Winnie's First Swim!

On our last visit to the river, Winnie was quite curious about the water, but wasn't quite ready to jump in and swim. My friend Carolyn said a stick or a toy wasn't compelling enough, that I had to get in the water! Well, she was right! Today, after several minutes of standing in the water and thinking about it, she finally swam out to me. Took her a minute to realize that, unlike on land, actually coming to me isn't the end of the transaction! She soon figured out that she had to then leave me to get back to land. Once she swam that first time though, she really thought it was fun! Anyway, here's some video footage...

Maiden Voyage

Since we moved here three months ago, frequent heavy rain has kept the river high and muddy. But the river FINALLY cooperated and we were able to take the kayaks out for our maiden voyage, from our house downstream to a public boat ramp 5.5 miles away. Our friend Marty, Sandy and I launched late in the morning on an absolutely beautiful day, and had a great time. Sandy has never really kayaked before and she did great! Even caught some fish, too.

It's been a long day and I almost forgot this, before we left we saw our first bald eagle here! I knew we would eventually but it was spectacular, I can't wait to see him again!

Water Progress

Winnie's not crazy about water. In fact she doesn't even like to drink it, with the notable new and severely frowned upon (depending on who you ask) habit of drinking out of the toilet. Early on we took her and the other dogs to a lake that was still pretty cold, and nobody was thrilled with the idea of swimming. So I let it go, figured I'd deal with it when it warmed up. We filled a baby pool on a very hot day a month or so ago, and I think the only way she was getting in that would be if I blocked the door to the air conditioned house with it and she had to walk through it to get inside.

So when I brought her down to the river last night I figured I'd do some fishing and she'd just hang out and wander around. But for some reason she was very curious about the water. For the longest time she wanted to sit right in front of me right at the water's edge while I was fishing. And she occasionally tested the water with her front paws. I tossed a stick in the water and she'd get it if it was close enough, but I feel like her curiosity is really piqued now. I wasn't dressed to get in the water but next time I am, I think she will come to me if I'm out there. Or perhaps she'll go in if she sees my neighbor's dogs go in.

Anyway, I'll keep you posted, but I think the curiosity was a positive step toward swimming.

Deer, Fences, Rivers and Fish.

Been a while since I've reported anything or taken any new pictures, so here's the latest. (Wow she sure is meticulously groomed these days, isn't she?!)

Today Winnie and Gromit were in the yard, Sandy and I were in the barn (which is not in the yard that is fenced for the dogs). Gromit was barking at something, but this is not unprecedented. Then a few minutes later here comes Winnie trotting up to the barn. Hmm, interesting. Seems she climbed and/or jumped at the corner of the yard, either to get to me or she saw the deer that she notices often in the field and went after them. Either way, she wasn't gone long and came back to me, so I'll be keeping a close eye on things until I figure out what action to take.

We then went down the path to the river to do some fishing before dark. I put her little cowbell on her collar so she could wander around down there and I would be able to fish and know by hearing her how far she wanders off. Great plan, but unnecessary. Turns out she jumped right up into the shelter down there and hung out there most of the time, just watching me. A little curious when fish splashed, but generally it's starting to seem that she's not really the outdoorsy type. At least not in the summer. She prefers the air conditioned indoors to the summer heat, but when the river comes down a little lower I'll try to get her interested in swimming.

MVP - Most Viewed Photo

Almost every day, at least one person gets to this blog because they found this photo in a Google Image search. (Originally from this post.) I can't see what the search terms are, but people all over the world are clicking on this picture!! Which is neat, but I wish I knew how people were getting to it. So if you are coming across this blog because of this photo, please leave a quick comment and let me know what you searched for. Thanks!