Lovely day for a dip
Labradors, particularly of the working variety, love water.
Lakes, ponds, even puddles, attract them like iron filings to a magnet.
We had decided to give Gilbert a gentle introduction to water, remembering Roxy’s first venture. Following her friends, she dashed into a large pond and was soon out of her depth. Probably she would have been alright, but I panicked and hauled her in on the end of her retractable lead, like a furry chocolate fish. I didn’t worry about her after that.
For many months, she doggy paddled in an upright position, looking for all the world as though she didn’t want to get her hair wet.
Today was a beautiful day for a walk and we went to an area of the forest very familiar to Barry, who used to run there before the advent of the chrome alloy knees. The well-defined paths had disappeared and we followed an animal trail, probably made by roe deer. to where we thought there was a small pond.
A few minutes beforehand I had commented that I thought Gilbert would be quite cautious, as he seems to be a rather careful puppy. How wrong I was! We were upon it before we realised. There was a loud splash and Roxy and Gilbert were in it immediately.
They loved it and splashed to their and our great delight, galloping in and out and around in the tussocky grass.
Gilbert's flying pig impression
They are both sleeping soundly now, dreaming sweet dreams of sniffs and sights and sounds – and water!
Labradors have a great life, doing what human would love to do, if it didn't make them look a bit tacky - eating everything they can find, running over new territory, swimming freely, romping around with their mates, ignoring commands. I love watching all that fun.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a sweet life.
DeleteThis brings such joy and makes me remember my dog from long ago, a spaniel who LOVED water. What a delight your dogs are. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt is a joy to watch any young animal enjoying water.
DeleteLovely to see these pictures, I like splashing around in water too, maybe I was a labrador in a past life.
ReplyDeleteBeing a Labrador in a welcoming family would be quite acceptable.
DeleteI look loke Roxy in the "before" swimming photo when I swim! Gilbert has grown so much, so fast. Lovely photos 🙂
ReplyDeleteGilbert has grown fast but the rate of growth has slowed considerably since the first few weeks.
DeleteSuch happy photos, thanks. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you. They make us smile, too x
DeleteLovely photos of Gilbert's first swim. A dog that loves water is a mixed blessing, I think. Nobby is notably less cautious around water than his two terrier predecessors, and alarmed me greatly one time last summer when he ran into the fast flowing river Dee and started to doggy paddle. I simply hadn't expected it. Fortunately he made it safely back to the riverbank.
ReplyDeleteCheers! Gail.
Brave Nobby, proving his mastery over the currents.
DeleteI am like Gilbert, I doggy paddle, I hate water in my face or on my head so I swim like a giraffe with a long neck out of the water ! What fun they have !
ReplyDeleteThey certainly enjoyed themselves.
ReplyDeleteI see you've overcome the 'Anonymous' - many others haven't!
Look at those two having fun. I'm quite envious here! xxx
ReplyDeleteThey had a wonderful time x
ReplyDeleteThey look like they had a blast, what wonderful doggos. Thank you for dropping by, your comment was much appriciated.
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