We’re not quite there yet, but as we head into “that time of year,” we’re gearing up for what comes with it: frigid temperatures and snow storms, can be difficult for people, it’s easy to forget that it’s also hard on the animals.
Even animals that live inside most of the time are struggling in this extreme weather. For instance, my dogs are usually excited to wake up and run outside in the morning. But recently, when they bounce out of bed, and I open up the front door for them, they’re incredibly disappointed when they stick their noses out the door. They’re greeted with a blast of cold air and sometimes new snow and frost on the ground. They venture outside reluctantly to do their business and are happy to dash back inside where it’s warm and dry.
Dogs need protection from the elements, especially when it’s cold out. They can get frostbite and experience hypothermia just like humans. Despite everyone’s best efforts to get all of the animals inside and warm, it is inevitable that some dogs will get caught out in the weather. Heck, I’ve been caught outside in the weather, ill-prepared and freezing just desperate for warmth and shelter! And holy cow, that sure isn’t fun. (Trust me, I really feel for this dog!)
In the video below, a man ventures out into a snowstorm, in the already deep snow, to walk his German Shepherd. With his thick, weather-resistant coat, the Shepherd is handling the snow and the cold just fine. But, the man and his dog came across another dog on their walk. The short-coated dog was cold and miserable and was unable to move quickly through the deep snow. He was trapped near a dumpster and looked rather hopeless.
The Shepherd noticed the other dog and rushed towards it. In those first few moments, he appeared to be charging at the stranger. But, after a brief introduction, it’s evident that there is no aggression between the two dogs. In fact, the intrepid Shepherd has a way to help his new friend.
Watch the video below to see their heartwarming interaction!
