Happy dog in the water

We went to our cabin this weekend.

Upon arrival, the first thing we did was let Moose play in the water. Our groceries and our bags waited in the truck while we found a nice place for him to jump in.

Since the temperatures were still rather cold, we didn't know how he'd take the cold water on his bare belly. His coat is normally thick and oily, typical of a water dog who spends a lot of time in water. Because of his golden retriever hair, he doesn't feel the water much because his hair repels it from his skin. But with his shaven belly, the brisk water was a whole knew sensation.

At first, Moose was slow to get in. Had it been 80 degrees outside, I'm sure he would have been more willing. But with the 40 degree temperatures outside, and colder water, he sensed something different and he was hesitant. Then, we got his duck.

When Moose's toy duck is around, it's like nothing else in the world exists. It is undoubtedly his favorite thing in this world and he does not let it out of his sight.

With a little toss into the river, the duck splashed and float downstream. Off Moose went, splashing and swimming and smiling. He grabbed the duck and brought it back. We threw it again. And again. And again.

We played until we thought Moose had had enough. Inside we went, to unload the groceries and bags.

Moose's attention did not leave the duck for days. He took it on a hike, he took it to bed, he took it to eat. Whether or not he felt the cold water, or whether or not his love for his duck was so vast that cold matter just didn't matter, we will never know.