That Snow Dog!

For us, what makes this winter so difficult isn’t the amount of snow we’ve gotten; I think our season total this year is under a foot. (Sorry, Boston.)

But it’s been cold.

Single digit cold.

Snow pants cold.

Double glove cold.

Which is less than ideal conditions for most backyard snow fun. Including building a snowman. For those of you who have never made a snowman, you need moist snow — the kind that sticks together. Not the light powdery stuff that falls when it’s really cold. Not the crunchy frozen blocks that result from freezing rain. Just simple, big flaked, damp snow.

Which we haven’t seen all winter.

Until this weekend, when Mother Nature felt sorry for us, and provided a warm, almost sultry day with temperatures in the 40s. For a few brief hours when the conditions were just right, the dogs played, I felt real sun on my face, and the hard crust on top of the snow softened.

And in the half-hour I had before the sun disappeared behind the trees and took the warm with it, I made a snow dog.

Because. I could.

That Snow Dog!

It’s hard to make floppy ears out of snow.

I will admit there are no children under 20 living in my house. Currently it’s just my husband and I and my adult son, neither of whom helped with my art project. I created Snow Dog all by my middle-aged self. Though Lilah, Jasper and Tucker did try to help.

Tucker inspects the snow dog.

You don’t smell like dog.

Snow is a fun medium to play with; it is like short-lived Play-Doh. And I can’t resist trying to make something out of it.

I do the same when I go to the shore in the summer; I leave behind a sand sculpture, knowing that the waves will erase it when the tide comes in, just like the sun will reduce my snow dog to a puddle.

There’s something appealing to me about art that is destined to exist for only a brief period of time. (Though my poor attempt at sculpting a snow dog or a sand turtle might not be considered “art” by some folk.)

Tucker looks the snow dog in the eye.

Sorry, Tucker, those eyeballs are rocks. They’re not edible.

The sun was setting. It was getting colder. I had time to take a few photos before it was too uncomfortable to be outside and the snow became crunchy again.

Tucker Jasper and Lilah with their new friend, a snow dog

Tucker thinks the new dog is quiet, but a bit cold.

When I gave the dogs the Down command, all three complied; they knew treats would be freely dispensed.

And then Lilah gently placed her paw on the snow dog’s chilly leg: “You belong. Even if you’re with us for a short time.” [Tweet]

That’s how I feel about my dogs and cats.

Lilah puts her paw on the snow dog..

Sweet Lilah loves everyone.

 

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Posted in: Dog Photos, Photos

50 Comments on "That Snow Dog!"

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  1. slimdoggy says:

    Love this post – I haven’t got to play in snow in a really long time – we moved here 20 years ago, so it was fun to remember…and the photos of the four dogs – perfect.

  2. thedogvine says:

    Love the Snowdog!!! Can’t believe you made him by yourself, brilliant! It seems he has been welcomed to the pack with open paws! WW Woofs from The Dogvine Crew

  3. Daisy says:

    That’s a beautiful sentiment and such a precious picture. We had the same temperature fluctuations this weekend. I agree with you that the snow is fun but these single digit temps and below zero wind chills are hard to deal with. One good thing – at least your snow dog (who is beautiful, by the way!) got a good overnight freezing! Hopefully his visit will last longer than expected. 🙂

  4. Love your snowdog, bet he doesn’t steal any of your toys!! BOL!

  5. The group shot is so funny!

  6. Taryn says:

    Great post! Love the snow dog!

  7. Aw. So cute! It’s true what they say-a picture speaks a thousand words! Have a great day!

  8. The group shot is awesome!! I want to build a snowdog!

  9. Emma says:

    I love it and I’m so jealous! I’ve always wanted to make a snow dog, but Mom has never done it.

  10. I sure wish that we got enough snow in Georgia to make snow sculptures! We haven’t had a single flake down in my area. But I do enjoy making sand sculptures at the beach! Your snow dog turned out really cute 🙂

  11. Peggy Frezon says:

    Snowdog is so stinkin’ cute! Best of all, the group shot!
    Glad you had fun in the snow.

  12. Hey, you did a PAWsome job on that snow dog. I love it!

  13. Robin says:

    That is an awesome snowdog! I don’t have any human children either, but I would totally do something like that. However, my apartment complex doesn’t allow it (boo!). It’s great that you got the dogs to pose with it too! Love this!

  14. It has been the coldest winter on record I believe here. It has been killing me not being able to get out. Finally, it may be getting better. Love the snow dog.

  15. Great snow dog ! We love the group photo ! Purrs

  16. Sharon says:

    You built the perfect snow dog!

  17. The group shot is so cute! I’ve never made a snow dog before. Maybe next winter.

  18. Kitties Blue says:

    Absolutely incredible Mom Susan. Our mom is amazed that you could create something so terrific in 30 minutes. These photos are contest worthy. What a sweety Lilah is. XOCK, Kitties Blue

  19. Love the photos of all 3 dogs, excuse me, I meant all 4 dogs sitting together! You did a great job on Snow Dog!

  20. MyDogLikes says:

    I am very impressed with your snow sculpting skills and it is so cute that the crew accepted “snow dog” with loving paws!

  21. Sandy says:

    Awww, I love this post – especially the last picture and this part “And then Lilah gently placed her paw on the snow dog’s chilly leg: “You belong. Even if you’re with us for a short time.” [Tweet]

    That’s how I feel about my dogs and cats.”.

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