Here in New York, winter usually arrives around the end of October or the beginning of November.  This year, much like the rest of the country, the weather was a little weird and we didn't get any snow accumulation until the middle of January!  We had a few flurries in December, but the snow never stayed more than 24 hours.

Since winter has finally begun, I decided that I should give the dogs their last bath before the muddy mess known as spring.  The dogs don't really like getting bathed, but they both tolerate it well.  They both love the aftermath, though!  They get to zoom around the house at top speed as they (as my mother puts it) "spin dry."

Ellie, still damp from her bath, striking a show dog-like pose.  She's intently watching a ball roll.  ;)

Ellie has decided that snow is the most fun toy we've ever given her and she just loves to run outside during her potty breaks.  She hasn't quite figured out that she can dig in it, yet, but I'm sure she'll discover that soon enough.  She also enjoys eating the snow and will sample bits of it all around the dogs' area of the yard.  I have yet to get a picture of her doing so, but I'm betting I'll manage to snatch a picture of it soon!

Look, mom, I found a tiny stick!  Om nom nom nom ~

I've finally found a trainer that is somewhat nearby, holds small group classes and charges a reasonable rate, so Yuki will be attending his first obedience class in February!  This trainer also has herding classes, agility classes and has a Canine Good Citizen preparation class.  I'm so excited to finally start working toward my ultimate goal of having Yuki and Ellie both certified as therapy dogs!  Yuki will have a harder time than Ellie, simply because he's 3 years old and somewhat set in his ways, but the trainer sounds confident that she can help.

"What's that?!"  Ellie could hear a squirrel hopping around on the other side of the bushes.

The dogs are both a bit restless now that they're inside more often, but I'm doing my best to compensate by tossing their toys around more often.  Ellie has learned that if she puts her balls up onto the couch with me, then I'm far more likely to throw them for her.  I originally had her learn the behavior so that she would stop trying to lunge for the ball as I tried to throw it.  Now it's just adorable and I love seeing her little paws plop up on the edge of the couch as she drops her orange ball.  Again, I wish I had pictures or video of it, but she definitely doesn't sit still long enough when playing fetch.  Instead, I will leave you with one of my favorite (recent) pictures.  :)

Mom, this little house is just the right size...but where are its walls?!