• Lessons from the Snow

Rena (left) and Teddy

The forecast called for snow in the mountains. The dogs would enjoy snow, I thought; maybe we should drive up. But in the morning the trees and ground were frosted in white. I had forgotten—Santa Fe is in the mountains!

Rena and Teddy yelped joyously as they exploded from the SUV into the forest. Every day I let them out, then gather the stuff I think I need for our walk. This morning I lagged more than usual, what with zipping up two coats and struggling into gloves. As she does every morning, Rena stood in the distance waiting for me, without judgment. Her patience touches me.

"Hey! You can eat this!"

I walked through a Christmas card. Snow fell silently. The dogs scampered up and down the hills, occasionally racing each other. We shared the forest with no one.

On our walks, the only thing I've concentrated on is the distance we cover. Today that wasn't an option. The dirt path was slick. I dug my cane into the snow, stepping purposefully. As long as I stuck to the big dirt road and took my time I would be all right.

Forced into slowness, I felt the peacefulness of the forest. Rena ran in and out of view on her daily surveillance duties. When Teddy tired of following his "sister"—he is 7 years older than 2-year old Rena—he sniffed low growth for P-mail and dribbled what he could for the next fellow. Every time I reached into my bag for my camera Teddy thought it was treat time.

Teddy's treat face

I should practice recall on the walk, giving the dogs a treat when they come, but I've slacked off. In the distance I heard a yelp, which meant Rena had met another dog. "Teddy, Rena, come!" Nothing. Teddy is shy around other dogs while Rena may initially snarl, although her bark is the worst of it. Luckily, dog owners in Santa Fe take in stride a kerfluffle between off-leash dogs. A man and three shaggy dogs appeared on the trail, Border Collie Rena diligently sniffing their heels. "Come, guys." They came. Treats were dispensed.

Lessons learned: Stop and smell the cedar. Remind the dogs more often that I'm in charge—not a bad thing, since it means more treats for Teddy.