Again one of those winter days you wish you could freeze in time — figuratively speaking, of course. Freshly fallen snow, a brilliant blue sky, crisp air, and that unmistakable brightness that only happens when sunlight hits untouched snow. We were out for a full hour and a half. And this time, we weren’t alone.
Our neighbor’s tiny dog, Oskar, joined us, wich is a complete contrast to Ella. While she, as a Leonberger, moves through the snow with a kind of majestic steadiness (more like a small bear on winter vacation), Oskar looks like a bouncing little puffball on springs. Two completely different sizes. Two different speeds. Two very different ways of moving. And yet, somehow, perfectly in sync.
Winter in the Country: A White Luxury
Days like this are when country living really shines. Not a single person in sight. No traffic. No crowded trails. No “please leash your dog” moments. Just wide-open fields, snow-covered paths, and that deep, rich silence that only fresh snow can create. Even the dogs’ movements sound softer in the winter hush.
As always, Ella was able to run free. She made her wide, sweeping circles, occasionally burying her nose deep into the snow before suddenly taking off as if she had received some secret mission. Oskar, on the other hand, didn’t so much run as hop. The snow nearly reached his belly, but that didn’t slow him down in the slightest. He powered forward with surprising determination.
It’s fascinating to watch how differently dogs handle snow. Larger breeds like Leonbergers benefit from their dense coats and body mass. They retain heat exceptionally well and move powerfully through deeper snow. Smaller dogs like Oskar are closer to the ground and feel the cold sooner, but they make up for it with agility and quickness.
Sunshine, Small Talk, and Fresh Air Therapy
While the dogs were busy sniffing, leaping, playing the time belonged to us. An hour and a half of easygoing neighborly “catching up.” The kind of conversation that starts without a plan and just unfolds naturally. A little serious, a little funny, occasionally completely random, but always comforting.
Maybe it’s the movement. Maybe it’s the cold, clean air. Maybe it’s the wide-open space. But conversations outdoors just feel different. Lighter. More honest. Less rushed.
And the sun did its part. Winter sunlight has a special quality. It doesn’t necessarily warm you deeply, but it brightens everything, including your mood. With the snow reflecting every ray, the world feels almost crystal clear. You can practically feel your body soaking up the light.
Finding a Shared Rhythm
Toward the end of our walk, Ella and Oskar trotted side by side in surprising harmony. The size difference was still almost comical, but they had found their rhythm. No competition, no chaos. Just the simple joy of being out together.
When we finally headed home, paws were wet, pant legs slightly damp, cheeks a little flushed from the cold and spirits high.
Walks like this are a reminder of how valuable the simple moments are: sunshine, snow, dogs, good conversation and the kind of quiet you only find in the country.
And honestly? I wouldn’t mind if it snowed again tomorrow.
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