Yesterday Steve & I headed to a 'beer' place that is fun to hangout at. It isn't a food establishment so dogs are allowed inside and we usually see at least one in there.
I have visions of Bugsy in a tiny shop with narrow aisles stacked with glass bottles.
OK no I don't - I have visions of smashed bottles and him licking up beer.
Yesterday and older gentleman with a smallish old dog came wandering out of the shop. The dog was unleashed but never more than a few feet from the owner, who kindly waited while holding the door for the old dog to wander out of the shop
The dog slowly followed the gentleman and then laid down next to him when he sat at a table outside near where we were sat.
I sighed and thought how I wish that Bugsy could enjoy downtown excursions in such a calm, peaceful manner.
I know he won't but I can dream.
Fast forward to this morning.
I took him for his weekly swim and I realized that when we are out on the lake, we are the dog and human others admire. Bugsy has gotten so well-behaved down there and now swims so far, we regularly have people in an assortment of boats that comment and wave and want to say hi to the dog.
This morning it was young people from a local university sailing team that were thrilled to see the happy dog swimming along.
I get such a kick out of him swimming, its usually (all but bird chases) very peaceful and calm. He's holding his beloved toy, looking around and he has this rhythmic and smooth stroke now.
I often just smile watching his legs going in constant motion, chugging along, never seemingly out of breath. And calm.
Bugsy and calm don't often coincide.
Don't get me wrong, he isn't that calm slow-moving elderly dog, never a few feet from his owner - at least once a swim session I have to grab his drag line and pull him in the direction of my choosing. And he is so comfortable now he feels no need to be at my side. But he is by-and-large 'off-leash' and exploring the world as he wishes.
He can't swim faster than I can paddle so he can't disappear, therefore he has freedoms he will never have on land.
Anyway, I get joy from thinking that people look out at us and admire our bond. And I love when people want to boat over and say hi. Fortunately Bugsy isn't spookable on water - today he nearly got run over by a novice on a small sailboat. All he did was look at them like Whoa! and then wiggled and waggled as they started talking to him.
All a good reminder that as I looked at that dog yesterday and wished I had a dog that could be so calm and docile that others may look at my dog and think it would be cool to have a dog swimming next to their kayak.
Like us, they each have their own unique personalities and its our job to love them for who they are
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