Monday, July 20, 2009

The Adventures of Sheldon: Swimming Lessons

Being a Standard Poodle, Sheldon Gryffindor Rockhill is supposed to enjoy water. Or so I thought. In truth he is less than thrilled to be in the pool, but I like to take him for a swim every so often, and more importantly to let him learn where the steps are and how to get himself out of the pool on his own. He is rarely outside alone very long, but I'd still rather he know what do do, should he ever fall in while we're not looking. Since I'd been traveling so much lately I made sure to spend a lot of time with Sheldon this weekend, playing, talking to him and generally keeping him company. Even though John was home while I've been away on business, he gets out of sorts when one of us is not around. He senses the imbalance in the family and gets a bit skittish. So a dip in the pool seemed like a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon together. After all, it was 110 degrees and HOT!

above: As we waded into the shallow end of the pool together I held Sheldon. He was enjoying the cooler water temperature after having been sitting in the hot sun for awhile watching me swim.

above: I set him in the right direction to swim and gave him a few words of encouragement...
above: ...And away he went....doing the "Poodle Paddle" as I call it.

above: Upon completing his swim lessons, Sheldon pauses poolside, laughing from all the fun. He was a big wet skinny doggie and very pleased with himself. He knew he needed to dry off before going back into the house so he ran the length of the house back and forth for a half hour, watching me continue to swim my laps in the pool. I called out to him a few times, inviting him back into the pool. He was tempted, but thought better of it and decided he was done with his swimming adventure for the day.
-Rick Rockhill
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14 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 20, 2009 at 6:28 AM

    I just love your Sheldon stories!!!

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  2. Empress Bee (of the high sea)July 20, 2009 at 9:46 AM

    i LOVE this little sheldon tale... it should end with "the end"! ha ha ha

    smiles, bee
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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  3. OldLady Of The HillsJuly 20, 2009 at 10:00 AM

    He is so sweet! It is funny how they look so skinny when they are wet! My cat fell into the tub---this was many many years ago--and only the bottom half of him got wet cause ge got out of there pronto!! He looked so funny---half fluffy and half very very skinny...lol!
    It looks like Sheldon was enjoying his swim once he got used to it.

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  4. KathyAJuly 20, 2009 at 10:52 AM

    Hi Rick! Coming to you from sunny San Diego!!!
    At first, Sheldon didn't look so happy, but he seemed to acclimate a bit -- probably due to the trust he has in you.

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  5. Scott in IowaJuly 20, 2009 at 10:54 AM

    I know exactly what you mean when you talk about Sheldon getting "out of sorts" when one of you is gone for a few days. Our Bailey does the same thing. must be a standard poodle thing!
    Haha! we've never taken Bailey for a swim. I'd love to see what he would do.

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  6. Cathy, Let's Dance!July 20, 2009 at 2:36 PM

    Atta Boy! And Sheldon did great too!

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  7. kenjuJuly 20, 2009 at 4:56 PM

    Our last dog really hated being in the pool, but we made her swim sometimes for the same reasons you did Sheldon. We wanted her to be able to get out if she ever fell in the pool. Sometimes we put her on a pool float and pushed her into deep water to see what would happen. She'd always lie down and hang on for dear life.

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  8. Maggie MooJuly 20, 2009 at 6:47 PM

    That puppy just makes my day every time you share about him. Does he frizz when he gets out of the water though? I picture him frizzing something mad.

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  9. Karelian BlondeJuly 20, 2009 at 11:20 PM

    He is just so cute and funny! And you Mr Rockhill are not bad either :)

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  10. KarmaLennonJuly 21, 2009 at 6:17 AM

    He's so cute!!! I love when dogs go swimming. :)

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  11. limeJuly 21, 2009 at 1:25 PM

    hehehe, sounds like it was a fun time playing and swimming.

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  12. graceJuly 21, 2009 at 4:47 PM

    the first picture he looks like he is trying so hard to get out. and the last....he is swimming in fine fashion! :)

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  13. WATJuly 21, 2009 at 11:39 PM

    Well that's adorable. 110 degrees--that water must feel pretty good, although IT too must get warmed up fast in temperature so scalding. I imagine at night it must be heaven to go into that pool. Our complex pool sure is nice to visit as it has been pretty hot here in the San Fernando Valley too these last few days...

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  14. Desert SongbirdJuly 22, 2009 at 11:41 PM

    I don't know how long it takes for Sheldon's fur to dry in the desert heat, but I know that my hair is dry in nothing flat!

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Thank you kindly.