Deerhound Dilemma

Bagger and Brillo have lived in the Bakersfield heat since they were born.

A couple of Scottish Deerhounds who reside in a kennel on our property, complete with shade, an over sized water bucket and a couple of fans running on high during the summer months.

Still, when I got home Tuesday night they looked like I felt.

It was hot and muggy.

The dogs were panting, but they were cool to the touch.

The deerhounds long, almost dread lock like coat gave the appearance that the pair were on the verge of passing out.

But they jumped up to greet me and scarfed down everything I put in front of them.

It wasn't much.

I don't like to feed them too much on really hot days, but I wanted to do something else to give them a little relief.

Not that they needed it.

These dogs are warriors, hunters by nature, and have survived in the extreme conditions for years.

So, I took out the hose as the red sun began to set, and gave them a sprinkler of sorts to play in.

When the play time ended, the dogs hopped on their over sized cushions in front of the fans and looked content.

I was tempted to hop through the water to join them, only I didn't have another cushion.