Dog Walk/Swim

I thought it was time that I added some content to the blog. Rosy can't have all the fun.

The big challenge of late has been getting Angel used to swimming so that I can take her for a walk along the long expanse of beach here at Moonee Beach. It's actually like getting back to nature keeping an eye on the tide, because we can only cross the river when it is low tide and even then Angel can't touch the bottom. She still has to swim across (I'm not going to pick her up as I have my hands full with thongs, doggie treats, doggie bags and sometimes a camera). Anyway, for the past few days, Angel has hesitantly got in the water and started the dog paddle. I have her on her lead as there is a strong current. It's quite funny as she starts on my left hand side, starts paddling and then crosses in front of me and has the lead extended all the way as the current drags her along. Poor little thing. She is almost out of breath when we get to the other side. although, yesterday, she went across the river before I could put the lead on. She sort of went diagonally, but nevertheless made it across.

The beach itself is about 4km long. Today was the first day that Angel and I made it all the way to the end. It's quite a dramatic coastline when you get up close to it. Angel continues to boss other dogs around, even German Shepherds, but they seem to just be curious about what this noisy little thing is that runs like the sugar just kicked in. She came across a puppy Jack Russell mix, today and they followed each other for quite a long time.

Due to her encounter with the tick, I have been trying to keep her out of the surrounding bushland. The message seems to have sunk in. She doesn't go into the bush and now returns to me without have to receive a command - just a treat. Now I can enjoy my walk as well, without having to be anxious about where she is.

Cheers
Stephen