We may not spend quite as much time outside this time of year as we usually do, but we’re still outside daily, just for a shorter time and mostly only once per day; whereas in warmer weather we often have two play sessions and/or walks. I like to think we make up for quantity with quality though, and I believe that having snow on the ground really steps up the dogs’ workouts (I know I feel it more when I’m walking around out there in the snow!).
We got that nice snowstorm of 6 inches, but we’re getting colder weather with a lot of wind. I bundle up and Luke gets a sweater or a fleece jacket depending on how cold it is. Even Sheba gets a sweater sometimes since her fur is still growing in on her side since her surgery. My fingers get cold but I’m still managing to spend a few minutes taking photos and we wanted to share some of the better action photos of the fun in the snow with you. I do have a great pair of gloves that I can wear and still use my camera or cell phone, but when it’s extremely cold out they only help for so long.
Luke really likes to get his run on, most days he has to do at least one set of “zoomies” around the yard when we’re out there. Running in the snow has to be the best for him; and he is so much fun to watch.
They also get the added fun of sometimes rooting around in the snow for the lost ball….so the noses get some exercise too! The snow is not that deep yet so we don’t lose it as often as we do with over a foot on the ground.
We’ve noticed Cricket looking just a little chunkier lately, which usually happens in the winter, so we’ve cut back a bit on her food and treats. She still by far gets the most exercise out of all the dogs. Even when she’s standing still, her tail is wagging so hard she’s probably burning calories with that!
It’s not just the running and jumping for the ball either – they really get into the playing as well, and all that contorting around must work whole groups of different muscles!
The girls’ arthritis is always a concern with the extra intensity of playing in the snow. I’m happy to say neither of them has been showing any sign of a limp yet! Luke’s knee has popped out occasionally, but not nearly as much in the snow as it was when it was icy in the yard. It always pops right back in though. We are not limiting his activity, we want him to have all the fun he can, and if that means we have to have the surgery for his luxating patella down the road, then so be it. We want him to enjoy life. Right now we are quite pleased with how they are all doing, and hopefully we get even more snow to step up the workouts even more!
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That little bit of snow that we did get last weekend has now melted away. And I’m glad because it had a layer of slick ice on top of it from the sleet on Saturday night. It was not easy walking around the yard. Ducky loves to pull. (At night I put her on the leash to keep track of her.) And with Shadow’s ankles being a little stiff lately, I didn’t want her to slip and hurt herself.
Our snow is melting now as well and leaving an icy mess behind. We’re limited to one strip in the yard to play in. It’s supposed to warm up again and rain. I hope it washes ALL the snow and ice away. If we can’t have soft snow on the ground, I’d rather have bare ground than ice!
Dogs and snow always look like the happiest days ever! I can remember begging them to come inside as my teeth chattered and my fingers felt like they were going to fall off LOL
Ha, that’s when the games always end around here. “It’s time to go in, guys, my fingers (or toes) are freezing!!”
That looks like so much fun. Our snow is mostly gone and now we just have icy patches in the yard. Phooey. We discourage the dogs running on those. I really hope the snow is still going strong up at the cabin since the dogs love it so.
We’re losing a lot of our snow now too, it’s been warmer this week. At least you always have your cabin! I think we might get more snow up at our (hopefully) new house, since it’s at a bit of a higher elevation!
I just love photos of dogs playing in the snow!
So many fun pictures. They love it!! We run in the snow sometimes and it is such a good workout and so much harder!!
Looks like they’re having a blast!
Great pictures!! We’re just getting hit with the Blizzard. Soon enough there will be enough snow for our puppy to run around in! Hopefully he loves the snow!
Thank you! Hope your puppy did well and had fun in the snow…a blizzard is quite the way to get his first experience!
Now those are some happy pups having a blast in the snow! I so pinned your pictures!!
Thank you so much for sharing them!
They look like they’re having a blast out there playing in the snow! I wish we’d get some snow. The rain and the mud is such a downer.
There’s pretty much nothing good about rain and mud, is there? Hope your weather has cleared up some!
Deep snow makes for such great exercise for pups and people!
Looks awesome!!
I don’t think Mr. N has played in that much snow since we went to Michigan. The dogs all look like they’re having a ball!
Glad to hear they are all doing well with all this snow play – no limps etc…
Looks like loads of fun too!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Those sure are some happy dogs!
What fun!
Snow really brings out the frisky in lots of dogs.
It’s fun to see everyone having such a good time.
I wonder if the cushioning of the snow helps with joints?
I hadn’t thought of that about the snow, Pamela, but I bet you are right. The snow will certainly give them a softer landing. The worst thing for them is when the ground is frozen but there’s no snow on it….then there is no give at all.
I am with Ann. I think the most snow I’ve ever been in is less than 5″. It’d be great to have a huge snowstorm at least once. It is not likely though.
I love playing in the in the snow! You guys look like you are having a blast! 🙂
I bet it must be a good workout in the snow… I actually cannot remember ever walking in even remotely deep snow. I can only imagine that it would not be easy!
One of the best workouts you can ever get is in soft snow with snowshoes on – especially if your dog gets tired and follows in your tracks behind you and keeps stepping on the back of the snowshoes! LOL. Our beagle Kobi used to do that to me all the time!
Every buddy does crazy zoomies in the snow
Lily & Edward
I am seriously jealous (can’t believe I am saying that) of all of the snow everyone is having….BUT US!!
A whole lot of fun and exercise going on there. Love the ears!
Great pictures! Did you take these with your new camera? The snow is definitely a great workout for them–Barley has been bounding through chest deep snow all week and even though we’ve only been getting in about half of our normal mileage, she’s been napping soundly the rest of the day after a walk.
Yes, these photos are from my new camera. The “sport” setting works very well outside for getting action photos, since it snaps off several shots in a row.
We’re losing a lot of our snow since it’s warming up, and the big blizzard missed us – so we’re hoping for some more soon!
Runningg in the snow does add a little bit more resistance – like running on sand, so it is an extra workout. THey look like they are having so much fun too!
That’s awesome they are all having so much fun together. We wish Katie could get out in the yard and have fun with us, but she can’t walk through the snow anymore. You all will stay nice and fit and be all set when bikini season arrives at your new house!
they have to re-write that jingle bells song… who needs a horse when 3 pups are dashing through the snow?
I love it to watch you… my my fingers get cold even while reading about all that snow hahahaha