Frolicking Franklin

When I stepped outside that morning, the world was white. All of it. The ground, the trees, the air! It was like someone had covered everything in the softest blanket I’d ever seen. I didn’t hesitate. I ran! My legs are short, but they work just fine, especially when there’s snow to kick up. Every step sent little clouds flying, and I barked just because it felt right to bark. The cold tickled my nose, and my ears flapped as I bounded through the drifts. I could hear my own yips echoing back at me, like the snow was answering.

Behind me, I heard the steady crunch of big paws. That was Augustus. He’s my brother: huge, slow, and very serious about where he puts his feet. The snow didn’t bother him at all. He followed me like he always does, making deep paw prints and keeping watch, just in case the snow got any ideas.

Mom stood nearby, wrapped up in her coat, laughing as she watched us. When she called my name, I turned so fast I almost tipped over. I love when she plays with me. My tail wagged so hard my whole body wiggled.

“Catch me if you can!” she said.

Oh, I could try.

She took off, and I froze for half a second; just long enough to be sure this was a game, then I ran after her as fast as my little legs would go. Snow flew everywhere. I followed her tracks, nose down, heart racing, ears full of cold air and excitement. Augustus barked once and joined in, his long legs eating up the ground behind us. He wasn’t fast, but he was determined. That’s his thing.

We ran and ran until my legs started to feel heavy and the snow felt deeper than before. Finally, I flopped straight into a snowbank and let out a big sigh. The cold pressed against my belly, and it felt nice after all that running. Mom knelt down and brushed the snow off my ears. I stayed very still so she could do it properly.

“You did good, little one,” she said.

I think I did too.

Augustus plopped down beside us, making the snow sink under his weight. Mom leaned over and kissed his nose, and he sighed like that was exactly what he needed. We stayed there for a while, just watching the snow fall. I scooted closer to them, pressing my side against theirs. Everything was quiet and safe and perfect.

I don’t know much about snowstorms or winter mornings, but I know this: as long as we’re together, I’m happy. And every snowy day is an adventure waiting for me to run straight into it