Yep, I'm learning how to swim at the ripe age of 8 1/2. Mom and dad think it will help strengthen my gimpy left legs (that have been impaired because of my PDE). Check out part 1 if you missed it. I left off by telling you how we decided to completely take over my Gampy and Gammy's patio (and yes, Hank, this is Gammy Diane who you met and my Gampy who I mentioned is a Hoosier like you). You see, Southern Fried Pugs told us all about a great pool that we just had to try. So we gave the kiddie pool to my human cousins and ordered one of those easy-set pools.
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| dad and Gampy enjoying the new pool while it fills up with water |
Quite the set-up, huh? I know Gammy isn't thrilled that she doesn't have a patio any more, but I have her wrapped around my paw, so all is good.
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| me and mom waiting inside for the pool to fill |
Finally it was time for me to give the "real" pool a try. I'm a bit nervous.
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| Dad, are you sure this is a good idea? |
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| getting used to the water...all four paws are wet |
Now that I was soaked to the bone, it was time to put on the life vest and for the training to begin. No turning back.
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| I'm not sure about this life vest thing! |
Like in the kiddie pool, it took a bit of inspiration (i.e. treats) to get me going...
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| swimmin' for a treat in the big pool |
Then just like that, with no warning, mom and dad "took off the training wheels". But I did it!
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| very first swim all by myself |
Mom and dad were so proud of me! They didn't let me go to long, and I was happy about that cause swimming is hard work.
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| dad and wet pug |
I got lots of treats for a job well done. And of course that is by far the very best part of swimming! A few days went by before we tried it again because the weather cooled down here (and the humidity all but disappeared - unheard of in the St. Louis area) enough to make it too cold for me to get in the water. Mom was ok with this since she wanted to get me a new life vest. The orange one was too bulky - plus it wasn't stylish at all! So I got a cool pink one like my friends
Suki and
Minnie Moo. I think this made all the difference! I'm like a super star swimmer now... kinda.
Sorry for the annoyingly high pitched voices - mom and Gammy are trying to get me going! Yep, I finally talked Gammy into the pool. She's like me...we are not fish. This water stuff isn't natural and a bit scary. But, notice that there were no treats in sight. For most of the laps around, my motivation was seeing the blue ring/edge of the pool. If I could just get there surely I could climb out! Oh, well. Mom and dad don't care why I paddle, just that I do.
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| me and Gampy having fun in the pool |
And afterward, I'm as happy as a pug out of water can be! I think us pugs will tolerate just about anything for some grub. I've been getting some Sunsweet dried fruit with anti-oxidants and a cookie or two! YUMMY! I'll be sure to keep everyone updated as my physical therapy continues... there's more to come!
Love,
Payton
13 comments:
Payton as I said before, you are the sweetest little pug girl, then the cutest pug girl in pink, and now you are also the sweetest WET pug girl !!! I love all the pictures and the movie :) kisses Gosia
P.S. my Fredzio is also real pug not a fish, he does not touch the water :)
Oh my pug Payton! You are a great swimmer. Mom was cracking up at the look on your face, like, get me outta heeeeeeere!!!
we really need to set up one of thoose pools for Brigitte. She's the swimmer in need of water therapy in our gang.
That looks like so much fun, Payton! Your pink floatie is really cool - it even looks like it has a built in bolster/pillow to rest your head on (a feature we both appreciate!). The weather here has cooled off a bit, too, but I'm still going to see if I can get my parents to take me swimming. You better make sure your parents give you some extra treats for doing such a good job in the water. -Love, Sid.
Love the pink float vest!! So stylish for the pug in training. I hope you get lots of treats and that the water helps your legs! I'm sure you'll be running marathons in no time with all your workouts!! =)
~hugs~
Mia
Hey, I have that same life jacket, too!
I love the before and after pics of you and your dad. You have a great family, that obviously would do anything for you.
You are doing such a great job, P! Next summer, you'll be swimming circles around your grandparents.
Our mom makes Isabelle swim a few laps with this trick. She puts Isabelle next to the side and "walks" the pool beside her with her arms. Does that make sense? That way, Isabelle knows that mom is right next to her, but it makes her go the whole way around the pool.
You might check around your area for a year round pool for doggies. We've just had a new place open here that offers indoor swimming in the winter for dogs and people. At this point, the humans can swim with the dogs. Mom hopes to get Isabelle going once a week once the weather makes us shut our pool down. It's that or the hydrotherapy at our vet's office. Isabelle's issues are more arthritis, but those muscles need a workout, too!
You are doing awesome, Payton. And we are so glad that you have cool parents and grandparents who will change their lives for you!
Hi Payton,
You swim great! I'm proud of you. I have an idea, you, myself and Minnie need to enter the synchronized swimming in the pug-olympics, we all love to swim and we already have our matching outfits. Keep up the good work.
Hugs to you and all your humans. Miss you all,
Suki
Hola Payton!!
Wow your are a Natural Swimmer!! We area scary cats but La Mamma going to try little by little like YOU!! Love the Pink Life Jacket!!! Very Stylish!! and it look you all had so much fun!!
Bechos
Spongy & Licky
I think you're ready for the Olympics, Payton! That swimming stuff looks like fun. I bet it feels so good to cool off on hot days. Even thought I don't like getting my toes wet I would like to try to swim.
Your left leg doesn't even look gimpy when you swim. It looks like it moves normally. Maybe you just need to swim every day to make it stronger.
Tiffy
Pee-s: Where's your swim cap?
Hi Payton
I sat rightr here by the puters watching you swim! Your so brave and so good.
It looks to me like you had a swim party!
All the support you have is awsome.. your own cheer leading group!
Oh Payton,, you are such an inspiration.,,,,
and so many of us love you!
Good job my friend, and thank you so much for sharing,. It makes us smile.
love
tweedles
Payton! We are so proud of you!!!
You sure have an awesome family! And what a great idea to use treats.
I think there just might be some swimming in Hanklin's future! ;)
PS LOL at the pic of your daddy and Grampy waiting for the pool to fill!
8 1/2 years and still going strong. It is impressive. We are cracking up at your haruumpf face. Looks like your Gramps turned it around for you though. He must be the #1 treat giver. We are swimming this weekend (joy of joys, NOT). I'm sure mom will post embarrassing pics.
Kitty+Coco
Payton you looked so worried before you got in the water! You did a great job, friend! Mom keeps telling me she is going to take me to my grandparents' house to try their pool with a life jacket but she is also just a whole lot of talk and no action.
Mom & I are so behind on everyone's blogs - I'm sure you have figured out that the humidity is back!! Hope you are swimming!
Later!
Vito
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