Sailor's Delight

My grandmother had lots of little rhymes she taught me. One was 'Red sky at night, sailor's delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning'. When my puppies were expected, I spent a lot of time thinking up names. Being Portuguese Water Dogs, I wanted something to do with the sea or Portugal. Sky's name is Legacy's Red Sky At Night.

We had planned to take Morgan and Tess (Legacy's Let Me Count The Ways, from the Sonnets of The Portuguese) to the lake this morning. Tess loves the water and this would be her first chance to really swim. Plans are subject to change. When we awoke there was a thunder storm going on. We called J and she said it was cloudy, but not storming at the lake. We decided to go for a visit, but thought we probably wouldn't be able to go out on the water. Instead of Tess who is very excitable and might not settle down nicely in a strange house, we took Sky who is laid back and comfortable where ever we are.

When we arrived the sky didn't look friendly, but it cleared up, became sunny and hot and we hit the water. Grace really hit the water. She has taken up dock diving. She waits, quivering, while J throws a toy into the water, races to the end of the dock and launches herself into the air.


My poor slow camera couldn't keep up with her so all it recorded was the splash. I should have taken the video camera, but then I couldn't share these pictures with you.


Splash had to join Gracie in the water. You can't keep a good water dog dry.


Morgan is a seasoned sailor now. She can even jump into the boat by herself.


Sky got aboard without any sign of fear. He's a great rider in the car and the boat was fine with him. He and Grace haven't seen each other in almost a year, but they seemed to recognize each other. He and Splash got along well, too.




I really like this picture of Grace


Sky relaxed and seemed to enjoy the ride.


Grace kept her eyes on the destination.


Sky has never been as fond of water as his sisters and parents, but he went in with no coaxing. He was fascinated by Splash and Grace diving off the boat and swimming way out, but he was afraid to get too far out.


He was happy as long as his feet were touching the bottom. He really wanted to be in the water and for a first time he did fine. I think if he had more opportunities to be in the water, he'd swim.


Splash makes it look easy.


Morgan chose to stay on the boat with Rob today.


Sky had to tell Rob about his big adventure.




Grace started to stretch out in the sun, but then she realized Rob had snacks.



We couldn't stay as long as we would have liked because I had to get home to check on Noah and give him his meds.
He's taking pain pills and sedatives to keep him quiet.

Grace would have liked to stay all afternoon. She's tireless in the water. As long as someone will throw something, she'll go after it.



Sky and I shared a seat on the way home.


He seemed to want to drink in the air and store up the memories.



Both Sky and Morgan slept all the way home in the car. He played with the other dogs for awhile and now he's asleep at my feet. I hope we get the chance to get him near water again. I think he will swim eventually. Next time Tess gets her chance.