You have just touched a raw nerve with some of the members on this board -I am sure.
There are those who thin dogs should not be left alone for more than a couple of hours and that dogs need constant attention from their humans etc. I do not tend to agree with this in some instances since I also had outside dogs growing up and still have one who - while she has access to the indoors and heated facilities 24/7 tends to like to curl up and snooze in the snow.
I hope the responders are gentle to you since you are a relative newbie.
Flack jackets can be bought on line...LOL
WOODY
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