Do Not...! I Repeat, Do Not.....
By Sparks
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
Regina, Saskatchewan
January 25, 2009 4:16am CST
...get snow down the back of your ankle boots in -40C weather!
It will freeze your Achilles tendon and bring you to your knees!
I decided to take a short cut today and brave the knee high snows in my back yard.
Dumb move! I was slogging through the snow, getting it in my boots and up the legs of my jeans, head down, fighting the wind and thinking "Dumb move", or as our favorite Mr. Fish would ask...."Just how daft are you?" LOL
I was about 4 yards beyond the back of Spunky's dog run and lifting my right leg when my left foot cramped so badly in my Achilles tendon I actually screamed.
My first instinct was to get as close to the ground as possible so that I could get my hands around my foot/ankle and massage it. Well I'm not very big, and the snow was really deep and drifting. I folded up on myself as best I could, but in bringing down my right foot I put it through some left over mesh fencing that was lying under the snow. Well sh*t! Now what? My left foot was painfully immobile, and my right one was stuck fast. I wrapped my long fur coat around me as best I could and curled up in the snow desparately trying to free one foot and get the snow away from the other so I could rub it into some kind of lesser pain and movement. Meanwhile the wind had wipped my hat from my head and my wool gloves were wet and freezing to my fingers. So I screamed again, only this time in pure frustration. The wind was so strong, the sound of my frozen voice was lost and blown away.
I finally worked my right foot free, and struggled to my feet. By this time I really couldn't feel my left foot at all and in overcompensating for the lack while trying to move forward, I pulled a muscle in my left buttock and fell into the drifting snow again. When I got the snow out of my face I looked up to find Spunky frantically running back and forth along the back of her dog run. She was the only other living being outside in the weather besides my stupid self. I'd just put her out while I went on my errand so she could do what dogs do outside...
I told her to calm down, and resigned myself to spending the rest of the winter trapped in my own back yard. At least I wouldn't die of thirst with all that snow around! But Spunky wasn't having any of it. She knew I was in trouble and finally when she realized I wasn't going to get up (I was just resting, honest!) she took a running leap and cleared the gate to her run, which happens to be about 2 feet shorter than the fencing itself. She came running around the dog run to me and she seemed to just FLY over the snow. When she had satisfied herself that licking my face still made me giggle, she started pushing at my back with her head and forced me onto my feet again. Then she stood beside me and tossed her head, which she only does when she's ready to accept her lead. I grabbed her collar and she DRAGGED me through the snow to the side door of my house. I was in such pain I'm afraid I didn't help her much. She stopped every few feet to lick my face and assure herself I could still giggle........
I made it to the couch and Spunky has been at my side ever since. At the moment she is sleeping on my coat and I'm trying to figure out how to walk without using my butt muscles or my left foot.......
Have you seen my hat? I'm pretty sure it blew south.............
10 people like this
21 responses
@bellaofchaos (11538)
• United States
27 Jan 09
And this is why I call you every week to make sure some snow monster hasn't eaten you... I'm so sorry that you have had to go through that as I told you when I talked to you have some nice warm baths that will help the sore muscles ... Do you have a heating pad I would use that too if I were you. Well hun I'll do my check up tomorrow to make sure you're still alright. If I can't get ya I'll send the national guard for ya or the mounties well what ever you have in canada is going to come for ya. kk. Hugs and love and glad your alright.
4 people like this
@bellaofchaos (11538)
• United States
27 Jan 09
try some warm milk and a little bit of chocolate.
Am I that much of a mother LOL!!! I just worry about you !!!!!
4 people like this
@bellaofchaos (11538)
• United States
27 Jan 09
I know your in pain and I hope that the bath eased it a bit and that after your warm chocolate milk that you can get some sleep.. I'll call you in the after noon and check on you and make sure that you have eaten a bit of something for breakfast kk.
4 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
27 Jan 09
LOL. You've trained me well Mom. I have a pot of hot chocolate in front of me right now made with real milk and a melted dark Hershey chocolate bar! That'll put me in sleep mode shortly! LOL
4 people like this
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
26 Jan 09
Oh man, that snow is cold. I have done that and it sucks!
Good thing, you have spunky. By the way, I have your hat. I needed one- thanks!
4 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
27 Jan 09
If it doesn't cover your ears, I want it back please! But it sure is cute, isn't it? LOL
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
I live in hope! LOL Can't see him jumping any fences for me though! LOL
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
I talked to the hubs this morning and he was all pissy at the weather because he put is bare hand on his rig trailer (metal!) and it stuck! LOL He got it off without too much trouble, but he's not much pleased with this weather either and seems to think being 'drowned' in snow is just too funny for words....
3 people like this
@olivebranch56 (910)
• United States
25 Jan 09
Sparks! Thank God she could get to you, and help you to the door. It amazes me how dogs just instinctively know when we are in trouble and help if they can. Unlike a cat, a cat will use you as a scratching post when you are down, then from what I have read, if you die and nobody finds you for awhile and they get hungry, well you get the picture, Ms Spunk deserves a big bone tonight. She kept you from turning into a Sparkscycle. Warm up quickly and remember to carry your cell when you go out from now on, so you will always have a way to get help if needed. Hugs Marilyn
4 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
You know, I almost left her in the house when I went out. I'm so glad now I didn't! She wouldn't have been able to see me if she'd been inside as the windows are all too high at the back of the house. I've not been able to move much all day and she's been right here beside me the whole time. As for carrying a cell phone....the hubs has it at work and he won't be home until the end of the month. As you know most of the people in my tiny town are seniors and a great number of them left last Thursday for a group trip to Las Vegas. I would really have been in big trouble if Spunky hadn't been outside. The cold was incredible and the wind was so bad the hairs in my nose froze in seconds of being outside! lol
3 people like this
@novataylor (6570)
• United States
25 Jan 09
Nope, ain't seen your hat anywhere, poor darlin. And your dog sounds like some kind of Rintintin or something!! What a hero! Just how big is she anyway? And you, poor baby, all racked up like that. My medical advice would be to alternate between ice and heat, every 15 minutes. 15 minutes heat, 15 minutes off, then 15 minutes ice. (sorry, I know you can figure that out, but well, um, oh never mind) And if you've got any pain pills or tranquilizers on hand, pop a few of them, sit back, relax, and let the world go by for a day or two. Hey, it might just give you fodder for another story! "My world and welcome to it" or somethin like that. nyuk, nyuk.
Still working on the earrings. But I have to admit, I've taken today off. I'm not doing a thing except watching movies. Ahhhh, what a life. Ok, what a day. But you'll get yours, sweet friend, to be sure.
Ok, now what am I going to see? Maybe Deception? My, my, so many choices! xx
3 people like this
@cynicalandoutspoken (4725)
• United States
25 Jan 09
Still mothering all of mylot I see. Just popping in to say hi momma :)
3 people like this
@novataylor (6570)
• United States
25 Jan 09
Cynical, I hadn't thought of it that way, but yes, I suppose I am. Seems to come nturally, oh daughter-of-mine. Like mother, like daughter. I miss ya, kiddo. Oh, and mama loves you. xxx
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
NOVA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sooooooo good to see you!
I will take your advice. It may be the only way my butt will unclench enough to get me off my hands and knees! LOL
There are pics of my girl Spunky on my profile by the way.......and she's older and bigger now! She's my hero. Don't really know what I'd have done without her.
Cyn! Nice to see you too! What? No mothering advice from YOU? Bummer.
2 people like this
@jerzgirl (9291)
• United States
26 Jan 09
Do you remember that discussion we had a while back about you finding me a place to live and me moving up your way? Um....let's pretend I never asked, OK?
OMFG!!! Are you daft??? (OK, so I had to do it.) If I hadn't had the stupid estate sale to deal with, I'd have said a lot more a lot sooner, but OMG, girl!!! There's a reason scouting programs encourage the "buddy" system of doing anything where any kind of risk is involved. You were so so so very lucky YOUR "buddy" had the wherewithal and desire to push himself to come help you. Not to mention the ability to do so after he got there.
I've done something to my ankle simply by walking around over the weekend and can't even put my weight on it - it is swollen so big, it looks like I have a growth on the side. Making it to the bathroom under the circumstances is more luck than skill, but I am not in a life threatening environment, either. If I don't get there in time, I'll simply have an embarrassing mess, not a body for someone to find and haul away.
Please don't ever go out into those kinds of elements again without anyone's knowledge or without someone right with you. Although we loving reading about your harrowing experiences because you tell a great story, this is a story you might not have lived to tell!! Next time, PLEASE - TAKE A BUDDY!!
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
27 Jan 09
Yes Mom. Spunky sticks to me like glue now. The next time I venture outside in this weather, I'll be sure to take her with me.
By the way, there's a cute little house for sale, two towns over and across about 8 feet of snow.....shall I make an appointment for you? ROFL
3 people like this
@cynicalandoutspoken (4725)
• United States
25 Jan 09
Do not, I repeat do NOT take your 2 year old out to build a snow man in snow that it above her knees.
While it wasn't as interesting as your story (and lucky you for having such a faithful dog) it was still funny.
I imagine you looked something like the picture below only without a hat and just a tab bit older.:)
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
LOL, yep. Pretty much! The funny thing is, Spunky hates deep snow. Won't go near it if she can avoid it most of the time. But when she saw I was in trouble, she was over her gate and on me like a shot. She dug the snow out from around me and laboriously dragged through snow that was nearly level with the top of her back. I was so impressed! There's no substitute for a dog as a best friend! ROFL
2 people like this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
25 Jan 09
Oh, THAT'S what that was! It flew by here not too long ago!
Wow, sparks! You have what I must say is one of THE best dogs around!!! It's very true about animals having better instincts than we do and Spunky proved that!
Some people call dogs 'dumb' creatures who don't think. I've always begged to differ! This story of yours proves that dogs not only are very instinctive, but also think things out! She knew what you needed and made sure you got it!
Wow! I mean, Wow! You hear of stories like this all the time, but I've never actually heard one first-hand!!! I'm floored!!! Wow! What a GREAT dog you have!!!
I'm so sorry to hear about what happened to you that brought all this on, though. I know all about the snow down the back of the boot thing... it's happened to me, plenty, just not in -40C weather! The human body is... what... 98.6F? Seems a bit incompatible, if you ask me!
I don't set foot outside when our temperature gets down to +10F or less! Well, as a kid, I would, but not now! Of course, that's what I'm used to. I could NEVER get used to the temps you guys get up there!
As for walking without using butt muscles, the only thing I can suggest is that you learn to walk on your hands for awhile. Maybe somebody should make something for us adults that looks like those baby 'walkers', metal frame with cloth 'seat' just low enough to get around on our toes. Of course, that might not even work for you since you can't use your left foot... you'd just be going around in circles!
So, I guess you'd better learn how to walk on your hands... real fast!
P.S. I'm VERY glad to hear that you got out of that situation safely and with all 10 toes AND fingers! Try waterproof gloves next time! They work!!! If you need any other 'stay warm' tips, just ask me. I'm a 'cold weenie', as you know.
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
I've never doubted dogs are smarter than most people I know. Spunky especially. She's certainly smarter than me!! LOL She's the best. She was the ugliest puppy, and I mean ugly! But she grew into one of the most beautiful dogs, both in looks and temperament, and I'm blessed to have her. She was always MY dog too, unless my oldest son was around. Then she was just a sl*t! LOL
I was only out in that cold because I have a neighbour I and others check on every day. She's very old and infirm and needs to be looked in on at least twice a day. Most of the town is off on their annual winter Las Vegas jaunt right now though. I phoned her after I got back in the house and warmed up a bit and then I called her son who lives two towns over to do the checking for the next fews days until I can walk properly again. And I have a cane by the way that belonged to my hubs father, but for now I'm getting around on hands and knees.................and pulling myself to my feet for COFFEE because I can't live without coffee! I can live without food, but not coffee!! lol
2 people like this
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
25 Jan 09
And you told me I needed to come to Canada!! No, thanks, I love my weather that only gives us mess like that once in a 'blue moon'. And then, I have sense enough to stay in the house. I will look for your hat when it warms up enough out here for me to get out my door. I'm cold natured and I can't very well go out and chance getting sick just to find the hat that shouldn't be here in the first place. It's owner is certainly a 'little daft' for putting it on and subjecting it to being blown off in the first place. And, if I find it, you'll have to send me postage to mail it back to you. Oh, wonder if I could use email? 
I will look for your hat when it warms up enough out here for me to get out my door. I'm cold natured and I can't very well go out and chance getting sick just to find the hat that shouldn't be here in the first place. It's owner is certainly a 'little daft' for putting it on and subjecting it to being blown off in the first place. And, if I find it, you'll have to send me postage to mail it back to you. Oh, wonder if I could use email? @sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
LOL Barb, this is unsual weather for Canada! Honest it is! Haven't seen a winter like this for some years now, really!
And yes, you can email my hat if you find it........
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
May is usually a really lovely month here. The Spring planting is finished but sweaters are still must at times! LOL But then it all gets spoiled when it snows in June..................lol
2 people like this
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
25 Jan 09
I figured your weather was like the northern weather here in the US. We lived in Peru, Indiana for a year and it was VERY cold in the winter. I remember going out to the park to barbecue on Memorial Day in MAY and almost froze. But we weren't the only ones doing it. They had a shed with lots of barbecue pits that you could use. But we didn't realize we were going to freeze trying to cook our meat. We did it because my husband's sister and her husband came up to visit us for a few days. Could not stand that now.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
I'm hibernating today, that's for sure. Even have the livingroom drapes closed, and I NEVER close the drapes in here............
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
I just checked....
I'm not a bear, ....... well not after my first coffe anyway! LOL
2 people like this
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
25 Jan 09
Hi sparky,
I love your avatar by the way. You poor thing, are you alright now? I wouldn't venture out if we have snow like that here gosh! all we get is rain and more rain, but hey Spunkey saved you, what a clever dog you have, he saw you were in danger how sweet of him to come to your rescue, you just get some rest as Spunkey is at the moment. Love and hugs.
Tamara
xxxxx
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
Spunky is my best friend these days Tamara. Ever since my hubs went off to work in the south of the province, Spunky has stayed quite close to me. I woke up this morning lying on my coat on the floor next to Spunky and when I tried to move, she put her front leg over me, licked me behind the ear and we went back to sleep for awhile. She's nearly as long as I am lying down and a heck of a lot stronger too! LOL
3 people like this
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
25 Jan 09
Spunky is a good dog. She obviously knew you were in need of help and she decided to save you.
Dogs are smart and will help save their pack leader when needed. Obviously she wasn't going to let you die out there in the snow. Give Spunky a nice chew toy for me. She deserves it.
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
Does that mean I'm the leader of Spunky's pack? COOL! I'll be sure to tell her that when I give her treats. lol
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
27 Jan 09
I might have a bit of a problem convincing Spunky of that. LOL She's been so SMUG lately! ROFL
2 people like this
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
26 Jan 09
The human is always supposed to be the alpha.
3 people like this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
26 Jan 09
Hey Sparky~ I am just so glad tht Spunky was there for you!
What a good doggie! I don't know what you were thinking! That
was some ordeal that you went through and it could have been
alot worse if your doggie hadn't have forced you to get back
inside the house! You have to stop trying to brave that
incredible snow that you have there! It is just too much for
anyone! Even strong men have been known to drop from taking
on those amounts of snow! I remember getting stuck in snow
that deep a few years ago when I stupidly tried to get to
the store! I thought I was never going to make it! The snow
was way too deep to walk and it was blowing and freezing and
I didn't have a dog! I learned my lesson after that. I refuse
to go out alone if the snow is overpowering or if there is
ice! I will wait until someone is "going my way" or until
Spring!
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
27 Jan 09
I learned my lesson too Opal. I'll take the long way around now and forget about shortcuts that aren't really shorts after all. lol
2 people like this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
25 Jan 09
What color is that hat, Sparky? I just got up, and looked out my back window. There is something caught on the fence. I think it may be some kind of hat. But, tell me what it looks like, cause it's COLD out there and I don't want to go out there if it's not yours!
3 people like this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
25 Jan 09
Oh, yeah. How's the leg and butt, now? Better I hope?
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
It's a black velvet train engineer's styled hat that came right over my ears and had a lovely little peak on the front. So stylish! lol
My foot only has a dull ache this morning, but my butt refuses to let me get off my knees........stupid butt!
3 people like this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
25 Jan 09
Daeum, that's some butt you got there, Sparky! What I wouldn't give to have a butt that could wrestle me to the ground and keep me there!*L*
Sorry, that's really not funny, I know. Been there many times.
That wasn't your hat on the fence, it was a squirrel that had evidently decided do himself in. Sorry.
3 people like this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
26 Jan 09
Sorry to hear about your misadventure, and hope you end up being OK. This does not sound like too much Fun what you had to go thru, and hope you are able to move in the morning. There are a lot of areas being hit BIG time with SNOW and COLD this yr, and I am sure everyone is ready for Spring as well.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
27 Jan 09
I think when Spring rolls around I'm going to have the hubs raise the backyard and put it on a slant so the snow slides off next winter! LOL
2 people like this
@royal52gens (5488)
• United States
31 Jan 09
Sparks, I found your hat!!! No, you can not have it back. It fits me quite well and it looks real good on me. hahahahaha You are never getting this hat back.
Go Spunky!!! You did good. (clapping hands)
It is amazing what some dogs will do for people. Maybe you should stay in the house for the rest of the winter so Spunky does not have to save you many more times. LOL
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
31 Jan 09
LOL, so many people have my hat, I've resigned myself to never seeing it again.*pout*
Spunkers is my hero. Every time I go outside now,(I just can't stay confined!) she sticks to me like glue. I don't even have to tie her up outside the local store anymore either. She just sits and waits patiently for me to come out.
1 person likes this
@xXxMikesWifeyxXx (3072)
• United States
25 Jan 09
LMAO.. I couldnt tell if i was reading somthing you just randomly were telling us baout or if you were actually writing a book and this was a story withen the book!.lol
I had to look at other peoples comments to tell. it was that well written LMAO..
WoW! that sounds like a really rough time. thanks goondess you have a wonderful and smart dog. you would STILL possibly be out there in your backyard:(...
You should sit on a heating pad,also try sleeping on it as well.should help some of the soreness...musscle relaxers if you have any... glad your in the house and not in the snow.
get better:)
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
All my 'stories' are based on fact, and some of them really are better in the telling than the doing! LOL And yes, Spunky is smart, although right now, she won't let me have my coat back! Dumb dog. LOL I'm feeling better this morning....if I don't move that is. I'll be fine in a few days. I've pulled this muscle before. I just hope it doesn't become a habit....
2 people like this
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
25 Jan 09
Well, I'm not really South of you, but East, so no, I haven't seen your hat.
YAY! Spunky saved the day! What a great companion and lifesaver! I'm in AWE! You should equip her with a mini-keg of port or brandy around her neck for the next time. lol.
As for the pulled muscle, I use Robaxacet 'cause it has a muscle relaxer. But it looks like you may have to teach Spunky how to cook and make coffee for now.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
ROFL.....teach Spunky to cook! Too funny. But I'm sure she'll share her dog food with me. As for coffee, yes she'll definitely have to learn how to make that! LOL
I've taken nearly a whole bottle of Tylenol Arthritis during the course of the last 24 hours as that's all I have in the house, but I'm feeling better this morning and can navigate on my hands and knees without too much trouble. LOL
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
27 Jan 09
Trust me I needed the pills..........am out of the 'good' stuff. And woof, woof, back at ya! LOL
2 people like this
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
25 Jan 09
A whole bottle! Egads, woman, that's too much. You should only have taken 8 at the most, 2 every 6 hrs. Geez, just smoke a doobie instead, never mind the blasted pills.
On your hands and knees, eh?*Snickers* Sorry, but WOOF, WOOF!
You take it easy. ok?
XXXXX
2 people like this
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
25 Jan 09
How do you do that? Sorry for your ordeal, but you always manage to turn it into a great story. Glad you let Spunky out before you left. I haven't seen you hat, it hasn't come this far south. . .yet, but I'll keep a look out. Walking without your butt muscle is gonna require an "assistance device" aka a cane or walker, unless Spunky can support your weight.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
I have a cane my father in law gave me, so that's all good though it will be a few days before I can use it while standing upright. But about 4am I had to crawl on my hands and knees to the bathroom and Spunky helped me a lot when I needed to use her to get on the throne. She kept her head pushed against my chest too so I wouldn't fall forward off the toilet. I swear, if I had to, she'd let me drape myself over her back like a body over a horse and trot me around to wherever I needed to go. She's quite large and strong and loves me.......I'm very lucky.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jan 09
Oh have a good laugh savy. It really is quite funny in hindsight. lol
2 people like this
