Winter Walking Wipe-outs

[BG and Gavin]

With the recent dump of snow in our area, I experienced my second major wipe-out while walking Gavin. The first time I fell on top of him. I bragged that he alertly assisted by breaking my fall. DH pointing out that poor Gavin had no choice - I had him pinned! But if he had not been in perfect heeling position...

Yesterday, I wasn't so lucky. I fell off to the right on yet another icy sidewalk that had been neglected by a home owner. I went down hard, but aside from a goose egg on the back of my head and a stiff neck today, none the worse for wear. Gavin once again alertly ran to my side and furiously began licking my face to revive me. Ok I wasn't unconscious, but its the thought that counts.

This experience was un-nerving however. I related it to a pal at work. She is a runner and trains outdoors in all weather. She recommended Yaktrax, a rubber and coiled contraption that slips over your footwear . I promptly went to Walmart after work and picked up a pair on sale for $16 CND. I tried them out today and they worked great. I highly recommend them to all of the East Coaster and my fellow Northerners who have kept their doodles off the sidewalks recently because of the weather.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Good boy Gavin for being so concerned! They look like a really good idea! I must look for some in out walmart!

[Lorraine Bromley]

I opened up this conversation just to tell you about these and that you should try them. Glad you already got the info!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

There's so much ice under the snow around here that I now look like a "little old lady" when I walk Guinness. I kind of "shuffle along". Thank goodness he doesn't pull or I'd be in trouble. I'm sure the neighbors get a good laugh watching the two of us. I'll check these out at Walmart. I'm so glad you didn't get hurt any worse when you fell, and that Gavin came right to your rescue.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Glad to hear that everyone is ok. We have had several close calls, but so far have managed to stay on 2 feet. Lucy is my challenge as she gets very excited in the snow and wants to run and jump in the drifts, and 65 lbs on the end of a leash is hard to hold onto and stay upright sometimes.

[Kathy Spyker]

It's a shame you didn't know about the Yaktrax Before you fell..I hope they help.

[Ann]

Hey! I had a pair of those in my closet for years! Now, of course, I can't find them! I have fallen already...the leash went flying out of my hand and Samson stood there looking at me like "what happened??" I was fine by the way!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I've had them for several years and I've never worn them. I forget about them.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

THANK YOU! I work outside and today walking was scarey! My husband feel last week and is still wrapping ice packs to the knee.

Love the idea--and I had no idea. Think I will invest tomorrow.

Hope you are feeling better. Thank goodness for your canine paramedic :)