It started with a shovel. Not the most exciting way to begin a story, I know, but stick with me. Monday’s snowfall was the first real taste of winter, and while it looked stunning, it was also the kind that made the roads a little too slick for my liking. So there I was, bundled up and tackling my driveway, when fate (and a little serendipity) brought Kane into my life.

Kane—what a name, right? Turns out, his sibling was named Sugar (how sweet is that?), and his owner, Kayden, thought they should be named something, well, sugary. Kane is a rescue from PB & Chi Dog Rescue, and let me tell you, he’s got that special charm that only rescue pups seem to carry—equal parts soulful and spunky.

By Wednesday, we were both itching to get out and enjoy the snow, so we made a plan. There’s a small, fenced-in dog area just around the corner from both of us—perfect for a safe, off-leash romp. You see, Kane is what we call “dog selective,” meaning he’s got opinions about who he wants to be friends with (totally fair, honestly). Kayden is always mindful of his interactions, and this little snowy enclosure gave us the ideal spot to play, explore, and, of course, test out my new wide-angle lens!