I took Baldwin to the dog park today. I don’t normally take him during snowy weather and now I know why. I told Baldwin not to go in the water when we got to the park. Baldwin understood and followed this clear directive until we reached the last lake.

Baldwin had bunny-hopped through a snowy field then ran up the hill to the last lake on our walk, where he would normally jump in the water and then jump out. This time, however, the lake was frozen. When I reached him, Baldwin was far out on the lake, licking the surface. He was mesmerized; walking on solid water. I was terrified but I tried to keep myself calm so HE wouldn’t panic.

I called him to me, and he eventually made his way in my direction. As he reached the shore, Baldwin fell through the ice. He fought to keep his head above the water, his eyes wide with panic. Baldwin grasped for purchase, but the ice continued to break around him. I was dying inside; I prayed I’d be strong enough to get him out. Fortunately, Baldwin gained his footing on nearby tree roots which got him close enough to the bank that I could grab his collar and pull him out.

Baldwin ran for cover in nearby bushes. When I reached him, he was shivering, his body heat steaming into the air around him. I clipped his leash to his collar, then took a face towel from my coat pocket and mopped as much of the water from him as I could. That’s a ridiculous visual but it was all I had. I brought the little towel to warm his feet in the snow. I took off my coat and removed my hooded sweatshirt. I put my coat back on over my tank top, wrapped the sweatshirt around Baldwin like a preppy sweater to block the wind, and then used long edges to dry his shivering haunches.

It was time to go. Baldwin was disappointed we were leaving after just 45 minutes. He pulled at his leash to explore other areas, but we were done with the park for the day.

We are home now, safe and warm. Baldwin is curled up on the bed under his blue-checked fleece blanket at my feet and I am grateful. So very grateful.

Eryka