Obviously, we’ve gotten out of the habit of being prepared for cold winter weather since leaving the Treasure Valley of Idaho. There, we had doggy coats and sweaters for our Bichon Frise and carried emergency equipment in the car. Now, one hour south of Chicago and facing a major Polar blast this weekend, the weather forecasters are warning people to dress in layers, cover the head, ears, nose, mouth and wear heavy gloves. Can you say Sasquatch?!
I got to thinking about my little dog who loved the Idaho snow–bounding around in it and digging to see what treasure she could find under all that cold, white stuff. I did put a coat or sweater on her depending on how cold or wet it was outside, but didn’t worry so much about her feet. Now, she is almost eleven (January) and I’m thinking fleece, earmuffs, and booties.
Unfortunately, dog booties are not easy to find at Goodwill, and can be expensive even at Amazon. I tried keeping booties on my babies, but now we are talking 4 booties. On. A. Dog. I’m thinking I’d spend the entire walk collecting booties and trying to jam them back on unwilling and uncooperative paws. Some dog boots are quite attractive and can range in price from $12.95 to $60.00. (Twenty dollar average.) Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax ranges from $12.95 to $20.00, but do I really want that stuff all over my carpet?
Maybe my best bet is to fill the utility sink with a couple inches of warm water and plunge all four paws in when we get back, keeping a towel at the ready. And then there is that whole wet dog thing…you know what I’m talking about. I can’t open the windows for fresh air. Thinking next, I’ll research for candles that kill “wet dog smell.” Surely, someone has thought of that. There’s a candle for everything. 
But, no, Yank Me Candle (again on Amazon), has “Wet Dog” scented candles. Are you kidding me? And how much? $19.95 of course. I’ll get the same effect by plunging her little snowball-encrusted paws in 2″ of water. ©2016 Virginia Williams 
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