Water dogs

On Sunday afternoon we visited the home of some friends who have a pool in their backyard and a guide dog. We took Lyra and Cassiopeia along, to give them another new experience and another opportunity to assess their personalities.

The first thing the kids wanted to do was introduce the puppies to the water. Once they (kids) were in swim suits, we took the puppies into the shallow water by the steps leading into the pool. First we let them get their feet wet, then held them up in water a bit deeper than they could stand, then finally let them go and watched them swim! They were great! Neither puppy seemed frightened or upset about being in the water (it was quite warm and pleasant on a hot, hot day), and both of them immediately started to dogpaddle towards one of the kids when we released them. After this novel experience we dried them off a bit (though they continued to shiver for a while, despite the warmth). Cassi fell asleep in a blanket in my uncle's arms, and Lyra explored the backyard for a time before taking a nap in turn.

Cassiopeia: "I'm coming, don't go!"

"Uh, what am I supposed to do now?"

 

"Ah, sunshine!"

"Hey, this is kinda cool!"

Lyra: "Ah, that stuff looks wet..."

"You really think I can do this?"

"Hmm, do I want to go in again?"

"Hey, you guys, 'sup?"

As for reactions to the guide dog, Kazoo, he sniffed them a couple times and they just looked at him, unfazed by his massive size (compared to them!). After that they pretty much ignored each other - they didn't get excited about him nor he about them.

It was a lovely afternoon for all concerned.