Sorry you had such a rough time, and I'm glad you and the dogs are ok. As far as Syd the Sentra goes, I hope they can fix her up quickly for you!!!
I'm not sure about stopping either--although in a blizzard and a girl with dogs--maybe. I at least would have slowed down, and yelled out to you to see if things were ok, or used my cell to call the police or someone to help you out.