1 While not exactly a Christmas miracle, it's certainly something we can be thankful for. Frozen-solid dog poop is certainly better than the fresh-n-steamy variety.

2 The Feared Redhead is a native of the Twin Cities. Her parents will be here for Christmas. Hardly ever freezes here, but it does rain, and the doggie do's just sorta melt away under the deluge.

3 You mean your dog goes outside when it's that cold? My dog just looks at me like I'm nuts when I open the door. "I'm not going out there, no way, no how, just give me the ole' potty and I'll even learn to flush." I have to go out with her. Brrrr! Hope it warms up so Santa can land on the roof without sliding off, Kitty

4 We don't have a dog, but friend's of ours do. Her name is Nessie and while her owners are gallivanting around California, we're part of a team that's looking after her. They just adopted her a couple of months ago and as she was abused, she's pretty skittish---hence no kennel. Today she actually protested when I wanted to go back in. I had to force her inside. She'd done her business---I sure as hell wasn't going to stay outside just to please her. Forget it. Only when you get past the subzero temperatures, do we get to the fun of our pooper scooper law