With winter in full swing, my sourdough roommates have already warned me that winter brings more than snow. Winter is the season for counseling (seems issues rise to the surface), anti depressant medication, lethargy and cravings for carbohydrates. “It’s just part of life in Alaska,” she says.

There are few among us who don’t have their snow tires, a light box and an assortment of warm weather clothing. What about pets? It seems everyone (except me) in Fairbanks has a dog and a truck. What does your best friend need to survive this winter?

A “study” in the United Kingdom says that pets may be vulnerable to the winter blues. The survey says about one in three dog owner’s notice a decline in mood with their pet sleeping longer and playing less. About the same number of cat owners say their kitty seems sadder during the winter months.