Beware the fluffy dogs. This pile of fur is from brushing Sammy, a very small Pomeranian, one time. It's nearly half as big as he is. This happens often and this isn't even that much compared to what I usually brush out of him. It only took me an hour. It probably would have been quicker but Sammy decided early on that he HATES being brushed and he actively avoids it as much as possible. He wiggles, he turns, he sits when I need him to stand. If I let go he's off like a shot. If you dare speak the word brush he heads straight for his crate and hides. He's also extremely tender so if you brush over a snarl or knot, no matter how small, he will scream as though you've just gutted him with a rusty spoon and scare the ever loving snot out of you. It's so. much. fun. He will now spend the remainder of the evening acting like he's been horribly abused and making me feel as bad as possible. For doing something that absolutely has to be done. Because letting his fur get all nasty and matted isn't an option. I know I could avoid all this by taking him to a groomer but I've heard so many horror stories that I just can't. I'm afraid he'd actually get hurt. I would show you how nice and fluffy he is now but... He's hiding in his crate. Because he's a total drama queen. He's ridiculous but I love him. #poverty_hill #homestead #homesteading #sammy #sammythewonderdog #mysillyboy #sammythedramallama #pomeranian #pomms #pommsofinstagram #doggrooming #homegrooming #fluffybutt #fluffydog #brushing #stayathomedogmom #lovemypom #stinkychihuahua #ruralpa #countryliving #simplelife #slowliving #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIcOd_6AMtb/?igshid=chnqarszyox3

Dog tax I don't think he has any clue just how adorable he is. I just love his little face. Before he came along I knew I wanted a dog but I didn't know I needed a dog. Now I don't know what I would ever do without him. He's my best boy and constant companion. Thanks to him I sleep better at night and always have a warm lap. #poverty_hill #homestead #homesteading #homesteadersofinstagram #homeiswheretheheartis #dogtax #sammy #poms #pomsofinstagram #stayathomedogmom #sammy #sammythewonderdog #hesmyboy #lovemydog #countryliving #slowliving #simplelife #stinkychihuahua #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFdNAyJAzZk/?igshid=1xe7zf6nuu68u

Mom informed me today that Sammy was less than fragrant. So being the dutiful daughter that I am I had just gotten him all lathered up in the sink when the heavens opened up and the power went out. Again It was too dark to carry on so I temporarily released the death grip I had on the dog to reach behind me and grab a flashlight off the refrigerator, because I have flashlights stashed literally everywhere. That's all it took for Sammy to get in a good hard shake and cover my kitchen and me in doggy suds. It did him no good because he still got his bath and I was quick with the towels as soon as I was done so that we didn't have a repeat performance. I nearly had him toweled dry when I hear a cat having a fit on the front porch. I open the door and Edgar comes storming in absolutely dripping, yelling at me about it and making a beeline for my bed. Luckily I had the towels in my hands and I was able to catch him and dry him off before he decided to roll on my bed and leave it damp and fuzzy. Meanwhile the goats and chickens are mia, hiding from the storm. The ducks however are out there living their best lives and telling anybody who will listen at the top of their lungs just how great rain is. Homesteading is many things but it is very rarely boring. Today it was funny. Thank goodness for the solar panels and battery bank and thank you once again Dale for suggesting the battery backup lightbulbs. I like them so much I bought some for my parents. They have saved the day more times than I can tell you. All in all setting up redundant systems turned what could have been a very bad day into a mild inconvenience. Right now I'm trying to dry off in front of my battery powered fan. Because there's just no point in being uncomfortable if you don't have to, even when the power is out. I hope you're all having a beautiful Thursday my friends because you know I am, even if I do smell like wet dog now. Stay safe, stay well #poverty_hill #homestead #homesteading #bigstorm #thunderstorm #poweroutage #thanksunielec #ruralpa #sammy #sammythewonderdog #poms #stinkychihuahua #bathtimefun #bathtime #countrylife #slowliving #simplelife #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEaNCMqgiR4/?igshid=ptauxihisan

Life sure is rough for Sammy the Wonder dog. Sammy's the best, he just accepts my nonsense and rolls with it. #poverty_hill #homestead #hesahardworker #pommeranian #pomm #pomsofinstagram #lovemypom #sammy #farmdog #stinkychihuahua #stayathomedogmom #fullbloodefpommegranite #hesmyboy #hesnotspoiled #ruralpa #myhappyplace (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzZADj7HXgy/?igshid=1n22bdd30aqw2

Party on Mom's lap! Why yes I am easily amused why do you ask? I can't work outside, everything is soaked and bad things happen when I get bored. I need to find a project soon. Pray for me. #poverty_hill #homestead #chickybaby #chickensofinstagram #lapchicken #aislinn #orphanchick #motherofchickens #stayathomechickenmom #lovemychickens #sammy #pomeranian #fullbloodedpommegranite #stinkychihuahua #pomsofinstagram #lovemypom #stayathomedogmom #rainingagain #ruralpa #stillmyhappyplace (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/By80ujxH_PL/?igshid=zsy66uzbgyyf

So I put the dog out while I vacuumed the house, when I went to get him there was this drowned looking thing instead. I guess it rained. I suppose I should have expected it since the chickens are demanding life vests. It's a good thing I really enjoy rain. #poverty_hill #homestead #drownedrat #stinkychihuahua #pomeranian #pomsofinstagram #getmygoodsidemom #stayathomedogmom #lovemypom #sammy #sammythewonderdog #lumpydog #fullbloodedpommegranite #rainrain #ruralpa #myhappyplace (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/By0pXl_HDGb/?igshid=vdvlzqdaa3o2

Isn't he adorable all curled up cozy on the couch he's not supposed to be on? #poverty_hill #homestead #sammy #notspoiledatall #stinkychihuahua #stayathomedogmom #pomeranian #pomsofinstagram #lovemypom #ruralpa #myhappyplace (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv9-JxWBW58/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1tgjf2xyl88gt