Das Bootz

The Missus has bought Spencer dog boots – an early Christmas present! They pretty basic: black, felt-like material with vinyl pads on the bottom and elasticized Velcro to hold ‘em on. We introduce them slowly trying just the front paws for starters. Spencer stands patiently while I attach them. He takes big steps, lifting his front paws almost past his ears. He looks like some kind of prancing mini-horse. His tail is at half mast, never a good sign. “This can’t be good,” his body language says.

I entice him out to the snowy lane with a treat then take off running, “C’mon, Spencer. Let’s go!!!!” Usually the excitement in my voice incites excitement in him. He takes off in a flash, running to beat the band, front legs trying to meet back legs in an arch over his back...with poor old menopausal me on the other end of the leash gamely trying to keep up without doing a faceplant in front of the neighbours! Once away from the street light, all I can see are two little black dots against the snow as the rest of him blends in. I laugh myself silly as we slide around the first corner. Maybe this is the way to start jogging! Spencer has enough muscle to make a good sled dog! And the best thing is: he’s forgotten about the boots!

The next day is the full trial: I put the second set of boots on his hind pattes. This time he forgets about the front boots, he’s doing a serious high-step with his back paws, kind of like a four-legged can can dancer. His people and I laugh uproariously at his combination high-stepping and dejected body language. “I’m definitely NOT liking these boots!” he signals with his tail again at half mast. Yet again, never under-estimate the power of a treat and the excitement of the run. We’re off! Spencer’s approach to tolerating the boots is to try to run them off! Our “walks” are the fastest in our community! We go by in a flash! “Was that Santa?” People ask seeing the blur go by. “No, just that crazy lady and Spencer!”

At this rate, I’ll be running marathons by spring. But the best part is, no matter how fast we go, he can’t out-run those boots!