[NAGDU] General Winter

[Nimer Jaber]

Hi all,

This is directed at anyone that lives in extreme cold and snow, or 
anyone else that might be able to help with General Winter.  I love 
being outdoors, and unfortunately I am feeling limited by my dog living 
here in Duluth, MN.  While this year has had mostly warmer temperatures, 
we are beginning to get cold... and my dog hates it. Schools and work 
places almost never shut down.  And even though I could stay inside more 
and I could walk on sky walks, I love being outdoors.  For me, I can put 
on some warm mitts, a wind-proof face mask and layers and I stay warm 
and toasty... even having to take stuff off at times if I warm up 
enough.  I have a jacket for the puppy, and I have the boots that the 
school issues, the ones made by ruffwear.  My first problem is that the 
boots do not keep water and snow out adequately.  And, when walking out 
for longer periods, the boots irritate the dog's paws because I have to 
tighten them enough to keep them on if I step on them or in deep snow.  
I have started to use some musher's secret, but sometimes her paws still 
get irritated, especially by jagged pieces of ice.  So, does anyone have 
recommendations for some paw protection that might be adequate for 
extreme conditions?  Price is not an issue.

My next issue is the extreme cold.  When we get to below zero, I try to 
limit our exposure outside, but mostly for the dog, not for me. Her coat 
covers her from back to front, including her belly, but her tail, nose 
and ears are still open to frost bight.  For any of you that have dealt 
with this cold, what have you done to minimize this risk of frost bight 
in these areas without telling me to avoid being outside?

Thanks, and I hope somebody has a few answers. Here's hoping that you 
all are well.

Nimer J