How Bonnie the Listening Dog Survives the Colorado Winter: A Q&A with our Sponsored Reading Team

A winter storm recently blanketed the Colorado mountains where Bonnie, our sponsored reading dog, lives. We checked in with her dog-mom Sierra to see how they are holding up when the winter weather keeps them indoors.

Grandma Lucy’s: We heard about the heavy snows in your area recently. How do you help Bonnie stay warm and healthy through the winter months?

Sierra: “Bonnie stays happy and healthy during the winter months by exploring local community sniff spots and embarking on her favorite mountainous winter hikes. With nearly 78 miles covered in February alone between daily walks and weekend adventures, we're setting our sights on reaching 100 miles in March! To keep Bonnie fueled for all her cold-weather activities, we adjust her 3 Bears food intake to meet her extra energy needs.

When the weather keeps us indoors, Bonnie stays mentally stimulated with enrichment activities like natural puzzles, chews, stuffed and frozen tracheas, and her beloved snoop balls. Whether out on the trail or enjoying indoor play, Bonnie's active lifestyle helps her stay ready to be a supportive canine reading buddy for children in our community.”

Optimal nutrition to support dogs during winter months

Grandma Lucy’s: It sounds like Bonnie has plenty to keep her occupied and active! You mentioned that you adjust her food intake in the winter. Can you give us more detail about that?

Sierra: “We make sure that Bonnie maintains a well-rounded diet to support her active lifestyle as a therapy dog. Along with Grandma Lucy’s 3 Bears as her main meal (she loves the beef and chicken recipes), she enjoys a mix of nutrient-rich meats like bison and turkey, served raw, cooked, or freeze-dried. To enhance her meals, she gets a daily boost from Grandma Lucy’s Pumpkin Pouches, which help meet her nutritional needs and contribute to her overall well-being.

As a Great Pyrenees, Bonnie’s thick coat naturally regulates her body temperature in Colorado’s harsh winters, but we also supplement her diet with salmon oil to keep her skin and coat healthy year-round. With the right balance of exercise and nutrition, Bonnie stays strong and energized to continue her important work in the canine literacy program, helping children build confidence while learning to read.”

Natural care to protect dog paws and noses when the weather is cold

Grandma Lucy’s: It sounds like Bonnie is really thriving in Colorado! Is there anything else you do to help her be comfortable in cold weather?

Sierra: “Caring for Bonnie’s health goes beyond just nutrition and exercise—it’s also about keeping her comfortable and protected during Colorado’s tough winter conditions. When icy sidewalks and road salt pose a risk to her paws, we use DandyLion Foaming Paw Cleaner, a vet-recommended, plant-powered product from a woman-owned company, to keep them clean and irritation-free.

The high elevation and dry air can also lead to cracked paws and a chapped nose, so we rely on Natural Dog Company’s Skin Soother Balm to keep her skin moisturized and protected. We’re passionate about using natural and safe products for Bonnie, which is why Grandma Lucy’s remains a staple in her routine. With the right care and attention, Bonnie stays happy, healthy, and ready to bring joy to children through therapy dogs in the classroom programs.”

Bonnie’s reading therapy update: reading dogs and toddlers

Grandma Lucy’s: Thank you for those great recommendations! We know with the weather it must be tough to travel to reading events. Does Bonnie have any opportunities to provide therapy when traveling restricted?

Sierra: “One of Bonnie’s favorite reading buddies is 18-month-old Jude, my neighbor’s son. He is a curious and adventurous little boy whose family prioritizes early literacy in his development.

Reading with a dog at this age not only nurtures his emerging language skills but also creates a positive connection with books, making storytime an exciting and engaging experience. As a reading education assistance dog, Bonnie helps Jude build essential early literacy skills like vocabulary expansion and sound recognition, all while growing his confidence around animals—especially larger dogs like her. With every shared story, Bonnie plays a small but meaningful role in fostering a love of reading that will benefit Jude for years to come.”

Grandma Lucy’s: That’s wonderful! Are there any upcoming reading therapy events with Bonnie?

Sierra: “Yes! I am excited to share that our next Books with Bonnie event is scheduled for Friday, March 29th at Petrie’s Family Games in Colorado Springs. It is a free children's literacy event for early readers through 3rd grade. The kids are encouraged to bring their teddy bears and visit the Teddy Bear Wellness Clinic as well, and there will be crafts as well, so it will be a fun day! The first 20 kids also get to adopt a free stuffy puppy!”