A Dog’s Joy: Snow, a Stick, and Room to Run

Tucker runs with a stick through the snow

It’s a truth my terrier learns every winter: snow eats balls.

The beloved orb flies through the air and — instead of bouncing when it hits solid earth — swiftly and silently disappears beneath the cold white mantle of frozen powder. If Tucker didn’t see exactly where it landed, he has to figure out under which of the million divots in the trampled snow his ball is hidden.

Thus, when Stick is offered in place of Ball, it is widely accepted, and — while it doesn’t offer that lovely bouncy rebound for the flying mid-air leap and catch — a stick doesn’t sink. The game can continue with no search-and-rescue interruptions.

Sticks come with a few inherent benefits, not offered by balls. They’re crunchy and fun to chew. Spitting stick bits across the frozen landscape is a fun occupation in between fetches.

Better than that, the other dogs like sticks, too. Where Jasper and Lilah have to be coaxed to chase balls, they both love a good Stick. Which leads to Stick Stealing — another great winter pastime. Because the Other Dog always has the best stick.

So simple, these doggy pleasures. The anticipation of the throw. The joy of the chase. The satisfaction of the return.

Equipment and facilities provided free of charge by Mother Nature.

One of the reasons I love having dogs in my life; they remind me to appreciate what I have, instead of wishing for what I don’t.[Tweet]

What lessons do you learn from your pets?

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Today, we’re participating in the Wordless Wednesday blog hop. I’m a bit wordy myself today, but check out some of the great photos and (probably) less word-filled posts in the blogs below:



Posted in: Dog Photos, Photos

27 Comments on "A Dog’s Joy: Snow, a Stick, and Room to Run"

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  1. hahahaha! Snow eats balls BOL! Yes it does!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

  2. Oh how I dream of running in the snow like that! But we don’t get snow in South Florida. Oh well…I just continue living vicariously through my friends!

  3. easy rider says:

    yes, that’s all what we want :o) thanks that you rescued that poor stick. it’s not good when sticks are alone outside :o)

  4. MyDogLikes says:

    Looks like you are having a great time! Is there anything better?

  5. What a great shot that is.

  6. Earl Lover says:

    Sounds about right for many dogs!!!!

    Woofs from Earl, Ethel and I at Earl’s World!

  7. Emma says:

    Bailie is really into sticks right now. She is constantly finding them on our walks and then prances around and races around with them.

  8. Kitties Blue says:

    And sticks are free…supplied in abundance by Mother Nature. We hate the snow and the cold, so we’ll be inside playing with catnip toys. Mom apologizes for not bringing us around lately. We are blaming Mauricio and Cat Scouts! XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

  9. Mr. N loves snow as much as little kids do!

  10. Harley is a true stick Doodle. He loves them, and will play with them vs. most toys.

  11. Robin says:

    It sounds like sticks are pretty fun toys! We all have to come up with ways to get around the drifts of snow during the winter.

  12. Gilligan says:

    I believe I am a very different pup. I love having space, but needs to be warm and not damp! I’d rather play with something edible! *wags* – Gilligan from WagsAhoy.com

  13. Have stick will fly!

    We go to discs for the winter. Phod loves his special ball and if it gets lost gets soooooo stressed, so we have a toy that is easier for him to find.

  14. Kari says:

    Beautifully written! It’s been a while since we’ve had enough snow on the ground to lose a ball, but your post sent me back!

  15. That is a good lesson learned from dogs. Another one I have learned is that they live totally in the moment.

  16. Sharon says:

    I can’t think of a better way to spend the winter than chasing through the snow to catch a big, crunchy stick.

  17. I wish my dogs liked to catch sticks and run in the snow! Tucker looks like he is having a great time! (BTW-great shot!) All our dogs are part time Huskies and the only thing they love to do is run. So we dog sled for fun during the winter and that seems to break up the monotomy of winter.

    I think one lesson I’ve learned from dog sledding is doing what you love and loving what you do. 🙂

  18. That is one happy dog. 🙂

  19. I love to remind my mom everyday too about enjoying the outdoors no matter what the weather! Love Dolly

  20. meowmeowmans says:

    What a beautiful image! Tucker looks SO happy!

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