The Sled Was Built for Kids, but a Great Dane Climbed Aboard Anyway
Long legs folded into a wooden sled with a rope handle, a slate-blue Great Dane sits upright and gazes off with a regal look. Her ears hang in soft triangles and her coat has a smooth steel-gray sheen. The lawn around her is covered in fresh snow, and behind her stands a house with a wreath on the door and garland strung along the porch rail. The air looks crisp and clear.
Great Danes are tall, gentle dogs with short coats, and that thin coat gives little protection from the cold. A short snow outing is a treat, but a jacket helps, and she should come in when she starts to shiver or lift her paws. Wipe her feet afterward to remove ice and salt. Giant breeds also need joints protected, so avoid slippery, high-impact games. Never leave a dog tied to a sled or pulling one without proper training and a properly fitted harness. If you are unsure how much activity is right, ask your vet.
The sled looks tiny beneath her, yet she sits in it with perfect dignity. There is no sign of hurry. She seems to be taking in the white yard, the quiet street, and the winter light with the calm of a dog who knows she is the largest passenger the sled has ever carried. If it ever goes anywhere, it will be very slowly, and very politely.
