Day 58

7/9/22

We are up at the cabin with three happy Goldens! Give them a beautiful day, a gorgeous lake and a tennis ball...sheer bliss!

Not every "golden" water event is so enjoyable, but today's romp was lovely and uneventful.

A number of years ago, we were walking down towards the beach when we heard a neighbor frantically calling her golden retriever! We stopped in our tracks and realized Lexi (Arthur's sister) was WAY out in the lake and swimming away from shore. As we watched, we realized a gull was enticing her further and further towards deeper water by floating and then flying a short distance only to land and float again. Lexi was on a mission!

Our neighbor was calling to no avail when Lexi began to tread water. Frantically, this beautiful, exhausted girl was trying to keep her head above water!

Daughter Katie wasted no time! On the swim team, and a strong swimmer, she took off running at lightning speed! Shoes and shorts went flying as she ran and dove into the water. Swimming as if to win the Olympics, she pushed forward!

We all watched with baited breath as Katie closed in on the drowning dog. Lexi went under and didn't surface! Katie dove under the water for what seemed like minutes. Finally, she surfaced holding on to the scruff of Lexi's neck!

My daughter dragged that pup to shore and into the waiting arms of our neighbor! Lexi was exhausted, but relieved! She hobbled tiredly home with her Mama after gratitude was bestowed on Katie's heroism. It was a proud mom moment!

Looking back, I have learned a few lessons from that day:

*Never assume that goldens (or people) will choose you over a "taunting bird".

*Don't assume Goldens (or people) can "dog paddle" forever.

*Never underestimate your gifts and strengths...you never know when you will be called upon to help someone who is struggling.

Good lessons at the lake.

Good lessons for life!