I can't imagine doing that with a non-toy puppy

I would have agreed with you up until this point. It made life so
much easier and less stressful I will probably do it again.

Bundling up to go out is just one of dog ownership's little
"perks" - fresh air and all of that!!

Fresh air is welll and fine, but below zero temps with a scrawny skin
and bones pup isn't fun for either of us. Perhaps I'm a bit paranoid
but the older two have difficulty with temps that low, requiring
booties just to go out to potty, and I wanted to avoid having her
frostbitten from the get go. Then there is the aspect that using the
litter box let her pee fast and I could get back to bed without really
waking up, thus avoiding setting off the insomnia I was suffering from
then. Pupppy antics are much easier to take on a full night's sleep!

Hope