Labs are water-dogs?
John got called into work today, so I decided to go take Abby to the Magnusun Park off-leash area. It has a little bit of beach just for the dogs where they can swim and get sopping wet, and I decided today was the day to introduce Abby to the fine art of swimming. Having never been there before, I stopped a few people with wet dogs and asked for directions. There was another event at the park with live music, I think it was some sort of running event, so the parking lot was packed, but next time I know just where to park. It is a huge park with lots of neat areas to explore and romp. I think I still like Northacres a bit better, but I am happy to be familiar with Magnusen so I can take Abby after I get off work without having to go thru traffic like I do going to Northacres.
So, we get all the way to the beach, I think it took about 10 minutes of walking to get there, and Abby doesn't get it. She kinda dipped her toes in, then a bit more, then finally waded in up to her elbows, but that was it. I kinda thought swimming was a lab thing, so I guess I expected her to see the other dogs in the water and just join in. I am probably going back tomorrow wearing shorts and waterproof sandals, and I'll drag Abby in bodily if I have to, but I think once she gets the idea she will have a great time swimming, and I really think it is great exercise for her. She's supposed to lose about 20 pounds, and this is a really great way for her to do it, especially since the concern is she might blow out a knee.
Tomorrow, tho, I really have to remember my sunscreen. I forgot just how damn fast I burn. I was in the sun probably less than half an hour all told, and I managed to *just* avoid actual burn. I'm a little pink.
So, we get all the way to the beach, I think it took about 10 minutes of walking to get there, and Abby doesn't get it. She kinda dipped her toes in, then a bit more, then finally waded in up to her elbows, but that was it. I kinda thought swimming was a lab thing, so I guess I expected her to see the other dogs in the water and just join in. I am probably going back tomorrow wearing shorts and waterproof sandals, and I'll drag Abby in bodily if I have to, but I think once she gets the idea she will have a great time swimming, and I really think it is great exercise for her. She's supposed to lose about 20 pounds, and this is a really great way for her to do it, especially since the concern is she might blow out a knee.
Tomorrow, tho, I really have to remember my sunscreen. I forgot just how damn fast I burn. I was in the sun probably less than half an hour all told, and I managed to *just* avoid actual burn. I'm a little pink.