The weather here in Indiana has been so incredibly strange this season. Normally we are seeing accumulating snow by Thanksgiving but THIS season we’ve seen barely a dusting. That is, until two days ago.
With a Winter Snow Warning firmly in place we watched as the powdery white stuff covered everything – almost 10 inches overall. A sea of snowflakes. And I for one, had the pleasure of witnessing Emmie’s first interaction with it.
For those of you who are new to my blog, Emmie spent the first four years of her life in a cage. She was a breeding dog at a puppy mill in Missouri until last April when we were lucky enough to adopt her. Watching her experience things that are brand new for her is really a sight to behold.
At first she didn’t know what to think about the cold stuff, but soon enough she was checking out every snow-covered lump she could put her nose up to:
I saw quite a few cross-country skiers on the trails while we were walking. I’ve never tried that. I had a bad experience once with skis when I made a sorry attempt at water skiing one summer. Let’s just say that my legs were never meant to ‘go’ that way. Hmm…Maybe I see a new comfort zone challenge in my future. Until then, I wish someone would make snow shoes that glided across the snow, because holding onto these two dogs with equipment like that on my feet? I’d be MOVIN’!
Normally, my husband and I have a deal worked out. I walk the dogs in the summertime because I don’t mind the heat as much as he does. He returns the favor and walks them in the winter since I suffer from a chronic case of icicle-fingers (otherwise known as Raynaud’s Syndrome. You can read my riveting post on that topic here.) Lately though, he’s been working so much that I’ve had to put on several layers of clothing and a brave face and walk them myself. Want to see what a brave face looks like?
Ah well, I’m back inside where it’s warm and fuzzy and the dogs are lazily happy. It’s been a good day.
To those of you who are doing the HL Challenge with me, I hope you have had an insightful and productive week. I’ve been working on my post and my issues all week long. Emotionally speaking, it’s been pretty draining. Although I knew that revisiting my past wouldn’t be a joyride, right? I will be sharing some things that very few people know about. I’m putting my heart and soul into this challenge and hope to free myself from tons of C.R.A.P. that’s clearly not been resolved. I hope you’ll join me back here for Group Therapy Thursday tomorrow. Until then, keep warm!
XO,
~Ellen
We’ve escaped the snow (except for a dusting Monday night) so far, but oh my, the cold! Good news for me is I may not have snow here, but I sure don’t have to go far to find it! Love your “help me, I’m cold!” pic.
It was COLD, Sharon. And the dogs are already begging to go back out. I wish I could let Emmie off leash so she could run in those snow drifts but she knows no boundaries and would just keep on going!
I love watching dogs walk in snow for the first time! It is so funny! I LOVE the pictures- especially your brave face! Wish we lived closer and could share a cup of tea after being out in the snow like that! I look forward to your post tomorrow. I admire your dedication and ability to look at the C.R.A.P… I don’t know if I am ready… that is where having tea with you would be so wonderful!!!
Love the photos, Ellen. Can’t tell who was having more fun — you or the pups.
I can assure you it’s the pups! lol
That looks so cold! I love it when you share Emmie’s new experiences – it brings tears to my eyes.
Hanlie, she is such a good dog; I try not to think too much about her past but when I do, it makes me want to drive to Missouri and slap those people around a bit! (wow, that didn’t sound violent at all, did it?) lol
Love that photo of you:) Such a good “mom” for taking the kids for a walk in the cold and snow.
Aw, thanks Karen. I have to admit, they have me wrapped around their little finger. Thank goodness I can convince myself that I need the exercise too (what way I don’t feel like a complete puppet!)
Bless you and your husband for taking Emmie. Keep warm–my mother had Raynaud’s, so I know exactly what you’re talking about, and I am always cold in the winter. However, this year in Minnesota, we have largely escaped winter with only a dusting of snow on the ground. December was actually balmy, and I have been loving it! Best of luck with the challenge.
That Raynaud’s is the WORST, isn’t it? SO annoying! Oh, and you live in Minnesota – you win! lol
With the exception of a freak storm at the end of October (which only dropped an inch of snow here on the coast but did lots of damage inland) we haven’t had any snow and we’ve had warmer-than-normal temps…until yesterday/last night/today. I was around 10 degrees last night! It will be warming back up to the 40s tomorrow and throughout the rest of the week! Yay!
And even though I knew you had rescued Emmie, I hadn’t realized that she was a breeding dog for a mill. That breaks my heart…but thank goodness for you!!! She deserves all that you can give her. Poor baby…
Her early photos right out of the puppy mill were heartbreaking, Karen. I won’t bother going into detail, but she has come such a long way and finally feels safe in her new and forever home.
You know, they said that it’s supposed to get back up into the 40′s here by the end of the week, too! Strange winter!
Noah loves the snow! Its like things smell better in the snow or something.
I could see Noah digging his way through the snow like a mole! Dogs are so funny that way. I think things MUST smell better in the snow!
Hehehe, it’s always funny to see a dog’s or a kid’s reaction to their first snowfall. We haven’t had any accumulation at all here in Toronto yet, but my sister who lives about 90 minutes away (and in the snow belt) got dumped on earlier this week. Always fun to have the kids out in their snowsuits.
You’re right, it is funny. Oh, especially with kids! It’s kind of like watching them eat a lemon for the first time – not quite sure if they like it but are too intrigued to just leave it alone. lol
Heh heh – I have some great pics of my Chi babies in last winter’s snow… None for us in TX yet, but it’s been cold enough that my lil’ dogs have not stepped outside for the past two days! Of course they’re completely ignoring the artificial-turf “Relief Station” I bought ‘em, but those throw rugs needed to be replaced anyway
Those little pups don’t have enough fur or meat on them, Val! lol They need some designer jackets to wear so they can build up enough self esteem to go outside (yeah….THAT’S what it is!) lol
How fun to see some first things through Emmie’s eyes! So glad she ended up enjoying it.
As for cross-country skiing. I’ve done it once and LOVED it! It’s such a great work out and you can go at your own pace. Once you get in the groove, it’s so fun! Definitely add it to your “comfort zone challenge” list.
I will have to put that exercise on my list for sure then, Jan. You make it sound so easy! I hope you’re feeling better. Have been thinking about you.
I love your phrase – “a sea of snowflakes.” Ellen, it’s beautiful. And I also love new Emmie stories. Following her story and how you and she came together is so heartwarming.
Thank you, Michele. It’s been great to have a blog that can be as visual as I want so there’s something to refer back to when I want to see the progress she’s made.
You’re braver than me – when it’s cold, I do anything I can to stay inside!
Let’s see…..it took what? I can’t even remember how many layers of wool I put on underneath that coat. It did work, though. Just not on my fingers and toes!
I’m with Laura. Snow + cold = Indoor Cammy
Aren’t the duo leashes wonderful? One of my pet-sitting clients has them for his dogs, and it makes walking them so much easier!
I was thinking of you Cammy, when using my tandem leash the other day. It’s a lifesaver when I have to walk them by myself. Otherwise it’s like trying to juggle oranges while walking. They’re pretty great.
AWWWW…..I’d be out there walking with you. Snow walks are fun, as long as you are dressed for it. AND….dogs make snow walks all the MORE fun. Especially when they dig and roll in it. Stay warm and safe Ellen and give those gorgeous dogs a pat and cuddle from me!!!!
Thank you Roz! I’d love to have us go for a walk together. It gets pretty lonely out there – especially when the dogs aren’t talking back to me! lol
Too freaking cute, Ellen!!!! I love this so much!
I did not know that Emmie was a puppy mill breeder dog. Please sign me up as second in line to slap the heck out of her previous owners. What I’m so grateful for is that she was still able to accept love despite all she went through. What a strong brave girl!
And you too for taking your babies out for a walk in the snow. I’m freezing just after reading this post!
She is pretty special, and very brave. I think she’s finally beginning to realize that she’s not going back there – that THIS is her home now.
YOU HAVE RAYNAUD’S TOO?!??! I have it in my fingers and my toes and I freaking hate it. It’s so irritating. I know it’s not, you know, bladder cancer or anything but the fact that it takes 10+ minutes of being indoors in the winter before I can do anything useful with my hands just bugs the crap out of me. Ugh.
Ugh! Raynaud’s!!! We should start a group just so we can sit around and complain about how annoying it is! Do your fingers get numb and turn white, too? Mine do that and they’re pretty useless until they get warm. Winter is just not meant for my body. Period!
What cute dogs and the girl walking them is cute too!
Although I have not signed up for the HL challenge, I have an assignment from my therapist to write a list of all the things I do like about my body (such as my hair, my eyes, the fact that I’m very strong, etc), instead of focusing on what I don’t like (my stomach, my backside, etc). The idea is to start recognizing how miraculous my body is, and how lucky I am to have this amazing “tool” with which to enjoy life. When I get my list done, I’ll post it on my blog.
In the meantime, thanks for sharing your experience with the Challenge. Your posts will probably give me some good ideas for my own “challenge.”
Perfect, Grace. I hope some of the posts are able to bring you some clarity where you might need it. I’m counting on that, myself. Looking forward to reading your list when you get done with it. Thanks for sharing that, and give me a heads up if I miss it for some reason, would you?