First Snow

One of the real joys of being a Canadian is that first cold morning each year when you look out and see Snow. It doesn't matter where you live in this great country... white snow, blowing snow, drifting snow, flaky snow... it's all good. As much as it means shoveling, slippery driving, uncomfortable clothing... you know it will all be worth it because Today is the day. Today is the day you've been planning for. Today you get to prove yourself over Mother Nature. Today is payoff day for all the conditioning and training you've done over the past few months. Yes, today is the day you're going to open the door, face the world, and make that noise that tells your pet that the door is open and it's okay to run straight outside without looking for dangers or distractions. Today's the day when you get to remind your critter that you are the greater in your relationship. Today is the day that your pet, who you've humbled yourself to by spending money and feeding and cleaning and brushing and walking and sometimes flossing! - is now dependent on you in a most frantic way, to get them safely back to the door, IF you choose to let them in. I'm sure everyone has their own special celebration at this moment. Mine is to look the critter in the eye and say "TOP of the food chain, HA!"... ... before heading off to refill their bowl and put down fresh water for them.