They say you have to be tough to make it through a Chicago winter. Not only do we have to battle through
daily dark walks and iced-over sidewalks, but our distant memories of family walks, ice-cream runs, and
impromptu picnics make our winters that much more painful:
But then it became more obvious: we didn't really have to give it up. See, this past weekend after biking to
Dottie's 'Ladies who Bike Brunch' , I realized that many Chicagoans are just going along their daily summer routines...just with much more clothes. Dottie writes
her blog to show not only how easy and fashionable biking is, but how it can be done throughout the winter. So, much like E who rides through blizzards:
Many of the ladies at the brunch haven't locked their bikes up for the winter and are continuing to ride. Even in skirts and heels. Not only did this inspire me to bring my bike back out, but I realized we could make some accommodations to 'bring back the family walk' with the pooches.
Having survived several below zero days, this 30 degree weather felt downright tropical. The pooches have a variety of rain and winter jackets, and we even picked up some
Paws Waterproof Dog Boots since things are getting a bit slushy outside.
We like these because they're inexpensive and keep the dogs' feet from getting muddy and lessening our clean up time later. The dogs also like that they keep their feet free of ice and salt.
So in the spirit of
Shiva's 'rallying cry', we're going to break out of hibernation and continue with our regular ways. While we know we won't be having picnics any time soon, it is fun to be back on longer walks and exploring our neighborhood. Or at least until the next sub-zero day.
27 comments:
WE CAN NOT BELIEVE THE BAD NAME PITBULLS HAVE IN THE UK, WE LOVE THE BOOTS AND COATS, WE COULD NOT EVEN GET BOOTS ON THESE LOT, YOUR DOGS ARE A GREAT ADVERT FOR PITTIES.
In an attempt to survive winter, we keep up our hiking schedule of at least one hike per week. People think we are nuts. The hikes might be shorter but we get out there and do it anyway. We hate winter and so look forward to spring but try to make the best of it. Ugh.
i think my asa would like to borrow miss m's jacket and booties today as it's snowing here in south carolina!
i really like those booties. it looks like they'd be great even for just keeping paws dry from the rain.
the booker man and asa's mama
Glad to hear that you guys will be venturing out more in the snow this year! The boots are a great idea.
Love the boots!! And, love that you're going to venture out more! Did you get a ton of snow this weekend? WE've got over 2 feet on the ground now!
these boots are so precious, i'm tempted to get some for our poochkins. maybe some earmuffs are next on the agenda?
aleksandra
follow our foster: loveandaleash.wordpress.com
I love those boots! I especially love the idea of saving my laminate floors from salty and/or muddy paws. I wonder if Shiva would tolerate them...
Yay for getting out despite the weather! Good for you guys! :-)
You look so fashionable, you have to go out into the world and show everybody!
Wyatt
We had a moment of "let's go back to bed" rather than go for out walk today. Then I realized I was being a weanie. It's really not all that cold out and the dogs LOVE to walk, so out we went. Glad I did - your kiddos look very stylish in their gear! They always make me smile.
I love clicking on your blog and seeing Ms M's irresistible face! She's just so funny.
I'm always happier when I'm outside and active. I sure don't have to contend with whether like you but I was always glad when I got myself out for a run in the rain during our last storms. Something about being out in the elements makes me feel more alive...
But like you said, having the right gear can make all the difference.
We have found that getting out there and still doing some of the things we love has given us a new appreciation for Winter. I'd still like to skip it completely, but I've learned to appreciate the muted, delicate beauty that Winter brings. Plus, there's something magical about thinking of all those things we love, like the flowers and riots of color the other seasons bring resting just under the surface.
I really like those boots! I have seen them in a few places around here, but wasn't sure if they'd be worth picking up. There are times when I worry about Morgan's feet and those might be nice to have.
Oh my goodness those boots are killing us! Hilarious. You have some crazy weather you must deal with but you are obviously prepared
Benny & Lily
I refuse to walk with boots on my feet... mom tried it and I wouldn't move.
-Corbin
We pass this guy on his bike some mornings, and he's wearing nothing more than a rain jacket and pants. No heavy coat, hat, gloves, boots. It always amazes me.... granted we arent as cold as Chicago, but still!
Have you tried any other boots? We're looking for some for Dar for snowshoeing.
Those boots are fabulous - although I have to admit, I think Ms. M deserves some pink Uggs with her girlie fashion sense :)
Thanks for the smiles! The pictures in the raincoats are the cutest!!!
Your pal, Pip
They look so cute in their coats and boots! I need boots right now for my dog since we just got 4-5 inches of snow (which is comparable to 4 feet in Chicago - haha). She can't quite figure out what the white stuff is, and why she keeps crashing through the top layer now that it's gotten icy :)
So do the boots stay on? Do the pooches try to bite them off? I'm considering getting some for our "city" walks. We hike all winter long, no matter the weather. I actually prefer the cold snowy days because there are less people on the trails. We generally hike out in the country, but head into our downtown area in the evenings after work because it's lit well and there are sidewalks (this is what we need the booties for).
Aw I feel like we haven't visited you in a while and I SO missed Ms. M's face. I feel better now.
Our Pitties must be made of very different molds. I haven't found a jacket, or combination of three, that will entice Emma to stay outside for more than three minutes when it's below 40 degrees out.
You should mix and match booties!
And I'm thoroughly impressed by blizzard bike rides.
We were reluctant to try the balloon boots, but we actually really like them. The best part is they stay on and they're really easy to put on. We did have some water get in them when they stepped in deep puddles/snow. They have also been fairly durable for us; they've worn the same pair for 3 walks. Miss M has fancy, expensive Muttluks, but they don't stay on very well, which would be expensive if we lost one, and they take too long to put on. We are interested in trying the Muttluk boots.
I'm glad to hear the little brunch had a positive affect on the pitties.
I love to read about your cute dogs and now smile every time I see a pitbull. :)
It was great to meet you at the brunch - I really like your bike too, great color. Your pooches are quite cute and the pictures in all their gear are great. Happy Winter!
Mom just got me Muttlucks- maybe she needs to take em back?! Don't sound so great. But those boots wouldn't cover up my bandage- which is why she got em in the first place. oh well...
I am showing Mom this. Last week she said it was too cold to go for our long morning walk because it was 36 degrees out. I admit, it was chilly, but with my warm red coat on I think I could have braved it. I think she's being a sissy.
Stay warm and have fun on your adventures.
Hip Hip Hurray for Walkies! "Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep us from havin fun" I know I've heard that somewhere before ;)
Luv the booties! Made me :D
Waggin at ya,
Roo
Need these boots! TODAY!
This reminds he why we are grateful to no longer have the super dark/cold Alaskan winters!
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/
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