My dog Victor is attracting attention. More kids are pointing at my little black terrier than the bright shiny Christmas lights filling Wellington Park in downtown Simcoe, Ontario.

No wonder. Victor is dressed in his Christmas bowtie and red Kurgo Loft Jacket keeping him cute and cozy – both equally important when it comes to this strong-willed little devil of a terrier. (Red is his colour). He’s also wearing paw protectors.

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How to Protect Dog Paws in Winter

We’re out tonight braving the cold and trying various doggie paw protectors. I’ve rubbed protective wax – specifically 100% All Natural Invisible Boots for Pets – on Victor’s paws, but I’m suspecting most has worn off in the car on the way here. Wax is good for not-so-cold days when street salt is the primary concern. But tonight it’s cold enough for booties, which I still can’t find in the right size to stretch over his paddle-like paws. (Sorry, Muttluks, I really wanted you to fit).

So, we stick with the ‘invisible’ wax boots.

At least for a while, Victor happily prances along Crystal Lake, the small creek that runs through the park. He loves new smells, stopping at every tree or pole – yet beelines it over the creek bridge pushing past families. Good thing he’s cute.

The Simcoe Christmas Panorama River of Lights

We’re checking out the annual seasonal lights festival in the small town of Simcoe about 40-minutes from Hamilton, Ontario. It’s The Simcoe Christmas Panorama River of Lights, to be exact, and it extends across Colborne Street North along the rest of the river. But the park is most popular because that’s where visitors find vignettes like igloo-building penguins, skiing snowmen, scary jack-in-the-box, and train ready for photographs.

Also by the park is the hut selling apple cider and cinnamon apple donuts, which Victor didn’t want – good thing too because I later learned nutmeg is toxic to dogs and who knows if these homemade treats contain any? I have no choice but to eat them myself before we take our cold paws home.

Writer bio: Sherri Telenko has been a professional writer for decades and a travel writer for the last two. She’s a member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada) and Dog Writers Association of America and travels almost weekly with her canine companion, Victoria. Contact Sherri at dogtrotting.net here. All written content is original, written by a person, and based on experience and research. Please subscribe!