“Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we’ve no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…”
It is -9 today, and with the wind chill it is -21! I don’t let the blustery winds and snow prevent me from doing my duties! I put on my thermal leggings, covered by a pair of wool running tights, a long sleeve shirt, a MEC polar tech hooded fleece, a cable knit sweater, my LOLE full length down coat, a toque, two pairs of mittens, an infinity scarf and my Bogs, I am ready to go! I have three walks to do today, and as long as I am dressed warmly, I will be fine! I go through a debate with myself every winter on whether or not I should put a jacket on my dog…he’s a dog, nature should equip him with a coat that will help him withstand the elements! My rule of thumb today was, keep the walk under a half hour, try and pick a route where we are not in the open wind and if I notice him getting “frosty paw” ( a term I have come up with when there is not salt, but one of the boys is favouring a foot and hopping about on three legs because it’s just too dang cold on their feet) we head home right away. Our pets should get walked on these cold, wintry days, despite our reluctance to want to go outside and bare the elements! Fifteen minutes will often suffice, it allows your pet to build up that winter coat they need for our Canadian below zero temps! It also helps them release some energy from lazing about all day in the house and from packing on weight from lack of activity! Getting outside on these frosty days will help you and your pet build up stamina! And I do wholeheartedly believe it keeps us healthier! As the boys and I walked through the quiet streets, encountering the occasional person clearing their driveway, I hummed Winter Wonderland, Frosty the Snowman, and other festive tunes and enjoyed the fact that I live in a place with four distinct seasons. The weather outside isn’t frightful, if dressed right, ‘It’s delightful!’ so get outside and treat your pet to a wintry walk!
No Time To Paws 