Swimming Doggies

My little Waylon has become quite the swimmer this summer. He had always loved the water, but was more of a splasher in shallow pools than an avid swimmer. I know he had a fall through the winter ice into a very cold Lake Calhoun two years back that may have set him back a bit. Last summer at Tamarack Lake was his first real venture into the deep end when he panicked as I took off in a floating raft and swam out in the middle of the lake to meet me; clawing my chest in the process as he scrambled to board the small inflatable lounge. He didn't really swim, but sort of splashed with his front paws to stay afloat.

Jeff has been a great trainer with me this year, often on the banks of the Mississippi. He is less likely to get tagged and ticketed off leash there than our city lakes. He loves a good tennis ball or stick and has gained confidence and skill. The last month he has also mastered speed; since there are many dogs at the river and if he wants control of the ball - he knows he needs to be at the front of the pack. Yesterday he was testing the deep and strong current of the mighty St Croix while we were out at Taylor's Falls. He is tireless in his quests. This pic does not show it because of the zoom on the camera, but he was yards out.

I then stumbled onto this similar lab in South Beach who is lucky enough to swim with the dolphins. Her name is Kira. And can only imagine Waylon in the deep ocean bays chasing them. I am anxious to get him to the North Shore where he can see what a real body of water is truly like.