Abuela Dipped Her Bare Feet in the Lake. Chispa Had No Plans to Join Her.
At the end of a weathered wooden dock, Abuela has kicked off her shoes and lowered her bare feet into the cool, clear lake water. She sits in a light blue shirt and her floral apron, smiling softly as small ripples spread around her ankles. Chispa sits right at her elbow, perfectly dry and perfectly content to stay that way, her fluffy head tilted and dark eyes watching the camera. Cattails sway along the shore, a plaid blanket and a tote bag sit on the dock behind them, and a few little cottages peek out across the water.
Lake days can be a wonderful outing with a dog, but water safety deserves attention. Many small dogs are not strong swimmers, and a dock is an easy place to slip. A properly fitted dog life jacket is a smart choice anytime you are near deep water, even for a short visit. Long, thick coats like a Havanese's can become heavy when soaked, which makes swimming harder. Bring fresh drinking water so your dog is not tempted to lap from the lake, and avoid water that looks scummy or discolored, as some algae can be dangerous to pets. Rinse and dry the coat thoroughly afterward.
Abuela gets the cool water and Chispa gets the warm planks. It is a simple arrangement that suits them both on a lazy afternoon by the lake.






