I mentioned in a recent post the difference we see in the “northern” dogs vs. the “southern dogs” when it comes to winter, and how for example Darla (from Michigan) and Esther (upstate New York) are?intrepid in the snow. Well, it’s even more than that. Some of them — those two in particular — seem to relish the snow. I took these photos last week after I let Darla out in the front yard. Ever since winter?arrived in earnest before Thanksgiving, we noticed she often enjoyed bounding outside into the snow, jumping and leaping, sticking her head into the fluffy stuff, twirling … all manner of antics. She was having a great time, and it was just her and the snow! So one morning last week I was ready with the camera.
In the photo above, you can see she’s doing the proverbial play-bow … except there’s no one else there. She was just getting her engines revved up. Then, after running in circles, came this:
And this, bucking and kicking like a mule:
Followed by?a leap:
After a few more runs back and forth by the spruce, she headed for the ramp at a gallop:
And ended up in this shot looking like she’s trying out a Tennessee Walking Horse gait:
After that, she zoomed past me going up the ramp, whirled around at the door and stood facing me, ready to go in.
Don’t you feel boundless joy when you get to witness it? Thank you, Darla, for sharing! Great big puppy smooches to you 🙂 !!!!
Great shots! She is having the time of her life! Like little kids on the first snow of the year, she is totally immersed in the business of living and enjoying the moment. Makes me smile 🙂
My gosh she is doing great!! Love the photos! LOVE YOU RECENT NEWSLETTER WITH STELLA ON THE COVER!!! Sweet baby girl!
Cute! Glad you got such a good sequence of pictures and shared them with all of us..
Darla……I just adore you…..even when you are being bossy to the boys. I am thrilled to see you having such a good time after your recent leg surgery. You are not a “spring chicken” for sure so it is especially great to see a dog “of a certain age” enjoying a romp…..maybe I should take lessons from you. Great camera work Steve!
Well, I can see that that knee is just fine now! It’s great to see her frolicking so happily. My dearly-departed dog loved the snow too. Given a choice of a shoveled sidewalk and snow that came up to his chest, he’d go for the snow every time. The part he didn’t like was having to be de-snowballed when he came inside. The two I’ve got now enjoy tasting it, and the novelty of walking on top of it when it freezes, but otherwise they aren’t too thrilled with it.
This is SO cute! I love seeing them enjoy life so much.
What a character! Never-ending entertainment there! Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas to you both and all your “kids”. Blessings on your New Year! We treasure you all.
Funny , my very girlie, now departed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Zoe, who didn’t even like wet grass, did these things in the snow. With her short legs she sunk all the way in ( had a coat ) & jumped around enough, gathering snowballs on all her exposed long hair, giving herself pom-pom earrings. But once she got indoors & realized her legs & tail & feet & ears were loaded with snow balls & I was going to get them all off/out she got very unhappy indeed. ( She got as much of it herself as she could. )
Thank you Darla for bringing these lovely memories to me today ( & Steve, of course. Excuse me for rambling on – I do find self asking self what would they do @ RDF )
Canine happiness in its purest form… God bless her heart!:-)
Talk about a poster girl for “Life is Good”! Next thing you know she’ll be building a snowman…….
Wow, what great photos. It’s good to see that her leg is completely healed. I’ve had dogs who love to play in the snow but Darla really takes it to a whole new level. She’s really enjoying herself. I think sometimes it’s the shot of cold that gets them going. I bet she took a long nap after that session.