jake displays some trepidation

matt and i often take jake for walks on an aqueduct behind our house. the thing is totally flat (see it in the background behind the dog?) except for a very slight slope where the trail narrows to wrap around an old wellhouse. last week, what little snow we had had stayed put along this narrow slope and had crusted over and become quite slick. although the slope is no more than seven feet long and there were non-icy patches along the edges that i managed to navigate, jake refused to proceed.

now, every inch of land is covered with a coat of snow and ice. i was afraid that the dog would refuse to go outside and we'd have to set up a second litterbox in the house. fortunately, he fearlessly barreled up and down the driveway tonight, his back end spinning out or falling over every time he attempted to reverse direction.