The Pond

In the back corner of my sister's property is a pond. It's about twice the size of a normal swimming pool. The banks are covered in reeds and grass. The horses and cows get in it to cool off, and the occasional turtle, frog or snake takes up residence there. The water is pretty muddy looking, and the bottom is kind of brownish gray mud. Every evening we take all ten dogs on a "pasture walk" which includes a visit to the pond. Toby absolutely loves the pond, and I think it is his favorite part of the day. He is usually first there and circles the banks right at the water line looking for anything of interest. He has been fascinated with a stick which pokes out of the water about two feet out from the bank, but so far has not wanted to jump in like all the others do (except Teddy). Max swims laps. Blue, Scout and Bailey all swim, get out, shake, and get back in. Harley watches Toby sticking his paws in, and jumps in right in front of him, looking back over his shoulder as if to say, "See? That's how it's done!" This evening Kiki decided to give Toby swimming lessons; she took him over to where the water was a little deeper, and tossed him out about three feet from the bank, and of course he swam back to the bank. Oh was he proud of himself! Rolling over and over in the grass to dry off, just like the big boys!
Tomorrow: spa day for Kiki and Sue! Hooray!