Gus Put His Feet in the Lake. Bruno Had Strong Opinions About Getting Wet.
Bare feet dangling in the cool lake water, Gus sits on the edge of a low wooden dock with his shorts rolled up and his suspenders over a blue plaid short-sleeved shirt. He looks down at Bruno with a gentle smile, one hand resting on his knee. The brindle Boxer sits right beside him on the boards, black collar snug around his neck, gazing out over the water with a thoughtful expression. Behind them, the dock is cluttered with summer gear: a blue cooler, a canvas tackle bag, fishing rods, flip-flops, and a few potted plants by the lakeside cabin.
Lakes and ponds can be wonderful summer spots for dogs, but they come with some risks worth knowing. Blue-green algae blooms, which can make water look scummy, discolored, or like spilled paint, can be very dangerous to pets, so keep dogs out of water that looks or smells off and follow any posted warnings. Rinse your dog with clean water after a swim. Boxers are not natural swimmers like some retriever breeds, and their deep chests and short muzzles can make swimming tiring, so a dog life jacket is a smart precaution. Bring a bowl and fresh drinking water so your pup is not tempted to drink from the lake.
For now, Bruno seems happy to keep his paws dry and let Gus do the splashing. A quiet dock, cool water, and a good friend nearby make for a nearly perfect summer afternoon.
