Mini was born down in Arizona. We bought her from our camper neighbors after they’d gone to Arizona for the winter and returned with new puppies. When they came back to New Hampshire, there was still a little snow on the ground I think, but the spring sun was already warm. And so far this winter, she’s enjoyed frolicking in the snow.

Reality check this morning. Standing temp of 5 degrees, with a fifteen-below wind chill. Now, this merits a “well, shit, it’s starting to get cold now” from most of us, but apparently if you’re from Arizona, it’s a bit of a shock.

Thanks to our wonderful, if claustrophobic, bonding and her very expressive little face, I can share the conversation we had—outside—at 6:45 this morning:

Mini: OMG, Mommy! Cold! Cold!

Me: I know it’s cold. We might both have coats, but I’m the one out here in cotton capri jammies and bare feet shoved into my boots. Go potty.

Mini: I’m trying to sniff a spot, but my nostrils just froze!

Me: Less sniffing, more squatting. Go potty.

Mini: What if my pee freezes on my wee-wee?

Me: Daddy pees on trees in the winter. So can you. Go potty NOW.

Mini: Daddy’s a lot taller than me. He’s not dragging his bits in the snow.

Me: The sooner you go potty, the sooner we go inside.

Mini: *squats, does one of the fastest potties ever and heads for the door*

Me: You’re going to be a lot of fun come February, dog. It’s not even cold yet.

Mini: *runs for her boys and the fleece throw*