A Puppy’s First Snow Day

I don’t remember the first time I played in the snow. I have great memories of snowmen, snow forts and snowball fights, but I will never remember the wonder and joy of the first time I felt the crunch of snow under my feet. It’s probably for the best. Even if I could remember my first winters, I’m sure the highlight reel would largely consist of me falling down and crying. But imagine if you combined the wonder of your first snow with the ability to truly revel in that experience? Well my friends, that’s what puppies are for! Penny’s experienced a couple light kisses of snow before, but this week we finally got a few inches of powdery goodness. It began late in the evening so Penny’s first taste of real snow was a quick one.

Nevertheless, she was hooked

Luckily the snow continued the next afternoon so we headed to the beach for a proper introduction.

It was love at first sight. Penny’s exuberance was contagious

I (and my camera) got out of the way and watched Penny bounce down the beach with joy

Until this scary looking polar bear brought her to a screeching halt

Luckily he turned out to be a friendly bear and he happily joined Penny’s wild rumpus

It may not have been Eko’s first time, but he showed you’re never too old to enjoy a good snowstorm

The two tore up the snow covered beach side by side

Penny jumped with joy

And she learned an important lesson from Drivers Ed. Your brakes don’t work very well in snow 

The wind whipped at our jackets and swirled snow in our eyes

But it was just a light breeze,in Penny’s opinion

One happy pup

There are cold and gray winter days ahead, but this one day and this one moment make it well worth the cost. Witnessing Penny’s pure, unadulterated and kinetic joy is a memory I will treasure forever.