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Sorry Abbysmom I was not directing that towards you or anyone else in particular I just know have full of excuses most people are when it comes to walking there dog, so I often try and point out how important it is.

If I had been through all that I would defiantly be careful in the winter as well. It sounds like you have been through several unpleasant situations and considering all that I am sure that you are doing an amazing job and you must be really committed to your dogs as most people would give up all together after that.

I know it makes changes of direction difficult but have you ever tried snowshoeing or cross country skiing.

Once again sorry if my comments bothered you and I hope that you never have to go through any injuries for you or your dog in the future. I hope you have a great summer with you dog as I am sure you are looking forward to it.

Sincerely,
Dana

Dana,

Thank you for the apology, accepted 100%. Rollerblading is pretty much the only thing I've been able to do with my dog that involves "sports of any kind" - and it's not Abby's fault, it's mine. I'm an absolute uncoordinated klutz. And even then, if there's a sidewalk, I have to stop, carefully get up / down and then slowly start up again. No hills / sharp corners / obstacles for me!

I absolutely HATE winter and if I had lots of money I'd be out of Canada in a heartbeat. I have very little tolerance for cold, and once I get cold, it takes me absolutely forever to get warm. At least Abby is perfectly trained to fetch / retrieve her toy and bring it back so that she can get lots of exercise while I drink coffee and look like a lump of clothing standing outside.

I envy you and your BC weather! My mom was in Victoria last year for two months (Nov / Dec - just before X-mas) and they had NO snow while we had over 3 feet!

I do also understand what you mean by numerous excuses people make. I have a friend of mine who has a 4 month old puppy. She asked me for advice / training info ... I told her about this site, downloaded the first two free chapters for her. A week later I ask her out it's going with the crate training - oh, we decided not to, he cries. I tried to explain the process ... nope, she won't listen. A couple of days ago she asks my advice on housebreaking ... I give her some information ... reminding her about the crate ... etc etc ... this morning I asked her ... oh, he doesn't like that ... about an hour ago, she was just here asking for info ... I told her I didn't have any more information for her ... she looked stunned ... I simply replied, why would I continue to give you information when you refuse to even listen, continue with it or follow through? You try it once, your dog won't do it, so you give up? How fair is that to the dog??

And to top if off ... she wants three kids! Sheesh , people!

Yeah, Abby and I have been through alot ... let me tell, after tearing my achilles I honestly wondered if I'd made a mistake in rescuing such a big dog! But I'm the type of person that once an animal comes into my house it NEVER leaves, so I had to figure out what else could be done to keep her / me sane, healthy and happy!

Have a good day,

Marion

I think you have to be cautious walking in the winter , it's been terrible this year. The snow would freeze and become hard and sharp .My dog tore her dew claw walking over the hard frozen snow not running just slid. Blood everywhere . We won't be any use to our dogs if we fall and break a hip either. You do the best you can .