What Ducks REALLY Do When They Fly South

Happiest golden retriever ever.

Swim Buddy

I would like to take this moment to thank Nathan and Janelle who, I am told, are responsible for teaching Buddy that Golden Retrievers belong in the water. Everyone is so very grateful.

If you want to swim at my parents house but you don't like to swim alone, then you are in luck! You want to swim alone? And in peace? Too bad. Whenever Buddy sees anyone so much as put on a swimsuit, he goes nuts. You have to make a run for it to even get out the door. Make sure he doesn't catch up to you at the door while you're trying to squeeze your way out. He can jam his head at the bottom crack of the door and ram his way through, leaving you flat on your back, towel still in hand as he sits in the pool, waiting for you to get up. If you're smart enough to evade him, then he just goes from room to room whining, barking, and scratching at the doors. Really want to drive him nuts? Do a cannonball. The sound of splashing water that he cannot reach is torture to this poor animal. So eventually you give in and let him swim with you:

It's not too bad if you don't mind sharing your raft and smelling like wet dog.

Because She Doesn't Know Sharks Exist

Two weeks ago, I took Maya to the pool for the first time. I expected a lot of screaming and thrashing but I was able to keep myself together. Maya did great. She was hesitant at first, not wanting to go beyond the steps unless I was holding on to her in a death grip. She eventually allowed me to take her around the pool with her holding onto the back of my neck. I was so surprised at how quickly she became comfortable. We've put her in kiddie pools and sprinklers before but she has always hated them. I guess as long as she doesn't mess up her hair she's ok.