's the two job/school thing that has pushed me to the edge. 

And to make matters even more wonderful, Dora's bark is back.  Okay, so she doesn't sound like a Collie anymore, she now sounds like a Labrador Retriever.  That is not an improvement.  In another month we'll try again with a repeat de-bark.  Apparently she is a stinker to put under anesthesia--yep that figures, it's Dora after all.

Per the weather dude it's supposed to be nice on Sat. and I have plans to spend the day in the yard.  I have a few ideas for the front and even though we are supposed to get SNOW on Monday (who ordered THAT?!?) I'm itching to pot some flowers.  And now after all this rain the fence really needs to go up around the garden. 

Until next time here in Soggy City Iowa...