How do I tell if it is raining too hard for a baby? Well, first of all, I don't think babies melt in rain, so some rain is acceptable as long as it isn't cold. So I look to my boxer. If she refuses to go out, or if you manage to shove her out and she shivers and looks at you as if she's being tormented, then it is definitely raining too hard. If she goes out but turns around as soon as she has finished the 'essentials,' then it is still raining too hard. If she goes to the door, sniffs and trots out with delight, then it is raining just right. Of course, if a boxer trots outside with delight, it isn't raining -- at all. It isn't even wet. This is not a dog breed that likes water in any form.

Boxers are useful for other things as well. If Sam's diaper is full of smelly stuff, Ella sniffs a lot and licks her. If Sam is clean, Ella just sniffs once and leaves her pretty much alone. I guess that is why Sam sniffs like Ella, because she has heard it so much from Ella. She looks completely adorable as she sniffs (yes, that is purposefully ambiguous. They are both adorable when they sniff.) Some of our friends are concerned that perhaps Sam needs more human companions. I think that is funny. She will have plenty of exposure, I am quite sure.