Am I the Only One with a Storm Bag for My Dogs?
It’s been a while since we’ve had a good storm. Truthfully, it’s been a while since we’ve had any rain — droughts will do that. At this point, I think I’d almost welcome a torrential downpour. Almost.
But this morning, while watching the weather forecast (a.k.a. “The Hour of Impending Doom”), I heard the words “severe weather possible next week.” And like a reflex, my brain whispered: time to check the storm bag.
What’s a Storm Bag?
“What’s a storm bag?” you ask.
Well, if you ask my husband, he’ll tell you it’s another one of his storm-fearing wife’s crazy ideas. But to me, it’s far more than that — it’s peace of mind packed in a tote.
You see, when you live with eight dogs ranging from eight pounds to eighty, there’s no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” anything. Collars, leashes, harnesses — they’re all different. So in my trusty storm bag, each dog has a designated harness and leash ready to go. (And yes, everyone wears their everyday collar, but when I picture us being whisked off like The Wizard of Oz, I prefer something sturdier than Dorothy’s ribbon.)
Each collar has an ID tag with my phone number, but I’ve thought of everything. Should one slip off, I have a permanent marker ready to go. In an emergency, I can write my number right on their ear — or for my tiny ones like Emmy, their belly. It’s not glamorous, but neither is chasing eight loose dogs through Oz.
Then there are the leashes. Not the cute little “we’re just running to the store” leashes. No, these are the kind that could hold back a horse — because in my head, the storm scene always involves me being dragged across the yard by a team of airborne hounds. (I really need to stop watching disaster movies.)
And let’s not forget the treats. Every emergency kit needs snacks — both for them and, let’s be honest, for me. I keep a mix of regular treats and calming chews for my storm-fearing pups like Pepper and Emmy. Nothing says “we’re going to be okay” like a snack.
Finally, the flashlight. Around here, it’s not a real storm until the lights go out. I keep one of those pop-up lanterns that lights the whole room and has a handle for carrying — perfect for when you’re trying to wrangle a herd of nervous canines in the dark.
So yes, I have a storm bag. And maybe it’s a little over the top. But if a tornado warning ever flashes across the screen, I know I’ll be ready — not just for me, but for my pack.
If you don’t have a storm bag, think about making one. Whether it’s for severe weather, wildfires, or any unexpected event, it’s one less thing to worry about. Because if you’re like me, you already have plenty of worries running around on four legs.
