Getting our dogs to wear their winter boots often goes over about as smoothly as getting a child to eat their vegetables. It’s good for you! They look great! It doesn’t hurt! You’ll be fine! Even if they could understand the words, responses seem to vary between frustrated irritation and outright revulsion.
However, we have to admit…the resulting responses and canine acting out can sometimes out-cute the boots themselves. Here’s a look at our winterized pooches, reacting and revolting against their fabulous footwear, with some speculation as to just what they’re saying to us:
Walk the Line?
If I get pulled over in these boots, there’s no way I’m passing a sobriety test. Seriously officer, I only had two dog treats!
Bring It On
Go ahead, just TRY putting on the front two. I won’t be held responsible for what happens next.
SO Not Worth It
Give me all the treats you want. I’m not going outside in these abominations.
I’m Done
Seriously, just put me out of my misery. I can’t go on like this. It’s too much to bear.
These Boots Were Made For…
…nothing. So that’s just what I’ll do: nothing.
Joke’s Over
Seriously, we’ve all had our laughs, let’s get these things off now. Right? Hello? Guys?
Watch Out!
You want me in footwear prepared for harsh weather conditions? Well, then prepare to REAP THE WHIRLWIND!
These Aren’t Boots
These are clearly boxing gloves. How do I know that? Come closer and I’ll show you.
More Gear Than Dog
Seriously, this is not protection against the elements. It’s a deathtrap! If I can’t even move, I’ll freeze to death out there!
So Undignified
What will the other dogs think? My neighborhood reputation is shot.
High-Stepping
If I try really hard, maybe I can turn this into some sweet canine swagger. Watch out ladies, here I come!
The Boots Were Bad Enough
The glasses? Seriously, you’re pushing the boundaries here.
Fine, Let’s Get This Over With
It’s one small step for dog, one giant leap backward for canine-kind.
This Is My Kill Face
I’m a corgi, okay? I can’t help the perma-smile. Trust me, this is the opposite of happy. Someone’s about to die for this humiliation.
Hairy Houdini
Ladies and gentlemen, have no fears about these boots. I am a highly skilled escape artist! Start the clock, and…PRESTO! Front legs free, now the back…
When You Fall Asleep
I’m going to chew these up for starters. Then, I’m going to do things to YOUR boots you won’t likely forget.
You Promised
“With a little practice,” you said, ” it will get easier.” Do you actually know what “easier” means?
Look Into My Eyes
You’re getting sleeeeeeepy. You want to take the boots off…yes, that’s right…
Hind-rance
I’m protesting these back leg boots, understand? I am patently refusing to use any legs that have boots on them.
You Said I’d Feel Better If We Matched
You lied.
Get Your Boots In The Air!
Wave them like you just don’t care!
Bottled Up
These look like bottle caps. You’ve bottled up my paws: you won’t bottle up my roiling rage.
No Winter Inside
No sign of snow in here, the air is heated…this means the boots come off now, right? Pretty please? This is my cutest puppy face!
Screw It
I’m just going to put on a happy face and make them think I’m good with it. That will show them. Yeah.
Meanwhile, Back at the Sobriety Test…
I had water, officer. Water, do you hear me? That’s all! From a dog dish. Give me another chance…
It may look humiliating, but we know it’s for their dog’s own good. The fact that they live out a form of physical comedy is just adorably humorous frosting on a very caring cake. Break out the booties and give your four-legged friend some extra attention this winter. They may not thank you for it, but those precious paws will stay nice and toasty.
Top image via of Flickr CC/wonderlane