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An elderly Black woman in a green cardigan sits on a dock with her feet in the lake beside a tricolor Australian Shepherd. 2 / 28

Mae Rolled Up Her Pants and Dipped Her Feet in the Lake. Bandit Stayed Put.

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A soft mist hangs over the lake, and the water is cool and still. Mae sits at the edge of a weathered wooden dock in a moss-green cardigan and grey tee, her pant legs rolled up and her bare feet resting in the shallow water. She's smiling warmly, eyes crinkled, looking toward her companion. Bandit sits right beside her on the planks, his glossy black coat set off by a crisp white blaze and copper cheeks, mouth slightly open as he gazes out across the water. The far shore is lined with grasses and trees softened by the hazy morning light.

Australian Shepherds are athletic, adaptable dogs, and many enjoy a bit of water play, though not all of them are natural swimmers. If your Aussie is curious about the lake, let him wade in at his own pace, and consider a canine life jacket for deeper water. Watch out for hazards like fishing line, hooks, and sharp debris along the shore. Blue-green algae blooms can be very dangerous for dogs, so avoid water that looks scummy, discolored, or foamy, and don't let your dog drink from questionable water. Afterward, rinse his coat with fresh water and dry his ears well, since trapped moisture can lead to irritation. Aussies have a weather-resistant double coat that can take some time to dry fully. If you notice persistent scratching, head shaking, or odor after swimming, talk to your vet.

Mae has her quiet soak, and Bandit has the best view on the lake. It's the kind of slow morning that makes the whole day feel easier.

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