Sunday, November 30, 2014

Pixel Weather Adventurer Extraordinaire - Snow In Appalachia Virginia for Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend!

Hello my friends! Pixel Blue Eyes reporting to you LIVE from the Appalachian mountains of Virginia where we've had one heck of a lovely snow event for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend!
I've been studying the weather for some time now and I'm a real champion for winter weather. Well, so is Sam Champion of the Weather Channel and his AMHQ team of fantastic meteorologists, so I'm channeling some of their fantastic weather reporting skills and giving it to you from a dog's point of view.
The snow we've seen in the last few days is perfect for people who love the beauty and wonder of snow but hate the shoveling. Early Wednesday morning we got about 2" of snow. It was so pretty, however it melted far too quickly. The good news was that it never stuck to the roads, so people were able to get out and about in their cars and not have to worry as much about snow covered roads. Of course, there's still always the risk of slick spots or unsafe drivers, so keep a safe speed friends, and always look out for other drivers and slick spots when winter precipitation is on the ground.
Thanksgiving morning we were blessed with a glorious blanket of sparkling crystal snow that was about 3"- 4" deep. It was just perfect for little dogs (and big dogs too of course) to run around and play in. My sisters Peanut and Sassy, the newest member of our family, had such a fun time outside in the snow. It was the first time Sassy had ever seen or experienced snow and it was love at first sight for this little snow dog Pomeranian. In fact, young Sassy, who is about 4 months old, was literally running circles around me  and Peanut while I was trying to test the latest weather conditions and Peanut was enjoying the Thanksgiving Day Winter Wonderland on our back deck. It was very charming, but I was glad we weren't doing a "live shot" weather report. That would have been interesting on TV with a tiny dog running laps through the report!
Dixie Mae, my short haired Dachshund sister, stepped outside in her warm coat but decided playing in the snow was not for her. She preferred to stay inside because of the cold, so remember that not every dog will want to go outside in wintry conditions to play. Some people believe that a dog must always want to be outside "where we belong" but we really want to be with our humans in comfortable conditions, preferably under a warm blanket by your hip on the couch. At least that's what Dixie Mae always says.
If you go outside with your pets, make sure they are well protected from the cold and elements such as rain or snow. Even though dogs and cats have fur, we still get cold, get achy joints and hate getting (or staying) wet in the rain. Just as there is for humans, there are rain coats, hats, winter coats, paw shoes and many other apparel made especially for dogs to keep them safe, warm and protected outside in the elements.

Dog weather reporting includes a few additional bits of weather information that dogs need to know about for the best outdoor weather experience, especially in snow. This includes:
1. Depth of snow - Dogs need to know this so we can calculate how much of our legs will either become wet or get those amazing little sticky snowballs on our fur if we have long fur. Very important information indeed. If a bath is eminent, we must plan for that as well.
2. Color & texture of snow - Since we love to eat snow, we must know if the snow is safe to eat. Snow must be clean, white and fluffy for best consumption. Dirty, yellow or icy snow is not a fun snack!
3. Anticipated snow melting days and/or rainy puddle days. Some dogs love getting muddy and then tracking those foot prints all over the place in their home, so dogs need to know the best days for maximum mud possibilities.
Well, I've now eaten several snow samples and verified that this is pure Appalachian mountain snow, fresh and ready for eating and playing in for dogs ages 8 weeks to 18 years! It'll be melting soon enough, so get your pups out there as soon as possible for loads of fun in the snow. Just remember to play it safe, stay protected from the elements and you'll have a great time in any kind of weather!
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So...what's the pet weather like in your neck of the woods??

12 comments:

  1. Great blog and I love your coat and hat!! Good advice for snow play and indoor snuggling for thse who don't appreciate the snow!

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    1. Thank you Mitzi! I'm so glad you liked the blog post. And I think everyone should have the choice of playing outside or not. Makes for happier pets & people. :)

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  2. I'm so happy you have a new family member and happy for Sassy, she got the best home! I have a new puppy, Abby. But she is a big puppy!

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    1. Hi Emily! How exciting that you got a new puppy too!! What kind of big puppy is she? You'll have to post a photo on my Facebook page if you'd like. I'd love to see her. Just go to #/pixelblueeyes.

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  3. We are loving the cold and snow here at home! No coats and hats for us, we have enough fur and move around enough to stay warm. Enjoy! Good to see Peanut Pumpkin Pie out with you too.

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    1. Awe, thank you Emma! Yes, you do have lots more fur than I do. Peanut and Sassy are snow dogs by nature but still get to wear coats. I'm the freezing dog out there usually, and Dixie too. But I LOVE the snow like you! Have fun my friend.

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  4. We had a good snow here n PA. The roads didn't freeze and we only had to shovel once. It is much prettier when it is white I see in the comments you have another friend named Mitzi . I like your snow outfit Love M.J.

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    1. Hi Mitzi Jo! Did you have fun in the snow? It's always nicer when the snow is white only. I saw in another comment that you've lost some more weight. I am SO proud of you my dear girl. And yes, I do have another friend named Mitzi. Pretty awesome name!
      Sending love & Merry Christmas wishes!
      Pixel

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  5. Love the blog post Pixel! Keep up the great reporting! :o)

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  6. Pixel you look fabulous in your hat and coat. Yes keep us posted on your Winter Wonderland. Here sunny and mild. Have a terrific Tuesday.
    Best wishes Molly

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I'd love to know what you think friends. Leave me a note & I'll send you a pumpkin kiss!