According to Google, Inuits have approximately 50 different words to describe snow. Although our vocabulary isn’t as extensive, dogs also have quite a few ways to describe snow too. For example, right now we are experiencing what my friend Sheba calls “Snakebite Snow.”
Snakebite Snow is icy crunchy snow that when stepped on the paw immediately goes crashing through leading to cuts. Another way to describe it is Broken Glass Snow, because that is the sound it makes when attempting to take a few steps to do one’s business in the morning. Just like snakes are my least favorite type of animal, Snakebite Snow is my least favorite type of snow.
Another form of snow that is equally annoying is Scooby Doo Snow. Remember those old Scooby Doo cartoons where he’d be running but not moving anywhere? Or how about when he and Shaggy would lose their balance and go spinning across the floor? That’s Scooby Doo Snow! Scooby Doo Snow is when old snow has been played on for a few days, melts then freezes, and takes on an icy solid sheen that makes it impossible to walk on never mind play. Sadly this snow is even more deceptive than Snakebite Snow because Scooby Doo Snow appears safe. However, all it takes is one excited pup to run out into the yard to discover it isn’t safe, and will quickly find himself spinning on his belly across the yard and into a fence. Not that I know this from experience, but Asa definitely does.
A third type is Solid Snow. Solid Snow is frozen but not slippery like Scooby Doo Snow. It is possible for a dog to walk on top of this type of snow. However, one misstep, and a paw can go crashing through, leading to a cut paw similar to Snakebite Snow. This Solid Snow is also annoying because one cannot make a proper snow angel in it, nor dig without getting injured nails. So really this snow serves no purpose, except for maybe making you feel a bit taller.
Abominable Snowball Snow is wet sticky snow that will transform a mild mannered Golden Retriever into a ginormous snowball. This snow usually occurs when it is slightly warmer out, and perfect weather for an adventure. However, do not be fooled! It will quickly clump onto fur slowing the pup down and making for a long walk home. It inevitably ends with spending time in the bathtub to melt it away under running lukewarm water.
Personally, my favorite type of snow is Fluffy Snow! Fluffy Snow is wispy snow that is fun to run through, easy to dig in, makes the perfect snow angel, and does not clump on the fur. The problem here is the temperature needs to be extremely cold to get this “dry” form of snow. Therefore, our time allowed to play in it is extremely limited, but ever so much fun!
These are just a few examples of the many words dogs bark to describe the different types of snow. I’d like to conclude this post with a direct plea to Mother Nature, please no more Snakebite Snow! We want Fluffy Snow!
