Grandpa Gus Kicked Off His Sandals at the End of the Dock
Sandals off and shorts on, Grandpa Gus has settled at the very end of the old wooden dock, his bare feet dangling into the cool water. His green fishing vest hangs open over a navy shirt, and his white mustache lifts into a satisfied smile as he gazes down at the ripples. Waffles sits just beside him, ears alert, nose pointing up, studying his grandpa's face with deep concentration. A tackle box, a folded towel, and a water bottle are scattered on the boards behind them, and the lake stretches out calm and green under a soft summer sky.
Docks are lovely places for dogs, but water safety matters, especially for Frenchies. Because of their compact bodies and short noses, French Bulldogs are generally poor swimmers, so a well-fitted dog life jacket is a smart choice near any lake. Keep your dog away from the slippery edge if he is not used to it, and keep him on a leash until he learns where the boards end. Fresh water in a bowl is better than lake water, which may carry algae or germs that can upset a dog's stomach. Bring shade and rest breaks too, as hot sun on a dock can quickly overheat a flat-faced dog. Talk to your vet about water activities for your breed.
Gus wiggles his toes and Waffles sighs. They have no catch, no schedule, and not a worry between them, just a warm afternoon and a view they know by heart.






