We just finished what I lovingly call the January Thaw. Those few magical days in January that tease us with spring-like weather just long enough to melt the ice, the grime, and the general winter ick that’s settled in over the last month. It feels like a clean slate… briefly.
Then Mother Nature gently (or not so gently) reminds us that it is still very much the middle of January. Spring is a long way off.
Benji and I absolutely take advantage of those days. We stay out a little longer, and by longer, I mean maybe ten whole minutes.
And that’s okay. He’s fine with it. I’m fine with it. We’re not training for anything. We’re just living here.
Winter walks are slower, shorter, and sometimes a little chaotic. There’s the cold, the snow piles taller than Benji’s legs, the mysterious scents that demand investigation, and the sudden realization that yes, it really is cold out here. Benji shivers just enough to remind me that he’s a delicate little flower and not built for Arctic exploration. Add in icy patches and salty sidewalks, and it’s no wonder neither of us is eager to linger.
Still, we do get a little stir-crazy.
When outdoor time is limited, finding things to do inside can feel like a challenge. Luckily, Benji is a pretty agreeable participant in any activity — mostly because indoor activities usually involve treats and the ceremonial dumping of every single toy out of his toy box.
So what do we do?
First, we slow down even more. Winter doesn’t ask us to do a lot, it asks us to be attentive. A shorter walk doesn’t mean it’s less valuable. Benji still sniffs. He still takes his time. He still reads the neighborhood news like it’s the morning paper. Ten minutes outside can be plenty when it’s done mindfully.
Inside, we switch gears. A few minutes of gentle play. Benji proudly shows me his toys, carefully placing one at my feet, and the moment I reach for it, he puts his paw on it, snatches it back, and runs away like he’s won something important. Letting him “help” by inspecting whatever I’m doing. Sometimes that’s laundry. Sometimes it’s making tea because he knows that the treats are next to the tea bags in the cabinet. Sometimes it’s just moving from room to room while he follows closely, supervising everything.
There are puzzle toys on some days, and on other days, we keep it very simple. A stuffed toy. A treat hidden under a blanket. Nothing fancy. Nothing forced.
And then there’s rest, the most underrated winter activity of all.
Benji naps hard in winter. Curled up, toe beans out, snoring softly like he’s worked a full shift somewhere important. Watching him relax reminds me that I don’t need to compensate for the season. Winter isn’t lacking anything; it’s offering rest.
Short walks don’t mean we’re failing our dogs. They mean we’re listening. To the weather. To our pups. To ourselves.
Winter walks are shorter.
The days are quieter.
And that’s more than okay.
And you know, sometimes the best activity is Benji watching me write, like he knows that it’s all about him. Because it usually is!
Love,
Joan and Benji
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