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It’s not officially winter, but here in Iowa the first snow pretty much marks the beginning of the season. Since it snowed yesterday, even though it didn’t really stick, welcome to winter!
From a dog mom perspective, I’m both looking forward to and dreading winter. Here are my reasons:
Why I’m Looking Forward to Winter:
- Watching the dogs kick up the white stuff and don snowy beards as they romp in the yard is oh-so-entertaining and festive
- Cuddling with my warm pups as the snow falls outside is extra comforting
- Observing Duke camouflage himself in the snow (as long as he buries his brown patch in a snow drift) will be fun
- The Viner family holiday card happens in winter
- Tromping through the snow, all bundled up on a walk with the dogs, can be invigorating or very peaceful
Camo Dog: Coming soon to a snowdrift near you!
Why I’m Dreading Winter:
- Icy roads and sidewalks = treachery for a person holding on to two leashes
- The icy roads and subsequent salt coatings don’t do any favors for dogs’ paws either
- Dealing with the pent-up energy of two boxers in a small house who can’t get a decent walk because of those icy conditions (or because it’s -20 degrees) can stretch a person’s patience
- Tromping around in the snow with the dogs can be cold, wet, and windy
Mom, I can't feel my paws. And I look ridiculous in this coat.
Winter also seems to enhance my natural inclination to worry, and I fret about whether I should walk the dogs due to the salt on the streets or how long they should stay outside and this and that. So I found this handy guide to winter care for dogs from the AKC website.
Are you dreading or looking forward to winter? Why?
Since we’re on the subject of winter, the Wisconsin Humane Society, where one of my college friends works, holds a fun event called the Bow Wow Blizzard Camp to teach kids about how they can help animals in need (and probably also to get the kids out of the house while they’re on winter break) . Check it out and see if there are any similar events for kids near you!
