On getting through the heat wave

Last week was painful. You would think growing up in a place close to the equator (air pollution should be added in the equation as well), I would manage not to complain during the heat wave in Madison, WI (read here). Well, I did not complain (too much), but I was close to pull out my hair. Our AC was (is) not working. We were forced to use the old-fashioned fan. Thankfully, we were working during the day (in a waste-of-energy-by-cranking-up-the-AC- type of environment), so the only problem was between 6pm - 7am.

We also tried the cheap solution, such as putting a frozen water (in a container) in front of the fan, but it did not work. It felt OK at night where we're sleeping as the fan was blowing exactly in the direction when we're sleeping. But, the main victim was not us (nor our dying brown grass), but it was Lucky, the dog. She's not so lucky after all. Can you imagine wearing a jacket (analogy for her fur) and not being able to cool off for a week?? I mean, the house was about at least 86 degree day and night. Poor girl.

That's why we decided on Thursday (second to lat of the heat wave week, smart owners) that we should get her a kiddie pool (Menards for $16). We filled it up, we took her in, and voila! we got a smile from her. She did not like to sit down though. I think she does not know what to do. It's not a real pool where it's deeper and she can actually swim in it. She does not like to sit or lay down either (you know, she can submerse her body then). I was sad looking at her not enjoying the true purpose of the kiddie pool. Eventually, she found something that kept her busy.

The bottom of the kiddie pool is a pattern of seahorse, octopus, and treasure chest. In bright colors. What would you think they are if you're a dog? That's right.
Daddy and mommy got me a bunch of TOYS! 
Let me grab one of these (as she tried to grab them with front paws)
Why can't I grab it? 
So then she tried again.
and again.
and again.
Basically, she kept making that scratching (whatever it is) movement everywhere.
Thankfully no holes (yet). But, she looked so cute and she seemed to enjoy herself. That made us a proud parents owners. I think it's over now. I think the weather is going back to be normal. But we still need some rain!

Stay hydrated.

How do you get this damn thing? (You can see the dying brown grass at the back)