Sunday, February 5, 2012

Walking In A Winter Wonderland


Erin's introduction to snow came upon exiting Frankfurt International Airport in Germany. Arriving in the heart of winter she was met by a deluge of white flakes but there was no hesitation or displeasure only joy at being released from her crate after an exhausting day of travel. Living in Savannah Georgia certainly limited her chances of seeing any snowfall but spending two years abroad made up for that shortfall and more. Despite Erin's lack of experience in a winter wonderland she felt at home and was quite confident in whatever conditions Mother Nature conjured up. She frolicked her way across 12 snowy European countries, explored nature, gazed upon breathtaking scenery and made friends wherever she went.

High in the Swiss Alps Erin romped around in blinding snow where cows with clanging bells around their necks greeted her with a chorus of moos. Riding cable cars from village to village she sat beside me and peered out at the frozen world below while skiers befriended the nomadic dog. On an icy observation deck a large group of Japanese tourists were completely smitten with Erin; they overwhelmed her with attention and repeated requests for photos thus a hasty retreat to a restaurant was necessary to escape the madness. German dormant vineyards made the perfect doggie playground, she ran freely and without restrictions across the endless white slopes while I hid behind vines for impromptu games of hide and seek. Living in Kosovo snow crunched under her weight as the grounds of a school were investigated, soccer playing lads begged her to play but she was more interested in livestock brought to the field for grazing. One day a high school aged kid hurled a snowball at Erin whom was minding her own business; luckily for him he missed but that didn't prevent me from shaking my leash in his direction while cussing him out until he dropped another snowball in his hand and ran off with his buddies. I was prepared to wrap the leather leash around his neck and bury his face in the snow until he stopped breathing but thankfully the situation didn't go that far :)


An elderly gatekeeper at the oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe surprisingly permitted Erin to enter where she trod on sacred ground. Tombstones dating back a thousand years were layered in the thickest snow we arguably ever saw; off-leash she led the way while I followed closely to ensure she avoid trouble. Through knee high drifts I clambered to keep up with Erin whom cut the snow like a knife through butter...On days like those I yearned for a pair of snow shoes. The gatekeeper huddled in his shack was given a friendly wave before we strolled down the isolated streets. Against a backdrop of white the Christmas Market in Vienna was visited where we feasted on a variety of Austrian goodies...stalls hawking meats, cheeses, pastries, etc were much too tempting to pass. As always Erin sat near my feet never diverting her eyes off me as she waited on her share to be tossed downward. She received her portion and more as this would be our last evening together in Europe; the following morning she was placed in her crate for the return flight home to friends and family

One of our neighborhood hangouts, Luisenpark in Mannheim provided a vast open area where dogs could run to their hearts content, fetch balls and gnaw on sticks while avoiding children racing down hills on sleds. Rolling onto her back Erin squirmed with pleasure before vaulting upright to shake out the snow embedded in her fur...She made one beautiful snow angel much to the encouraging yelps of her canine friends. Exhilarating games of chase took place with billowing clouds of snow thrown upwards for the trailing dogs to inhale; it's good to be the lead dog. Wrestling matches brought a smile to my face as Erin and her competitor thrashed about in the snow without a care in the world; they nipped and used their weight to toss each other down. Hares living in thickets near our apartment proved to be too much of a temptation for Erin who gave pursuit even in the harshest of conditions; spotting one she gave chase until the prey eluded her. If given the opportunity she would have gladly spent all day in that overgrown plot of land; she always returned dog tired, fur damp, and spewing steam from her gaping mouth like a locomotive but oh so happy. The winter months spent overseas with Erin were amazingly happy times and visions of her smiling will forever be etched upon my mind....Given the chance I'd spent an eternity doing it all again with my best friend!!!






17 comments:

  1. Another beautiful and touching story, David! So glad Erin had this chance to experience snow. I've never known a dog not to like it!
    Blessings!

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    1. Thank you Martha!! Erin certainly enjoyed her time in it and from what I saw all dogs do

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  2. I love your stories...Beautiful pictures. There's few things I enjoy more in winter than taking my dog to the fields to run in the snow. She is unscathed by the bitterness and frolics with wild abandon. It's a beautiful thing to witness.

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    1. Dogs running in nature is a joy to witness...gotta believe that's where they're most happy. Thanks for stopping by :)

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  3. Such a nice and memorable story.

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  4. Wow ... she lived quite the adventurous life!

    love the pictures.

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    1. Erin had quite the life even by human standards..

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  5. David, that was an awesome read as usual! I tread back with your memories of Erin and what a beautiful journey it is.

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    1. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the post as certainly enjoy writing about those amazing times.

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  6. Hello David.
    Erin looked like she fit right in with the snow & the locals! You have such wonderful memories of the time spent with her. Awesome photos!
    Thanks for sharing & for allowing us enter your nostalgic moments. It's been really enjoyable.

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    1. Andy Erin felt at home wherever we went and Europe was no exception. My memories of time spent with her are special and I'm glad you find them endearing as well. Thanks for stopping by!!

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    2. David, I love dogs & used to own two, so I know only too well the love you have for Erin.

      When you get a chance, please come to my blog...I have a special gift for you.
      Award Time...Sharing The Love Again!

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  7. Erin the snow dog. I think she was happy anywhere you were. A beautiful relationship. My little dog does not like the snow so much, if there is any depth at all her tummy hits,lol. I love the sight of a dog romping in the snow, Erin had such a good life, I am glad you got to share it with her.

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    1. You're right that Erin was happy when she was with me as I was happiest at her side. We brought out the best in each other and who could ask for anything more

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  8. You Erin was special. So easy going, accommodating and happy. I can just imagine her running around in the snow. As i play with my Fudge I remember Erin a lot, David. Love reading about your journey of life with Erin

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    1. Erin as most dogs love to please and have a good time in life. Fudge will bring you so much happiness over the years...Treasure every day with your young friend !!!

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