The holiday season is a time of giving. For me the holiday season extends all winter with the gift of snow and the memories of gifts the animals who shared my life have given me. One of the most memorable was given to me by Emily and Boomie on a snowy night in January.
The snow had started coming down and the wind kicked up late morning and continued through the afternoon into the night. About 9 PM, I stood out on the deck of the house to find the wind settled down and the snow turned from fine sand to big billowy feathers. There was not a soul outside and if you stood still you could hear the sound of your own breath.
I went back in, threw on a warm coat, gloves and some boots, got the leashes and hooked up the dogs. Trisha looked at me as if I was out of my mind and said, "Mom, you're not really going out in this now are you?" I replied that it was a perfect time to walk to the lake and let them run because no one else would be crazy enough to be out there. She shook her head and walked away as only a teenager could. Boomie and Emily anxious to go practically pulled me down the stairs as we went out the door. They loved the snow and they loved to go to the lake, so this was a double treat for them.
The lake by where I live sits in the middle of a large field bordered on 3 sides by forest. It is perfect for long walks. With its beauty and wildlife the lake is a constant source of joy for my K9 companions and me. It was slow going because the snow was almost up to my knees and the roads leading to the lake were not plowed nor would they be until the next day. Half way there the snow stopped and the full moon shone bright and clear. When we arrived I was relieved to see that the lake had not frozen over so I had no fear of letting them off lead and watching them head out onto thin ice and fall into the icy water.
I snapped off the leashes and they bolted from me into the night leaping and playing in the newly fallen snow. They tunneled and rolled kicking up small blizzards as they frolicked and shook themselves. I saw them in the distance run in large figure 8's, the symbol of infinity, chasing each other, as moonlight glinted off their fur. In the silence of the night they ceased being dogs and embodied the form of their wolf ancestors, the free wild animals made of powerful muscle, sinew, and bone, one with the earth, and masters of their territory. I stood spellbound watching their snowdance until my fingers froze and I could no longer feel my feet. One customary whistle and they headed for me with love and gratitude in their eyes for their time in the field.
Back at the house they became the old furry couch potatoes that share my life. They sleep now beside the fire and I am grateful for the gifts of love and service they give to me and Trisha everyday of their lives. I am blessed that they have shown me the snowdance of their ancestors. I am also grateful that once upon a time long ago, one of their free and beautiful ancestors gave up their snowdance, their place in the true, wild natural world to be of service to man. Every time the snow flakes fall, I am reminded …
