Salty Dog

Winters were hard in the college town where we used to live. Urbana’s sidewalks were brick, and difficult to shovel. When it snowed, people walked in the street. Not a good option for a Seeing Eye dog. On days it snowed, Hanni and I were trapped inside.
Winter is easier on us here in the city. Our Chicago apartment is surrounded by other big buildings. Most ground floor units are retail, and shop owners don’t like their customers falling on ice. So they shovel their sidewalks.
Trouble is, they put salt on their sidewalks, too. LOTS of salt.
The American Dog Trainers Network website warns that Ice-melting chemicals and salt on sidewalks and roads can cause severe burning to a dog’s footpads. “Whenever possible, avoid walking your dog through these substances…”
Trust me, I’d avoid walking Hanni through those “substances” if I could. But for one, I can’t see the dang stuff. And for two, if we avoided the salt, we’d never get anywhere. We’d be trapped, just like we were when it snowed in Urbana.
Musher’s Secret to the rescue! Musher’s Secret is this waxy stuff you can get online from pet suppliers. I rub this goop on Hanni’s paws every time we leave home.
It smells a bit like Vicks Vaporub, and it hardens on her paw after I rub it in – the salt can’t get through to her pads.
Hanni loves having her paws rubbed, but she could do without the waxy stuff. And really, we could both do without the ice and snow for a while.
And so, we’re treating ourselves to a Valentine’s Day gift. We leave this Thursday to visit my sister Bobbie and her husband…in South Carolina! I’m doing a presentation for Bobbie’s Book Club on Friday and hoping to get a few good long walks in, too.
Hanni and I are both looking forward to a few days away from snow, away from ice, away from road salt, and away from Musher’s Secret. I promise I’ll still rub her paws, but maybe while we’re sitting outside. In the warm sun.