It Snowed Overnight, and Grandma Wanted Rusty to See It First
Snow came down overnight, and the pines outside are frosted white, their branches bowed under the weight. Ruth has wrapped both arms around Rusty and pulled him up to the window ledge so he can see, his front paws resting on the sill and his big red-gold body leaning back into her. Her cheek is close to his ear, her silver braid falling over her denim shirt, and she wears the soft, crinkled smile of someone who has watched a lot of first snowfalls. Rusty's amber eyes are fixed on the world outside, ears forward, nose nearly touching the cold glass. Below them, a basket of toys and folded blankets waits for later.
Golden Retrievers usually love winter, and their thick double coat gives them good protection from the cold. Still, a few precautions make snowy days safer. Ice-melting salts and chemicals on sidewalks can irritate paw pads and upset a dog's stomach if licked off, so wipe paws after walks, and consider pet-safe ice melt at home. Snow can ball up between the toes of long-haired dogs; trimming the fur between pads helps. Antifreeze is a serious danger because of its sweet taste, so clean up drips right away and store it securely. Older dogs and those with arthritis may feel stiffer in the cold, so shorter outings and a warm bed are kind choices.
For now, though, the snow is just a show through the glass. Rusty will get his romp in the yard soon enough. This quiet minute, cheek to fur, belongs to the two of them.
