A cold front has hit NY.

This morning saw our first snow of the new year. The sky filled with fat, fluffy snowflakes that reminded me of the quote “Snowmen fall from heaven…unassembled.”

As with most dog owners, I usually do not like walking Comang in bad weather. Even snow leaves his fur wet and dirty, filling the apartment with the ever-so-delightful wet dog smell for hours afterwards.

However, a part of me loves walking him in the snow.

Because as we near the end of the walk, his excitement at being outside dissipates and his joyful trots turn into slow, hesitant steps. His little paws and stout legs become downtrodden from the wet snow as coldness seeps in.

He stops.

I tug at his leash.

He refuses to budge. He lifts up one paw and gives me the most pathetic look you can imagine.

His eyes plead with me. “Mommy, will you carry me home?”

I gladly lift him up and carry him back.