Roy Was Shoveling Snow Off the Driveway. Copper Had Found His Throne.
Winter sunlight glints off the fresh snow piled high along the driveway. Roy, bundled in a gray knit cap, a canvas jacket, and his trusty suspenders, leans into his shovel with a determined expression. Right beside his work, Copper has flopped down in the snowbank, front legs stretched forward, chest buried in powder, and a wide, delighted grin on his face. Bits of snow cling to his deep red coat and whiskers, and he looks like he has no intention of moving. Behind them, a gray house with a snowy porch, bare trees, and a couple of trash bins line the quiet street.
Golden Retrievers often love snow thanks to their thick double coats, which provide good insulation in cold weather. Still, a few precautions help. Snow can pack into the fur between the toes and form painful ice balls, so trimming that fur and checking paws after outdoor time is a good habit. De-icing salts and chemicals can irritate pads and are harmful if licked, so wipe your dog's feet after walks or use pet-safe ice melt. Dogs can also overheat while playing hard in snow, or get chilled once they stop, so keep an eye on them. For the humans, shoveling is hard work, so take breaks and lift with your legs.
The driveway will be clear eventually, but Copper's snowbank is officially claimed. Roy might have to shovel around him, and he probably will not mind one bit.
