Mae Bundled Up to Shovel the Driveway. Bandit Had His Own Plans for the Snow.
Snowflakes cling to Bandit's whiskers and black coat as he plows happily through a fresh drift. In the foreground, the Australian Shepherd sprawls belly-deep in the snowbank, mouth open in a joyful pant and copper cheeks dusted white, looking off toward the street as if he's just spotted his next target. Behind him, Mae is bundled in a green puffer jacket, gloves, and glasses, leaning into her shovel as she pushes a path down the driveway. Parked cars, snowy rooftops, and bare trees line the quiet street, and the whole neighborhood looks freshly blanketed.
Australian Shepherds generally enjoy cold weather, and their weather-resistant double coat offers good protection. Still, winter play calls for a few precautions. Snow can pack into balls between the toes and in the feathered fur on the legs, so trimming the paw fur and checking feet regularly helps. Rock salt and chemical de-icers can irritate pads and are harmful if licked, so wipe your dog's paws after walks and consider pet-safe ice melt for your own driveway. Antifreeze is extremely toxic and tastes sweet to dogs, so clean up any drips promptly. Shoveling itself is hard physical work, especially for older adults, so taking frequent breaks, lifting smaller loads, and pushing snow rather than throwing it can reduce strain. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about heavy exertion in the cold.
The driveway is getting cleared one shovelful at a time, and Bandit is making sure every snowbank gets properly inspected. Winter has never been so fun.
