Dear Friend,
How are you at this very moment? I’ve been hoping that if you are in an uncomfortably warm part of the world, you have found ways to stay cool… have you found shade, a/c, maybe a big body of water in which to make a Splash?
What is your earliest memory of swimming? If your earliest memory of swimming hasn’t happened yet, well, let your first plunge be completely up to YOU! Since nearly half of the population has not learned to swim, it isn’t unusual to meet people that steer clear of pools and would never dream of jumping into a river or a lake. If you haven’t learned to swim and you’d like to, here’s a helpful video that can get you started. You CAN learn to swim as an adult.
My Dad had been a lifeguard. I don’t remember not knowing how to swim. My earliest memory of ‘swimming’ was in the Pacific ocean holding on to my Dad’s neck with all my might as he ‘dove’ under breakers to swim out into calmer waters… no matter how proficient a person is, there is always more to learn.
I was 5 years old when my sister and I first showed up for swimming lessons along with a group of other kids at the community pool. It wasn’t my favorite place, no sand, no waves, no wide open space…My memory of those first lessons is a blur of chlorine flavored water, a kick-board, and a bright blue swimming cap that came with a headache from extreme scalp tension. My sister, a strong swimmer, became a life guard. I enjoy swimming and I feel fortunate to be so buoyant.
Most Posted Public Swimming Pool Rules include: ‘No Running!’ ‘No Diving!’ ‘No Horseplay!’ (don’t you picture a dozen Appaloosas frolicking in the pool wearing brightly-colored swim caps)? and you shouldn’t bring glass into the pool area – pools have to be drained when broken glass is even suspected. And there’s the question of how much time to wait after you eat before swimming, and whether you should get out of the water if your skin starts to wrinkle, and did you know that most pools close during lightning storms? No matter where you swim in public, there is usually a sign warning: ‘No Lifeguard On Duty, Swim at your Own Risk.’
Tilly, do you want to go swimming?
This video showcases a bond and working cooperation between two Labrador Retrievers, Tilly and Tucker. Tilly demonstrates her boundless enthusiasm for swimming and Tucker is the self-appointed Life Guard On Duty… Splash Dog!
Did you ever watch David Letterman? Once a year he hosted a demo for Dock Diving Dogs or Splash Dogs behind the Ed Sullivan Theatre. Here’s Letterman Diving Dogs 2014, fun!
I’d met Judy Granberg, Trainer of Dog Owners, when our Yellow English Labrador Retriever puppy, Winchester, had grown to be an enthusiastic adolescent and I needed help understanding his high volume of energy.
Judy had an uncanny knowledge of dogs and could anticipate their behaviors, often forecasting a play-by-play as, one by one, dogs arrived at Doggy Day Care. I watched it all unfold just as she had predicted. She knew dogs.
Winchester and I enrolled ourselves in Judy’s boot-camp, three hours of socialization for me and him at least three days a week for over two years. Under Judy’s supervision, Winchester played with a dozen other dogs while I learned from Judy’s expertise and enjoyed her friendship and her sense of humor.
I had the opportunity to accompany Judy to a Splash Dog Contest at Cal Expo several years ago. More than 25 dogs and their owners, waited in a line around the pool for their turn to jump, each dog had two tries.
At the front of the line was a 7 year old American Yellow Lab, ‘Brutus.’
Initially, Brutus seemed to be super excited to get into the water. He enthusiastically followed his owner onto the dock and kept a close eye on her as she backed him up to the starting point. He waited for her signal.
She showed him his toy and hurled it into the water. Instead of running, he sauntered to the end of the dock and sort of slid down into the pool.
Ignoring his toy, he began swimming around in slow, meandering figure eights. His owner was mortified. The crowd was restless. It was a very hot day and every dog in line was ready to jump. Brutus the yellow lab swam and swam, round and round, happy as a lark.
His owner called and called but couldn’t get him to come to the ramp to get out of the pool. The crowd tried to help. “Brutus, here, Brutus!”
Everyone was calling him. He didn’t care. He just kept swimming.
So, Judy sighed… and walked across to the front of the dock. As she pulled a dog biscuit from her pocket she yelled, “Cookies!”
Brutus immediately swam for the ramp and ran for the cookie. And since he had another jump to go, Judy handed the owner an extra biscuit, turned to the judges and laughed, “You’ve got all these water dogs in line, you could be more prepared!”
The general consensus is that Dock Diving or Splash Dog competitions are fun for the dogs and for the people who attend. Here’s some Information about Diving Dogs Competitions
When you have a moment, please write and share a story of water, dogs, water dogs... we'd love to hear how things are going in your world!
We are grateful to you for taking the time to be here to read Tracks by the Post! As we all navigate this interesting time in history, it is truly wonderful to know that kindness is a balm and it’s powerful. Thank you for the goodness that you share in your smile, the encouragement you give by being patient, and the comforting way you simply listen.
Wishing you a Happy Heart and a lovely week ahead,
Gently Be,
Leslie and Frank
Just for fun, check out musician Doug Organ’s website. He makes good music. Thanks, Doug!