Winter has settled into southeast Michigan, and if there’s one thing this season reminds me of, it’s that darkness arrives way too early, and morning light takes its sweet time waking up. The cold has teeth this year. We’ve already had a few frigid, single-digit mornings that make me question every life choice that led to living somewhere the wind hurts my face.
But of course, Benji still needs to go out. I can bundle up in my coat, hat, gloves, and boots, but Benji? He is not built for this. Mentally? Yes. Physically? Absolutely not.
Every morning starts the same way: me shoveling a little potty patch in the yard while Benji watches from the doorway like I’m clearing a path through the Arctic. Once he finally steps out, he makes it three feet before deciding he needs to investigate every single critter footprint in the snow.
I don’t know why snow triggers his inner detective, but suddenly we’re in a full investigation:
I gotta tinkle…wait, what’s that smell? Sniff. Spin. Sniff again. Spin again.
Meanwhile, Oakley, the dog behind us, senses movement and barrels outside to alert the entire neighborhood of Benji’s presence. This excites him even more, which inevitably leads to the classic winter move: the accidental tinkle on his own front leg.
It’s a process, you know.
But all this brings me to the point of my post: you’ve gotta protect those precious paws… especially if your dog is a delicate little winter flower like Benji.
❄️ Winter Protection Essentials
🐾 Boots
Not Benji’s favorite fashion statement, but they keep those paws warm and shielded from ice, salt, and who knows what else ends up on the sidewalks this time of year. He lifts each foot dramatically like he’s walking through lava, but they help and that’s what matters.
🐾 Musher’s Secret Paw Balm
This is a must-have. A little barrier balm on the pads can prevent cracking, dryness, and salt burn. Use it before and after walks, and your pup will use it as an opportunity to guilt you into an extra ear scratch.
🐾 Burt’s Bees Wipes
Great for quick cleanups and wiping off salt, snow, and… questionable leg sprinkles. They keep paws clean without drying out the skin.
Final Thoughts
Just like we protect our own skin from winter’s dryness, our pups deserve the same care. Benji loves the extra attention. He just doesn’t know yet that I asked Santa to bring him tiny socks and a scarf. He’ll forgive me… eventually.
Here’s to cozy afternoons, steaming mugs of tea, twinkling lights, and snuggling up with our pups.
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