When nature calls, it’s all very well, if you’ve got an indoor loo.

But when the snow is two feet deep, what can a short dog do?

I thought it was fun, the very first day, when the flakes came tumbling down.

It goes without saying, the kids were out playing, the neighbours all rallied around.

“Do you need anything from the shops, my dear?” and one even shovelled the drive.

“Why, thank you indeed, at the moment, no need, we’ve got all we need to survive.”

The Granny has plenty of dog food on hand, the heater is working, my bedding is warm.

I’d like to go ‘walkies’, but nothing is planned.

Until we get over the storm.

It’s all very well for an Alsatian dog, who can lift his leg over the snowbanks.

But a Dachshund discovers the snowbank all covers, the usual convenience, so no thanks!

I’ve worked out a route with a track I can follow, where the snow’s not too deep, and the hedge forms a hollow, to a shelter that serves very well.

So long as I’m able, the old picnic table will do, and when frozen, the poop doesn’t smell!

Major, the dog (c/o Mary Stokes White Meagher), Hugh Allen Crescent, Oxford