That Snow Dog!
TweetFor 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.
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.
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.)
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 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.” 
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That’s how I feel about my dogs and cats.
Sweet Lilah loves everyone.
You may also like:
- A Dog’s Joy: Snow, a Stick and Room to Run
- Haiku by Dog: Artist
- Rules of Dog The Other Dog Always Has the Best Stick
- Dog with Stick: Sitting Just Quietly Under the Trees
- Photo: Dogs Play in the Snow
LAST DAY TO ENTER!
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Today we’re participating in the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop, though, once again, my post got a bit wordy. Take some time to visit the blogs below and see some of their great photos.
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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.
Thank you! It was fun. I just wish I would have had time to make a cat, too. But it got too cold and everything is frozen again.
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
Aw, thanks. Yeah, my dogs are quite friendly. And the new dog won’t steal their sticks or eat their treats! 😉
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. 🙂
Thanks! Yeah, days later Snow Dog is still around — a little melty, but still there.
Love your snowdog, bet he doesn’t steal any of your toys!! BOL!
Exactly! Maybe that’s why everyone likes him.
The group shot is so funny!
😀
Great post! Love the snow dog!
Thank you! He was fun to build.
Aw. So cute! It’s true what they say-a picture speaks a thousand words! Have a great day!
Thanks! I think the photo is very sweet — and really represents Lilah’s personality in particular.
The group shot is awesome!! I want to build a snowdog!
Thanks! Just come on up and visit us in NJ the next time it snows. We’ll show you how!
I love it and I’m so jealous! I’ve always wanted to make a snow dog, but Mom has never done it.
Maybe if you asked real nice?
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 🙂
Sand sculptures are fun, too. And much less cold!
Snowdog is so stinkin’ cute! Best of all, the group shot!
Glad you had fun in the snow.
Thank you! We think he’s cute too.
Hey, you did a PAWsome job on that snow dog. I love it!
Aw, thanks! It was fun to build (if a little rushed).
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!
Frowny face on the apartment people. How can they be against snow sculpture! (And thank you!)
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.
I know exactly what you mean. It’s been way too cold for fun in the snow. That was the one day we’ve had nearly all winter where it was tolerable to be outside for any length of time.
Great snow dog ! We love the group photo ! Purrs
Aw thanks! It is a handsome group, isn’t it?
You built the perfect snow dog!
Thank you. He’s perfectly well behaved too. 😉
The group shot is so cute! I’ve never made a snow dog before. Maybe next winter.
Thank you. I bet Mr N would have fun posing with it!
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
Aw, thanks! I really had to rush it. I wanted to make a Snow Cat, too, but ran out of time. Maybe we’ll have another day where I can add to it.
Love the photos of all 3 dogs, excuse me, I meant all 4 dogs sitting together! You did a great job on Snow Dog!
Thank you. They all are very well trained in the Down command. 😉
I am very impressed with your snow sculpting skills and it is so cute that the crew accepted “snow dog” with loving paws!
Aw, thank you. My dogs love everybody, no matter who they are or where they come from. 😉
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.”.
That is awesome!!
Thank you!