Ottawa·TRAFFIC

It's slippery again, but dogs can help

It's slippery again after a few days of melt. If it wasn't for the dog, I'd be injured right now.

Streets and sidewalks are treacherous this morning

Watch out for icy sidewalks this morning. (Nathalie Sturgeon/CBC)

Good morning commuters!

If it wasn't for the dog, I'd be injured right now.

For skunk-related reasons, I keep Benny leashed when I take him for his 4 a.m. pee now.

We got down to the bottom of the driveway and there was some unseen, fresh clear ice.

As I slipped backward, it freaked the tethered, sleepy Labradoodle out and he bolted forward — effectively countering my backward slip.

I'm sure it wasn't graceful, but it was effective.

Short version — it's not wet out there anymore. It's slippery. All that melt effluent is dangerous.

Bring a dog everywhere with you today. Tell work I said it's OK.

Have a great day.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Doug Hempstead

CBC Ottawa's traffic specialist

Doug Hempstead is CBC Ottawa's traffic specialist and can be heard on CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning and All In A Day. Originally from the Ottawa Valley, Doug is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience in the region covering all types of news. You can reach him when he's on air at 613-288-6900. Tweet him at @cbcotttraffic or @DougHempstead. His e-mail is doug.hempstead@cbc.ca.