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An older man in denim overalls and a knit cap shovels snow as a white Poodle bounds through the snow beside him. 1 / 33

Earl Grabbed the Shovel to Clear the Driveway. Pearl Had a Different Plan.

AI imagepoodlewintersnow day

Fresh snow has buried the front walk, and Earl has his gray knit cap pulled down and his denim overalls on for the job. He leans into the shovel with both hands, scooping a heavy load, while Pearl, his fluffy white Poodle, charges right through the drift beside him. Her mouth is open in a happy grin, snow clings to her curly legs, and she looks like she has decided the whole driveway is her personal playground. Behind them, the blue siding and warm glowing window of the house promise a cozy kitchen once the work is done.

Poodles have a dense, curly coat that grows continuously, and that curl acts like velcro for snow. Little ice balls can build up between the toes and along the legs, which can be uncomfortable for a dog. After winter play, it helps to towel off and check the paws, gently working out any packed snow. Rock salt and some de-icers can irritate pads, so a quick rinse or wipe after walks on treated sidewalks is a good habit. Many owners keep the hair between the paw pads trimmed short in winter, and pet-safe ice melt is a kinder choice for home walkways. If your dog seems to limp or lick its paws a lot after being outdoors, talk to your vet.

Earl may be clearing the path one shovelful at a time, but Pearl is clearly the one having the most fun with it. Some days the best help a dog can give is simply turning a chore into a game.

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