Snow Dogs

I woke up this morning to another snowy day in Maine. As I looked out my window and saw the large falling flakes, I began to prepare to write a piece about dog fighting and its effect on our society. After the recent and tragic loss of Fay, a previous fighter, I was feeling the need to write about why we, as Mainers should be very concerned about dog fighting and the very tragic effects it has on dogs and communities. But as I sat at my kitchen table, laptop in hand, my own two dogs had another idea. Sherwood & Ace are both lab/lab blend breed dogs, and they (obviously) require not only a lot of physical exercise, but also a lot of mental stimulation. I heard Ace crying like someone just stole his kibble and I went to find him standing at the top of the stairs with one of my socks hanging out of his mouth. This is Ace’s way of saying “Mom, I’m bored come pay attention to me”. I obtained the sock back and proceeded to the kitchen for a fix all. I found two of their food-brain games and filled them with kibble. “This ought to entertain them long enough that I can finish writing” I thought. They both played with their food toys and got all of the kibble out of them surprisingly fast (I think they are catching on to them). I began to write, and soon enough, they were both back at my feet, ready for their next challenge.
I decided that I wasn’t going to get much work done until I had satisfied my two dogs, so I bravely asked in that kind of tone that only a dog can get excited about “wanna go for a walk?” It was a brave decision considering the weather conditions, but I figured that it would be fun, and a good time for us to spend together. I bundled us all up, and we headed outside up the hill.
Knowing how large plow trucks are, and how little our roads are, I was very skeptical about walking very far on the main road, so I found a clearing up on the hill where we could stop and play. If you have never actually taken your dog outside to play in the snow, and I don’t mean let him out, I mean take him out, you are truly missing out on another amazing trait of the canine species. No matter what might have you down, I promise, if you take your dog out to play in the snow, I guarantee he will have you rolling in the snow with him laughing. Ace likes to scrunch down like a cat preparing to pounce, and then dart back and forth in the snow. They both also dig in the snow like it is a giant, tasty sandbox. The great thing about this sandbox, however, is that they don’t get in trouble for digging up the flowers when they play in it. I make a large snowball and ask Ace if he is ready, he sits back and stares at me, like I am the only Mom in the world, and waits for me to throw it. I throw it up in the air, and he jumps up to grab it. He grabs the snow in his teeth and it diminishes to flakes again, soaking his mouth with cold water. Sherwood rolls around in the snow until he is no longer very chocolate looking. I am thinking to myself, “I really hope the neighbors are watching, because this is hilarious!” Both of their eyes fill with that look that a dog gets when he is really really excited about something.
After a while of playing, I am starting to get cold, so we decide to walk (or prance) back the house and warm up with some hot cocoa for me, and treats for the boys. I have successfully found a fun activity that helps bond us all together, give the dogs some well needed exercise, and give me more laughs than I can possibly write down on paper, all in our backyard, and without spending any money. I encourage you to take your dogs out to play in the snow today; I promise you will not regret it, and he will surely love you for it!
Have fun!