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A blue merle Australian Shepherd and a line of ducklings sit together on a muddy pond bank. 19 / 33

The Aussie Took the Ducklings to See the Pond for the First Time

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Sunlight glints on a small pond, reeds sway at the water's edge, and a blue merle Australian Shepherd sits on the muddy bank with her gaze set on the water. Beside her, a line of ducklings stands in order of size, all looking in the same direction. The little group has the air of a family that has come to see something very special, perhaps the first swim of the season. A bit of mud clings to the dog's paws and the ducklings' feet, which is exactly how a pond day should look.

Water is a big milestone for baby ducks. Ducklings do not have fully waterproof feathers at first, and they usually rely on their mother's preen oil to waterproof their coats. Young ducklings left to swim for too long can get chilled and waterlogged, so first swims are typically short, shallow and closely watched.

Australian Shepherds are active, smart herding dogs that love to be near the action. They usually enjoy water too, although not every Aussie is a swimmer. If your dog is heading near a pond, keep an eye out for blue-green algae, which can be harmful, and for slippery banks. Rinsing and drying the coat afterward is a good habit.

The water is still, the sky is warm and every member of the group seems to be thinking the same quiet thought. Sometimes the best part of a pond is simply sitting beside it together. A pond, a friend and a good view are plenty.

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