Frankie the Snow-Pup: A Blizzard of Buffalo Plaid

We humans can be such grumps about winter. The cold, the endless shoveling, my resolve (like my driveway) is slowly becoming a white flag—​it’s enough to make you want to hibernate until spring.

But dogs? They see magic where we see misery.

They roll in the slush with the glee of a kid in a rainbow ball pit, the specks of flurries in their fur catching the sunlight like a thousand tiny diamonds as they chase the frosty wind and bark at the icicles dangling from gutters like sparkling chandeliers. It’s their chance to unleash their inner yeti as they plow through inches of the fluffy white stuff neck first like puppy plow trucks. They remind us that winter isn’t just about Sherpa and scraping; it’s about cranking up the joy meter and unleashing your inner goofball and remembering that sometimes, the best things in life are cold, wet, and leave snirt-y paw prints on your just-mopped hardwood floors. (Yes, snirt: that ugly snow-dirt mixture usually reserved for the side of the roads.)

Except, of course, if you’re Hunter, who looks like a deflated balloon wearing his snow boots. (Do husky mixes need snow boots? Probably not, but they’re just too.damn.cute.) At almost fifteen years old and just now testing out footwear for the first time, he’s the dog equivalent of a grumpy old man on a park bench, shaking his drool-frozen jowls at the mere mention of his snow boots. He’d rather face inciting a potty rebellion than endure the indignity of those floppy neoprene abominations.

Bundled Up in Buffalo Plaid

As the Pittsburgh snowstorm rolled through, it wasn’t just the bone-chilling wind that howled with glee. A pair of salt-and-pepper eyebrows named Frankie twitched with a barely contained excitement at this wonderland of white. Bundled up in a red and black buffalo plaid coat that screamed lumberjack chic and doggie snow boots that made him look like he was ready to conquer Mount Everest, this senior miniature schnauzer bounced like a furry pogo stick at my side as we plunged into a field of freshly fallen snow.

Frankie’s Guide to Winter Mayhem

The second Frankie’s paws hit the powder, he was off like a furry rocket leaving behind a trail of paw prints that resembled a Morse code message of pure exhilaration. Snowballs became the ultimate winter treat that coated his beard with a sugary dusting that you’d find post-Krispy Kreme powdered cake doughnuts binge. He bunny-bounced and barked with elation as he tried to chomp them with his tiny schnauzer teeth. By the end of his session, he emerged from the snowscape looking like a tumbleweed had gone on a sugar bender and rolled through a blizzard. One sneeze and he’d be an avalanche in fur form!

Now, before you think Frankie’s just a snow-covered goofball (though, admittedly, he is), let me tell you: this pup knows his stuff! He even whipped up a few “Frankie’s Guide to Guaranteed Winter Mayhem” tips, which since he doesn’t have thumbs (unfair, right?), I’m taking it upon myself to share:

1. Roll in the snow, belly up, then leap up and shake yourself off, showering everything in a flurry of white confetti. Make sure to repeat for maximum fun and fluff explosions!
2. Drop your ball in the perfect drift, wait for it to get all snowball-y, then triumphantly pounce! Bonus points for chomping through the icy treat with a crunchy satisfaction.
3. Don’t just walk, zigzag through the snow, weave between trees, and leave behind a trail of paw prints reminiscent of Arctic hieroglyphics.
4. Bury your snout in the fluffy white stuff, sniff out hidden treasures (anything you’re not supposed to put in your mouth is the best), and emerge with a frosty snoot and a happy grin.
5. When it’s almost time to head indoors, flop down in the powder, make snow angels like they’re going out of style, then wiggle your way out and repeat. The messier, the merrier!

And a bonus tip that I know Hunter will appreciate: when your mom even thinks about strapping on those awkward doggie snow boots, remember that the ultimate expression of canine freedom is a strategic retreat! Zoomies under the couch, hide-and-seek behind the curtains, anything to keep those things off your paws. A true snow pup embraces the elements, feet-first!

Snow: the Secret Sauce for Dog Portraits that Wow

Snow is more than just a pretty blank canvas, it’s the ultimate joy-revealer with a pristine white landscape that creates a neutral palette to complement any home décor, from modern minimalist to rustic farmhouse. These timeless images caught among it transcend trends, their beauty radiating warmth even on the chilliest day. In the snow, inhibitions melt just like frost on fur. These portraits are raw and beaming with unfiltered joy, and that’s what makes them magic. They’re a reflection of the moments that tug at your heartstrings, the expressions that transcend breed and age. They’re beautiful pieces of art that are guaranteed to warm your home, long after the last snowflake melts away.

---

No matter the season, I’m ready to create timeless portraits that showcase your best friend’s unique personality and your unbreakable bond. Whether it’s spring’s blooming flowers framing her playful leaps, summer’s golden light highlighting his sun-kissed fur, or autumn’s vibrant leaves swirling around zoom-ready paws, every season offers a unique backdrop for your dog’s custom portraits. Excited to get on my calendar? Just choose your adventure to begin.