Well, today was the day, but sorry folks, no pics. I only had my phone with me and I was in danger of losing it in the drink...ie., the swimming hole. My water-shy dog has somehow come around to be a water hound. I was dragged, slipping and sliding on the wet grass down a slight embankment to the first stream that we came to on the beautiful Plunkett Estate here in London. It's a dog's paradise with 4...maybe 5 ponds and streams, waterfalls between them, complete with stone bridges and little wood step overs throughout. One pond was being used for the diving dog challenge. Bailey won't dive, so....I stood to the side, but she was determined to get in the water and paddle around...getting in the way of the official photographer. Yup I had to dig in my heels and drag her away.
It must be Kaleb's influence, the Border Collie (boyfriend) that she plays with and takes to these events. He's right there with her diving into and laying down in every stream and every pond on the place. And she's there splashing and digging in the mud, simply glorying in the moment.
Memo to self: Memo to self: Next Year Remember To Bring The Towels!
Lisa and I finally gave in and took them to the off-leash pond at the back of the property...it's fenced and you give a small donation to help out the cause...and in they raced, and splash went 200 lbs of dog. For an hour they splashed and chased and cooled off (by the way, not too hot, just 23C/73.4F) and, like all children, they didn't want to leave. Now, neither of them were really swimming...deep wading with lots of spray would be more accurate, but they were in their glory.
Is there anything better than seeing your beloved dog riding high on the sheer pleasure of a day given to canine pursuits? NO! And is there anything sadder than a Mastiff who pouts all the way home...and glares at you all evening because you dragged her away from her friends. Apparently, according to dog, I am both a very good and very bad Mommy. 40 lashes with a wet dog! Oh, so that's what that smell is...off to the showers for me.
It must be Kaleb's influence, the Border Collie (boyfriend) that she plays with and takes to these events. He's right there with her diving into and laying down in every stream and every pond on the place. And she's there splashing and digging in the mud, simply glorying in the moment.
Memo to self: Memo to self: Next Year Remember To Bring The Towels!
Lisa and I finally gave in and took them to the off-leash pond at the back of the property...it's fenced and you give a small donation to help out the cause...and in they raced, and splash went 200 lbs of dog. For an hour they splashed and chased and cooled off (by the way, not too hot, just 23C/73.4F) and, like all children, they didn't want to leave. Now, neither of them were really swimming...deep wading with lots of spray would be more accurate, but they were in their glory.
Is there anything better than seeing your beloved dog riding high on the sheer pleasure of a day given to canine pursuits? NO! And is there anything sadder than a Mastiff who pouts all the way home...and glares at you all evening because you dragged her away from her friends. Apparently, according to dog, I am both a very good and very bad Mommy. 40 lashes with a wet dog! Oh, so that's what that smell is...off to the showers for me.
