Pepper’s Winter Wisdom

What my dog teaches me about seasonal health

Pepper has become my accidental winter health coach. Dogs have zero confusion about seasonal rhythms—they respond to their environment instinctively, with none of the cultural noise we pile on ourselves.

A few things I’ve learned from watching her:

1. Seek the light without overthinking it.

Pepper will literally reposition her entire body to catch a sunbeam that lasts 6 minutes. She doesn’t negotiate with herself or feel guilty about it. She moves toward warmth and light the moment her body says yes.

Humans override this instinct constantly.
I’m trying to follow her lead.

2. Rest deeply when it’s dark.

As soon as dusk hits, Pepper’s system downshifts. Her nervous system knows: darkness = recovery. When I match my own evening pacing to hers—dim lights, calmer activities—my sleep and mood always improve.

3. Play is metabolic medicine.

Even on cold days, she inserts little bursts of joyful movement into her routine. Those micro-bursts of activity regulate her appetite, her stress hormones, and her sleep. Humans benefit from the same pattern.

4. Routine is a form of care.

Pepper thrives on winter predictability: meals, walks - no matter the weather! warmth, sleep. The more consistent the rhythm, the calmer her whole system gets. My nervous system isn’t so different. Boy there is just no way I'd be out there all geared up like I am to walk the woods in any weather without my lil Pep. 

Pepper is my daily reminder that seasonal living isn’t a concept—it’s biology.