The Creek Was Shallow, but the Piglet Splashed Like It Was an Ocean
The creek is only ankle-deep, but it is enough for a splash party. A blue-grey Great Dane stands in the shallows with a wet paw lifted and a calm, interested look on his long face. In front of him, a pink piglet is in full splash mode, hooves churning the water into a spray, ears flapping, tail curled in a happy corkscrew. Mossy stones and a tangle of grass line the banks, and an old porch sits in the sunlit background.
Splashing in shallow water is a fun way for animals to cool down. Dogs often love it, and pigs, who cannot sweat much, rely on water or mud to stay cool in warm weather. Even so, safety comes first. Check that the water is clean and slow, that the banks are not slippery, and that animals cannot be swept away. Rinse off dirt afterward, especially from skin folds and paws, and dry the ears. Avoid water with algae or stagnant patches, since they can make pets sick. Your vet can advise on summer care for both dogs and pigs.
We will call the piglet Pearl. She has discovered that water makes a great noise when kicked, and she has no plans to stop. The Great Dane watches her with the patience of a lifeguard. If she gets too far, he is only a step away. For now, it is just a bright afternoon, a small creek, and a lot of splashing.
