I believe I can fly . . .

When I was little I was convinced I could fly, could even close my eyes and relive the sensation of travelling weightlessly through the air. My belief stayed with me well into my teenage years though I knew it could not be so and I never expressed it. With age came the realisation that I had experienced only vivid dreams but it was a powerful conviction that remained long after common sense had declared otherwise.

One of Bethan's university friends was vehement that she had indeed flown. Is it something all young animals feel? Certainly none of my children ever told me they could fly and I haven't had opportunity to discuss the phenomenon with my grandchildren.

It seems that some of our dogs may have understood it. Our latest pup, Gus, definitely does! I can almost hear him singing 'I believe I can fly' in these photographs. Play the Yolanda Adams clip as you scroll down and see if you don't agree with me!

Building up to take-off - ears working well and two legs off the ground . . .

Three legs off the ground, ears still working well, mouth closed for aerodynamic efficiency (Barry says 'low Reynolds number, which is why recumbent cycles are banned from the Tour de France . . . )
Coming at it from a different angle . . .Tail working well but one leg still in contact with the ground . . .

A little more upward thrust . . .
Let's try lifting the back legs first - note the concentration!

Gus sees his big spotty friend at the same time as he becomes momentarily airborne . . .

Gus to Frodo: Look at me Frodo, I can fly . . . Wheeeeee . . .

Frodo to Gus: Yes, very good, little chap . . . I remember doing that when I was a little feller . . .

Whip the tail faster - that might help!
Success! (but will it last?)
Coming in to touch down - front paws outspread, ears and tail being lowered . . .
Oof! Bumpy landing!

Brakes on, chocks down . . . (Gus: . . . don't know what it means, but it sounds good!)
One last short flight then home to supper and bed . . .