Thursday, June 11, 2009

A Sailor's Life For Us

Monday started out cloudy and threatening. It was raining when we left home, but we were headed for the lake and the closer we got, the nicer the weather became. When we arrived at J's house it was hot and sunny. Tess and Norma Jean had never been to the lake and although they enjoy splashing in their wading pool, they've never seen a big body of water they could swim in.


J giving instructions to the group. See how attentive they are?


When we arrived at the marina J went to the boat with Splash and Grace and Rob had Morgan and Norma Jean, but Tess and I had a few problems. First there was a metal ramp that made noise. Tess didn't think she wanted to step on it. Once I convinced her to walk across it, it moved slightly and she didn't want to move. She looked up and saw the other dogs way ahead of us and decided to hurry and catch up with them.


Tess, of course, was the last one to get aboard. The boat was rocking and she didn't trust it, but again she followed the others.


When we first started moving we kept a tight hold on her leash. I didn't want her jumping overboard.


Norma Jean relaxed right away and didn't mind the movement at all.


We're there! Splash and Grace knew exactly where we were and wanted to get into the water. They're trying to open the gate by themselves.


Norma Jean jumped right in.


Tess followed her sister.


Splash and Grace headed out and waited for us to throw a toy to retrieve.


The girls are swimming out with Rob.


Look Mom, I can swim!


Yup, they're water dogs.


Norma Jean really liked it and I'm sure would have gone in again.


Grace had other ideas. Isn't it time to eat?


The dogs all stayed near Rob at lunch. They know he slips them bites of food. Today it was chicken.


The girls are feeling pretty relaxed now.


Grace and Splash are the navigators.


Morgan is a seasoned sailor now. This is her third boat ride.


Splash was sharing a seat with me and gave me this look.


Tess enjoyed the ride and wasn't acting at all nervous now.


Norma Jean doing her Marilyn Monroe impersonation.


Morgan had to try them on, too.


Who's behind the shades?


They were so relaxed that they watched out the side of the boat.


Norma Jean had to get up on the seat for a better view.


She's telling Rob all about her day.


Splash didn't want to leave.


Grace took her usual place on the back. She'd done a lot of swimming and was tired.


I think Norma Jean is asking if we can do it again soon.


Grace hopes her sisters come swimming with her again.


The dogs think we should buy this house , then they could swim all the time. That would be nice.

18 comments:

momsue84 said...

Looks like fun was had by all. I love the Dogfather t-shirt! So appropriate.

Tobi said...

Ditto - I love the Dogfather shirt! That's just awesome. Great pics, looks like the water dogs do in fact like water - go figure!

Tobi

SissySees said...

That looks like a lot of fun. I wonder if my girls can swim? Mugsy finally learned, late in life, but Fred would never even try...

Dawn said...

Love the Dogfather sweatshirt!!! What fun! I wanta come swim with them!:) What a beautiful area and a great day they all had! Love all the sunglass pictures!:)

Kathy R said...

What a great day on the water for the water dogs! I love how they sat still to receive their instructions from their dad.

LizzieJane said...

What a wonderful day they all had. I am pretty sure they were all tired our when they arrived home.
x

vegasangelbrat said...

Oh I wish i was one of your doggies..lol Looks like everyone had a great day out boating!! Beautiful house!Should be big enough!
Love the Dogfather T-shirt!! Perfect!

Unknown said...

You know I don't have water dogs - Beau & Lucy love their pool, but it's a kids wadding pool and they just walk around in it. However, Beau loves to swim and will retrieve whatever he can find in the water to bring back to us. Lucy doesn't like it at all and the short dogs will just flat out freak and about have heart attacks trying to get out of the water!

I would love to have dogs to take out swimming. What a lovely fun day you must have had. Please let us know if you purchase that lovely house. :) g

Molly the Airedale said...

What a fun time you all had! We think you should buy that house too!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

StellaStar said...

How did you find my summer home?

(jk, I wish)

The dogs look so at home in the water!

Marjie said...

Are the dogs going to contribute to the upkeep of the house (never mind the payment for it)? Maybe they should just stick with the boat. Looks like it was lots of fun!

Sam said...

Ah.. In their natural environment. As it should be!

Looks like you guys had an awesome day. I'm jealous. It is raining here and we don't have any lovely lakes as nice as that one around.

GoldenTracks said...

At least your dogs don't lean as far forward as possible while underway. Jackson thinks he's a bow sprite. Looks like you had a great time.

soulbrush said...

aaaw this brought tears to my eyes sue, the pure unadulterated joy on the dogs' faces and on rob's face too..simple bliss. and that t shirt is the 'bees knees' happy woofy doggie thursday to all.

Rufus and Indie said...

What an amazing day! Swimming all day long!
We loved the "Dogfather" shirt, so funny!
Kisses
Rufus and Indie

Scrabblequeen said...

Looks like your "kids" all had a fun day. Wonderful swinners, your lot, of course! My son like the Dogfather shirt, too.

Nicki said...

If you buy that house can we come live with you! Pleeeese!

Natalie Rush said...

Wow!! Looks like SO much fun!!!! I love the Dogfather shirt! :) that's awesome!!