The embracing crystalline silence of snowfall DC [Washington Post] The beautiful sound of snow falling...

This morning we bundled our dog up for his morning walk. Over his doggy objections I ensconced his feet in 'paw protectors' (little rubber booties). He stumbled around until he managed to slip out of them one by one... and we didn't have the heart to force them on him again. (another great idea that doesn't work... these expensive paw protectors aren't comfortable enough for any dog... oh well, we can't return them to the store.) After walking three blocks, his little paws were encrusted with icy snow which made it difficult for him to walk... we both picked out the impacted snow and he resumed walking without impairment and we quickly returned home. In 12 degree to 18 degree weather, you can't take chances with your pets. Even I got frostbite on every single toe (just a little, but it's annoying) from working in the yard two days ago (the dog was safely inside). I had not doublesocked and my shoes weren't insulated; imagine how hard it must be on a pet in this kind of weather.