10 Dogs, 5 Days, 1 Ice Storm: A Comedy of Chaos

My 8 Dogs + 2 Guest Dogs + Ice Storm of the Century: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Imagine this: ten dogs, no power, and an ice storm that would make even Elsa reconsider her life choices. Sounds fun, right? Spoiler alert—it wasn’t.

For five days, I lived in what can only be described as a chaotic masterpiece:

• Feeding, entertaining, and cuddling 10 (yes, TEN) dogs.
• No power, no lights, and zero modern comforts.
• Sleeping in a recliner to keep the wood stove going so we wouldn’t freeze into popsicles.

Let me set the scene. Last week, life was peaceful. There were whispers of a winter storm brewing, but around here, that could mean anything—from a light dusting to a full-blown blizzard. As the days went on, the whispers turned to shouts, and before I knew it, people were calling this storm monumental. Spoiler alert again—they weren’t exaggerating.

This beast of a storm came roaring in with high winds and inches of ice, and my little county was hit hardest. The entire area declared a disaster zone. Businesses, schools, and even courthouses shut down. Over 40,000 people were without power—yours truly included.

Thankfully, we had enough warning to move my parents to my sister’s house in town. But their two dogs? They came to my house, turning my furry family of 8 into a full-on pack of 10.

Fast forward to today, and I’m writing this because of two things: the grace of God and the superhero-level dedication of linemen from all over the country. As of 10:00 AM, the lights came back on, and we’re finally warm again. Life is good—for now. But with a new Winter Storm Advisory just posted, I’m not unpacking the emergency candles just yet.

But this icy escapade taught me a few things, and I’d like to share them—partly to thank God for keeping us all safe, and partly to remind myself of what survival looks like when you’re outnumbered by dogs.

The Ten-Dog Circus

Managing ten dogs was a wild mix of joy, comedy, and, let’s be real, mild regret. Missy and Piper, my two canine houseguests, were model citizens. They got along with everyone, displayed top-notch doggie etiquette, and didn’t wreck my house. But they were clearly used to being the stars of the show.

You see, my parents don’t just love their dogs—they adore them. Think five-star treatment: custom-prepped meals, treats on a schedule, and a strict bedtime routine. Missy and Piper must have felt like they’d been shipped off to a summer camp run by amateurs. The food was decent, the company was mixed, and the “camp counselor” (me) didn’t seem to understand their pampered ways. When I dropped them back off last night, I’m pretty sure both the dogs and my parents sighed with relief.

How Do You Entertain Ten Dogs?

Answer: You don’t. In an ice storm, entertainment is whatever you can scrounge up. Thankfully, I had a stash of Benebones from a Black Friday binge. Cue hours of chomping, a few growls over ownership disputes, and blessed, blessed quiet.

The seating situation? That’s where it got tricky. My couch, love seat, and recliners were already prime real estate for my usual eight-dog pack. Adding a 14-pound terrier and a 50-pound boxer mix was like playing Jenga—if Jenga involved slobber and the occasional bark. After a few days, everyone carved out their own corner, and peace (mostly) prevailed.

Feeding Frenzy

Mealtime was a full-blown production. My pack eats in designated spots, but now I had two newcomers with different diets. Of course, my dogs thought the guests’ food was a delicacy, and Missy and Piper eyed my crew’s bowls like they were Michelin-starred meals. Picture me channeling a sheepdog, herding them into position while making sure no one swapped plates. It was like hosting Thanksgiving dinner for toddlers—if the toddlers had paws and teeth.

The Real Challenge? The Dark.

Here’s the thing about ten dogs and no electricity: You can’t see a thing. That includes the “landmines” left behind by the occasional accident. Navigating my hallway was like playing Minesweeper in real life, praying I didn’t step on a “surprise.” Spoiler: I did.

In Retrospect

These past few days have been a whirlwind of chaos, comedy, and love. Would I do it again? Maybe not without power, but honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Well, okay—maybe for a generator. ?