The End Of Summer

Labor Day traditionally marks the end of summer. This year it also marked the end of our heat wave. Since May we've endured temperatures in the 90s and 100s, but Monday it was 80s and breezy. Then on Tuesday the temps remained in the 70s and the sky was a cloudless blue. What a perfect day to make our last trip of the season to the lake.

It's always difficult to decide which dogs to take along. Samba and Morgan both love to swim, but we try to give everyone a chance, so this time we took Sky, Lola and Norma Jean. I was hoping that Norma Jean's love of swimming would rub off on the other two who aren't enthusiastic about water.

We met J, Splash and Gracie and went directly to the boat. Norma Jean couldn't wait to board the boat and almost jumped off the dock. She was so excited that I had to hold her tightly on the boat. She wanted to go over the side and start swimming before we even got to the cove. Once we docked, she was the first one into the water.

Lola swam out to Rob a couple times, but mostly enjoyed just walking around in the shallow water.

Sky was astounded that the other dogs actually jumped into the water and swam way out. He just stood on the boat and watched in awe. He got his feet wet a couple times, but preferred to watch the others.

Splash, Grace and Norma Jean all swam after their toys and kept all three humans busy throwing them farther out.

We took a break to have a snack and to let the dogs rest.

It was a gorgeous day and I could have spent the day on the boat reading and sipping wine. The dogs had other ideas.

Norma Jean created a little splash, but in the manner of a typical teenage boy, Splash had to show off for the rest of us.

He likes to jump off the back of the boat. Sky couldn't believe what he was seeing.

All too soon it was time to leave for home.

Lola had done well for a dog who isn't crazy about water.

Sky just didn't know what to think about any of these water activities.

Grace was sorry to have to leave the lake.

Splash would like to keep swimming, but maybe there were some treats waiting at home. Splash is a chow hound.

Norma Jean thought it was a perfect day. She's a true water dog and looks forward to next summer.

Back at J's house they were all excited and happy. There's nothing better for a water dog than a day on the water.

They all slept on the way home. Now they can start dreaming about playing in the snow.