Monday, April 23, 2012

Puddle jumping


It was a cold day when Bear found the puddle on the trail beyond our woods. Our feet crunched over damp, slightly frozen leaves as we wandered past small patches of snow still dotting the forest.

The puddle must have been ice-cold. I watched as Bear trotted up to it and stepped carefully into the deepest part, stirring up the leaves that had settled to the bottom. And then a slight change in posture, a bend of the knee, a sheepish glance over her shoulder and I knew what she was thinking.

“Bear,” I said, thinking of frozen toes and soaking wet knee braces. She straightened up, looked right at me. “What?” her expression seemed to say, “I wasn’t going to lie in that.” And she walked on slowly as I pulled my toque down a little further against the cold.

The next day she didn’t hesitate. I knew where she was headed as soon as we left for our walk. Bear marched along the trail straight for the puddle, and flopped down into the water before I could say a word. Leaves floated up, flat and featureless, as she wallowed in the icy soup. I cringed as she dunked her nose beneath the surface and then stood up, throwing water over her shoulder like an elephant taking a bath.

“Bear! It’s freezing,” I said.

“So?” She replied by lying down again. “What else would you suggest I do with a puddle in the woods?”



5 comments:

  1. Your dog must have a natural affinity for water no matter what the temperature. I was shivering just reading the story. Does she normally do this? My dog just plows through puddles. Luckily he doesn't lie down in them.

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    1. Yes she does! She is a Lab and so is like a divining rod when it comes to finding water and then she can not resist lying in it no matter the temperature. I have had to stop her at times when there is still ice at the bottom of deep puddles at the very beginning of spring. I think about hypothermia, but for her I think it's just like coming home!

      Murdoch doesn't do this. He also plows through puddles like your dog, but then tries to drink as much of it as he can.

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    2. She must have very thick fur not to be bothered or a healthy layer of fat. Sometimes dogs seem oblivious of the most uncomfortable things, usually having to do with coldness and wetness. Murdch must think he has arrived at the fountain of youth every time he encounters a puddle :o)

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  2. That is a happy pup! The only thing better than water as far as a Lab is concerned is muddy water!

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    1. Yes! and the leaves in her puddle are starting to decay so it is now stinky water. So much the better!

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