It’s been 4 years since I had snow boots custom made for my Italian greyhound. She’s never walked in them properly – the first time we put them on her she bucked like a horse. Another attempt had her going down an entire flight of stairs just on her front legs. At that point I usually give in and take them off.

This morning, walking after the first snowfall of the season in Seattle, after about two blocks she held her feet up as if she had something stuck in there (like a baby slug, whch does happen). I took off my mitten and went to each foot to check. As I felt each foot she started to cry louder and louder, milking this situation for all she could get. I managed to get her going again and she was fine in the sunny areas but in the shade she would slow down and I would have to encourage her.

So this afternoon we’ve been working with her in the boots. After this video was shot I offered her her lunch and left her standing there staring at me for about half an hour, as she began expressing herself with an under-the-breath whine that then became a quiet but steady whine with every breath. I put a leash on her and she followed me to the couch and jumped up and I got her to lay down with her legs out to the side. After about 20 minutes she put her head down and sighed, which indicates submission. After about 5 more minutes I removed the boots. The Dog Whisperer would have been proud.

Tonight we will be going out and she will be wearing her boots. I don’t know if she will be able to do her business tho from the anxiety and distraction. We shall see.