Dogs, Cats & Humans Uncover Snow Joys and Challenges After the Blizzard
TweetAfter last weekend’s blizzard, our entire landscape had changed. The snow was two feet deep in most places, except in the drifts, where three feet of snow dwarfed my dogs. The only way to get around at first was on snowshoes.
I took a walk around the front of the house:
The snow in front of the garage was more than thirty inches deep.
My car was almost completely buried.
The rest of the cars didn’t fare that much better. Aaron’s car was surrounded, with a huge snow sculpture that hung about two feet off the back of his trunk.
The drifting and blowing wind made giant craters around the bases of our trees.
By the time I got back from my front yard exploration, Brian was ready to start digging us out.
I headed around to the back of the house, making a trail so the dogs could join me. We couldn’t go out the back door because it looked like this:
We had already dug out the back door the day before, so my son and I could relax in our hot tub in the middle of the blizzard. This was all fresh snow since the night before.
With my snowshoes, I made paths and the dogs followed behind, tamping down the snow further.
Once the paths were used enough, the dogs could run through them — at top speed.
I think Tucker felt a little frustrated, though. There were chaseable critters, but he Just. Couldn’t. The snow was too deep.
Lilah didn’t really care how deep the snow was; she’s used to bouncing through snow. Though she did need to rest her weary head now and again.
Still, there was much beauty to be seen; the sun casting shadows on untrammeled snow is something rarely encountered when you live with three dogs.
There were no doggy footprints to mar the snow’s unbroken canvas, so the tracks left by different visitors were easily spotted.
The snow was fun from inside the house as well. Throughout the storm, I scattered birdseed for our winged friends. Afterwards, I added more, enlivening the programming on Cat TV.
Once the dogs came back in, they watched the show as well.
The bird seed in front of the kitchen doors provided additional opportunities for birdwatching. Calvin discovered that hiding next the to scratcher encouraged unwary birds to get within pouncing distance.
The warm sun helped clear away the snow; as it melted off our roof, large icicles formed.
Aaron dug a path on the deck, through snow that was three feet deep in some places.
In the next days, as the snow melted, the dogs found ways to reach other parts of the yard. Usually Jasper led the way, his long legs plowing through through the drifts, with his brother and sister following behind.
Did you get any snow? What do you pets think?
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I can’t imagine to get snow much fun over night…. we had some once and Easy totally disliked it… but he ate it … better than nothing :o)
My dogs eat the snow, too. Especially when it’s freshly fallen. Then they’ll walk along holding their heads down and mouths open, scooping it up.
Thanks for the pictures! This is insane. I heard about the snow storm; saw reports on the news, but I’m still blown away by the images I’m seeing. Wow! I love that you have paths. That’s something we would do as well.
I saw a video last year of someone who made a maze in the yard for the dog to play in – such a great idea.
I made a maze for the dogs last year. They used it at first, but really didn’t like to be forced to take a specific path, so they cut through the sides. It was fun, though.
Wow! That is an incredible amount of snow. All of the snow I’ve experienced in a lifetime doesn’t come close to your one blizzard! Those are terrific photos and I’m glad the dogs had some fun playing in all of that white stuff.
WHOA! So much!
guys…..thatz inn sane how much snow ewe getted….we hopes it melts over time & knot all at once ~~~~~~ ♥♥♥
We’re hoping for a big dumping tomorrow, but it won’t be as much as you got. We love a huge storm, but will take any snow we can get.
That sure is a lot of snow! We don’t go outside so we only see the snow from the inside…and honestly, we’re grateful for that. 🙂
Wow, you guys really got hammered! The dogs look adorable in the snow but kitty is smart to stay inside.
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them