Water Dogs

We didn't take the dogs to the lake at all last year. After our terrible struggle with cryptosperidium, we didn't want to take any chances with them drinking lake water. Now some time has passed and the only ones still showing any lingering issues are Noah and Fudge. When the invitation came last week, we were both a little nervous so we consulted with Dr B. He said it would be safe for the girls and could be beneficial to Morgan and Tess with their arthritic legs.

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day so we got the others settled for a day at home alone and took Morgan and Norma Jean to the lake. I put a vest on Morgan to give her some support if she tired and Norma Jena wore a swimming harness.

We met Grace and Runtley and J and T and headed for the lake. Who was happy to be going swimming? Morgan was.

Gracie was.

Norma Jean was.

Happiest of all was Runtley.

Grace and Norma Jean raced to see who could get in the water  first.

The sisters made many trips to retrieve their toys.

Runtley has been practicing her swimming since we last saw her and she was going much farther out to get her ball.

Even with four peeps to throw, we had trouble keeping up with the girls.

Morgan went in the water a couple times. We made sure someone was close by watching her and that she didn't go too far.

Then it was time for a break.  Everyone got back on board and got ready for some lunch including watermelon.

 Norma Jean wanted to dry off before lunch. And how does a Water Dog dry off, you ask?  First a good shake, preferably with peeps standing nearby to absorb the extra water.

Then use whatever's available, in this case the seat.

After lunch it was back in the water.

 Finally one last throw, then it was time to pack up and leave the lake.

Although everyone had fun, there was something missing. This was our first time without Samba and Splash. They always kept the excitement level high. They would both jump around and bark at us to hurry and throw the toy and Splash would usually do one of his leaps from the boat to create lots of splashing. They were both missed yesterday.