A Fish Called Dawson!

Dawson was born a water dog. He can’t help it that he loves to get wet and swim (and come ashore and do that “wet dog” shake thing!)

When we first got here he loved going in the calm rivers and swimming. But the Indian Ocean was just a little too rough for him with waves crashing into shore. We’d throw his toy into the ocean and he’d get wet up to his belly but not go in over his head. Whenever the waves tumbled in he’d turn and run into shore, looking anxiously over his shoulder to make sure he stayed well ahead of them. With more practice he got smart and learned to wait and use the waves to bring his toys back to shore, still never getting into the water over his head.

But somehow all of a sudden he has decided to LOVE the Ocean. (Must have been when he was showing off for the girls! Amazing how that can motivate – even in the dog world!) When we park the car anywhere near the ocean he comes to life and starts vibrating. He can’t wait to get out of the car and run down to the sandy beach and water. He now plunges into the Ocean – waves or no waves. He has learned to swim out into the waves and keep his head high and his eye on his quarry as they sweep past him into shore. He can even use the waves to body surf back to shore!

He now aspires to membership on the Canadian Olympic Team – with a Maple Leaf swim cap proudly worn on his head and an aerodynamic lycra swimsuit for that added advantage. (He still needs to figure out how to incorporate his tail into the design.) He’s contemplating synchronized swimming lessons – he’s no fool - that’s where the chic’s are!

Not bad for a dog that will be 9 in January!

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