Doggone Fun

Today, it was once again time for the annual dog swim at the local pool.  Each year, after Labor Day when the pools close to people patrons but before the pool is drained for the winter, a fund raiser is held for the local dog park.  For a small fee, you can bring your dog(s) to swim in the pool and cavort with the other dogs.

 The above picture doesn't really show how many dogs showed up with their people.  It was hard to take pictures on my iphone because it was so sunny.

Here's another but it still doesn't show everyone on all sides of the pool:

My sister took her dog Truman to swim and I tagged along.  Truman LOVES to swim and he must have remembered the last time he was brought to Swim Day because he practically dragged my sister from the car to the entrance of the pool complex. He was sooo excited.  And once in the water, it was impossible to get him out.  I swear he would retrieve until he was so tired he would drown.

Here is a very wet Truman waiting for his floating toy to once again be thrown into the water so that he can retrieve it.

And here he is, bringing it back (he was in the "lazy river" portion of the pool).

He had a great day and was one tired puppy when it was over.

Sometimes You Just Need a Puppy Pic

I was going through some old photos and found this photo of Truman when he was a puppy and his toys were almost as big as him.   

That’s my dad’s foot next to him – which gives a bit of perspective.  

Every Dog Has His Day -- To Swim

Pools close to humans on Labor Day but it usually takes a while for the closing process for the winter to be complete. And sometimes this benefits pets. For instance, this weekend at the Maplewood Family Aquatic Center they are holding a Dog Swim, "Where Pooches Rule the Pool." Proceeds benefit the Maplewood Dog Park.

Playing all Weekend

Lots of family in town this weekend for a party.  The weather has been sunny but not too hot.  Truman is happy to have lots of friends to play ball with him, but sometimes he just needs a little down time under the (cool) shrubbery.

I hope everyone is having a fine weekend too.

PAWS for Reading

The Saint Louis Public Library is trying something new - support dogs that help kids read. 

PAWS for Reading is one of the newest programs created by Support Dogs Inc. Children ages 4-12 are encouraged to visit the Library and read aloud to their canine buddies. Dogs make perfect pals because they are non-threatening, promote trust, and encourage children to take risks in learning by reading aloud, which enhances self-esteem by improving literacy.

A trained volunteer and dog will visit each designated Branch once a week for four weeks. Children will be given journals and encouraged to keep a log of the books they have read. An incentive program provides rewards for each reading milestone.

Things really are going to the dogs around here.  :)

PS: Truman is a good listener and probably would like someone to read to him.

This and That

Just some stuff I've been thinking and reading about:

• Oprah has caused a shortage of Kindles.  So don't even think of giving one for Christmas if you haven't already purchased it.
• Auditions for the YouTube symphony orchestra are being accepted.
• Truman is getting to be a Big Dog: (Thanks for the picture dad!)
• Lost Oscar Wilde manuscripts and letters have been found.  Scholars, start your engines ...
• I'm laughing at Pride and Prejudice as reported by the characters in their Facebook updates.  (There's one for Hamlet too.  But the idea of Jane Austen and her VERY social characters on facebook just strikes me as funnier.)