Snowy Adventures with Angel Astrid

We got 7" of snow this weekend, and it's been frigid cold. My sweet angel Astrid would be thrilled with these conditions, as she was a huge fan of all things winter.

If you're curious why my girl Astrid's face is covered in snow in those photos, it's because when it snowed, this was one of her favorite things to do:

I loved watching Astrid play in snow, and I'm so glad I have photos and videos of her doing just that. I miss my pup so much, but these memories will be with me always.

Warm wishes to all!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I've shared this doodle multiple times, I think even in my sweet Astrid's memorial post in September. But, I feel like sharing it again. After all, it stars Astrid and two of her favorite cold things, those being winter and ice cream. Oh, and she has a metal leg here because I believe I drew this in the year that Astrid had metal placed in her knee after she tore her CCL (like the human ACL). So, a metal leg was drawn.

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Tip of the Day

Our series of winter safety tips has already covered wiping off those paws when they've been in contact with snow, ice, ice melts, and so forth. Today's tip relates to all of that, and is to regularly check your furbaby's cute little toes. It is of course important to always ensure that your furbaby and his or her paws are free or injury, but this is something that is especially important in the winter. The cold and dry air, as well as the cold ground that might be covered in snow, ice, ice melts, and other substrate in the winter, can potentially lead to dry, cracked, bleeding, and overall uncomfortable paw pads. This is why it is important for you to regularly check your pup or kitty's paws in the winter, and of course year round. Be especially vigilant of the condition of paws that frequently go outdoors.

If you do notice your furbaby's paw pads are dry, cracking, or bleeding, or if they are displaying any discomfort when walking, consider options for treating and combating paw pad dryness and discomfort. There are pet paw salves on the market that are intended to combat dryness and to protect paws pads that often go outdoors. In some cases, petroleum jelly might be deemed safe to wipe onto the paw pads before they head outdoors, but this is sometimes a debated option. More importantly, when it comes to the health, safety, and comfort of your furbaby and their paws, it is of course always recommended to discuss the matter with a veterinarian. A veterinarian can check for any damage to the paws, and can also best recommend treatment for or prevention of dryness, cracking, and other injury to the paw pads. So, be observant of the state of your kitty or pup's paws, and seek veterinary care if you have any concerns.