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Does this time of the year feel different than it normally does, or different than it should? If so, give some examples of what feels different.

This is my sweet, goofy, very smart standard poodle. They are noble dogs initially bred to be water retrievers People who don't know standard poodles think of them as froo-froo dogs, weirdly styled and high strung. That's not true. Well, the show dogs are weirdly styled, but the origins of that come from what they were initially bred to do. The long hair on their torso protect their internal organs from cold water. The shaved lets, back, belly and tail keep them from sinking. The poms on the hips, knees, and ankles protect their joints from the cold. And the pom on the end of the tail makes it easier for a hunter to spot them in the reeds. They are loyal, loving, and intelligent. This one keeps me active and helps smooth over election worries, Covid fears, and unintended hospital stays. Her companionship has become very special throughout this awful year. I am the only human in my house. I think I would have experienced deeper depression had it not been for this wonderful dog. Poodles are very athletic so we go to a very large dog park every day so she can run. Lucy is very confident and socializes well with other dogs. When I watch her invite another dog to play, when she runs and gets chased, when she wrestles, or when she tries to climb a tree to get at a pesky squirrel, I marvel at how beautiful her spirit is. And, she loves playing in the snow. She gives me hope and lightens the emotional hold that Covid has had on me, even when she steals a stick of butter from the counter top and sneaks it into the living room where she smears it on the rug.