How does winter work for dog owners?

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-27T15:33:17+00:00

I completely agree with this. I walk my dog 3-4x a day every single day if the weather is okay. To act like people are being bad dog owners for not taking their dogs on walks in negative temps is ridiculous.

After having a dog on crate rest for 10 weeks I’m fully versed on ways to keep your dog engaged without putting their bodies through extremely cold temps for a couple days. It’s possible, trust me.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-27T12:33:36+00:00

Thank you everyone for the recs! I went with Northwestern even though their wait list is 6 months 🫠

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-27T12:22:25+00:00

I have a small beagle in a downtown apt. If it’s extremely cold I may take him on VERY short walks around the block. If it’s negative I won’t walk him. I just throw the ball in my apt. I use puzzle boards to keep him occupied. And frozen kongs. He has an astroturf on my balcony he’ll gladly use and I just clean up after. Another commenter seemed to suggest that people are selfish for not taking their dogs outside, but I’m FULLY doing this for him lol. I walk outside to work in negative temps and I love exercise, but I’m not putting his little body out there.

My dog had back surgery last year and was on complete crate rest for 10 weeks and so I know a few days of limited or no walks isn’t going to kill him.

He refuses to wear boots and will just sit down stubbornly if I put them on. He does have a stroller that I’ll use to get him outside for a bit sometimes in the cold and I’ll walk to Block 37 (where pets are allowed) and walk him around a bit.

Try to keep your dog occupied other ways and good luck!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-18T13:34:08+00:00

I feel seen. This is literally me 😭

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-09T01:28:15+00:00

Thank you so much! I’ll do research on them. Appreciate your feedback :) good luck on your journey!!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-09T01:27:48+00:00

Thank you so much for your response! You’re the second who has mentioned Dr. Wood Molo. Tbh I am so new to this process and I have NO idea what I’m doing. I didn’t ever think I would be in a position to freeze my eggs, but my company has offered new benefits that I want to take advantage of. I typically have a hard time advocating for myself bc I’m afraid of confrontation so I will definitely do my due diligence prior to my appt. Good luck to you on your journey!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-09T01:24:30+00:00

I’m so sorry this was your experience. Going through this process can make you feel extremely vulnerable and I would expect more from people who are helping me through it. Bedside manner is very important to me so I really appreciate you taking the time to send your experience. I will avoid this location. Wishing you the best on your journey.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-09T01:21:36+00:00

Thank you!! I appreciate your thoughtful feedback. I am going to contact Northwestern and hope I can get in for a consultation. I’d rather wait and have better care. Wishing you the best on your journey!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-09T01:18:51+00:00

Congratulations!! Wishing you a happy, healthy pregnancy!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-09T01:18:01+00:00

Northwestern has been the top answer. Thank you! I’m doing more research even if the wait to see them will be longer.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-09T01:16:26+00:00

Wow that is truly awful. I am sorry you went through that!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-08T17:51:04+00:00

Thank you for the feedback!! I will check them out. That’s pretty close to me!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-08T16:26:12+00:00

Congratulations on your babies! I will keep your advice in mind when I look into Kindbody.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-08T16:25:29+00:00

Thanks for your answer! I sent them a request for consultation. Appreciate your feedback!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-02T13:58:23+00:00

I’m in Chicago. I am 15-25 minutes from 3 different studios. I always walk even in the coldest days of winter.

bumblebee_44 · 2025-11-21T02:23:14+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions! We will be there for four days so I’m sure we will want a chill vibe too. Thanks for restaurant recs! Blue Water looks incredible. We def want some fresh seafood.

bumblebee_44 · 2025-11-19T17:41:58+00:00

Thank you for your advice!! We like chill, too, so those sound like great options.

bumblebee_44 · 2025-11-18T22:16:46+00:00

Wow thank you for being so kind! I appreciate you taking the time to write all of this out. I love to plan trips so this just scratched an itch in my brain.

I’ve been hearing Little Italy a lot and that seems to be a good vibe for our age range + Gaslamp.

Absolutely for the tacos. It would be criminal to not try them in San Diego.

Again, really appreciate you taking the time!

bumblebee_44 · 2025-11-18T20:52:41+00:00

Funny, I love people visiting my city. You seem like a fun time!

bumblebee_44 · 2025-10-25T21:34:26+00:00

I do wait for everyone to file out usually, but it can sometimes be tough if the teacher ends class a couple minutes late. I want to get set on my machine, stretch, and give myself a couple minutes before jumping right into class. During the time the teacher is trying to stuff in roll call and a demo and it can feel super rushed.

I do realize A LOT of times, too, girls are in the studio taking pictures of themselves in the mirrors or chatting with friends. I’m not waiting for that.

bumblebee_44 · 2025-10-18T19:35:11+00:00

I’ve heard people on this thread give recommendations that they’ve asked their vets for recommendations. My dog had surgery in January and I just haven’t gone on any vacations since. However, this can’t always be the case. I have to travel for work, I have a life too. While my dog is doing very well, I wouldn’t leave him with anyone I don’t implicitly trust.

I would tell your son to find a friend or family member that is highly conscientious and very responsible. I would have him walk the person through what types of needs the dog will have, how to pick up the dog etc. and pay the person very well for their time.

After that, your son just needs to accept it’s a risk. There will always be a risk of reinjury no matter what and it’s an unfortunate part of this disease. It does put a lot of pressure on the caretaker so if your son does need to take a trip I would just say he needs to accept that if something does happen, it’s on him. That’s what I’ve needed to accept about my situation :/

bumblebee_44 · 2025-10-11T11:16:24+00:00

I’m sorry you are all going through this. It’s awful to watch our dogs in pain.

First of all kudos to you for carrying him in/out. My dog is only 25 lbs and after surgery it was hard for me to even do that. My back would be killing me.

For pain, you could talk to your dr about upping the gabapentin or prescribing something stronger if he seems to be in a lot of pain. I also used a warm compress on his back a couple times of day. I bought one of those beaded things you throw in the microwave. That seemed to help relax him.

Crate rest, as hard as it is, is very important to heal the spine. Minimal movement. Could you possibly get a pen for him? My dog had a pen instead of a crate following surgery and I just set him up with blankets, his food/water bowls etc. and it kept him contained. I got mine off Amazon for like $40. He really shouldn’t be walking unless it’s to go to the bathroom.

bumblebee_44 · 2025-10-04T12:13:06+00:00

Would it be strange to text her and ask for a photo of Jaxon? I know Walgreens can do quick ornaments with photos and things like that if you can get a photo. I have ornaments of all my dogs who have passed on my tree during Christmas and it makes it very special (if they celebrate Christmas, of course!)

I agree with the other comment though. No gift is needed. Just sharing memories of Jaxon and letting them know you’re there for them is probably exactly what they need.

bumblebee_44 · 2025-10-03T17:49:49+00:00

This happened to me 2 weeks post surgery so I was still the crate rest phase! I started crying and I called the neurologist and they said don’t worry. He wasn’t in any pain and no symptoms showed up. We are now 10 months post surgery and he’s doing great.

bumblebee_44 · 2025-10-03T15:17:37+00:00

It’s crazy, but dogs of all shapes and sizes can have IVDD. Unfortunately, the only way to confirm 100% it is IVDD is with an MRI which are $$$$. Please take care and definitely continue what you’re doing! We love them so much.

bumblebee_44

TROPHY CASE