Our first Swim

3.26.10

After the long 50mile haul we did yesterday, we took today off to enjoy the area. We were still dinghy-less, so we were confined to the boat. We were both badly in need of showers and Koa was in need of some exercise so we decided to go swimming!
The water was still a bit chilly when we first got in, but we quickly became numb - I mean got used to it. :)
Koa was sitting at the back of the boat barking and wagging his tail, eager to join us. We got out, strapped him into his life jacket and got his favorite ocean floaty toy and threw it off the back of the boat. He was so excited!! But...way too chicken to take the plunge right off the boat. With a little push, I mean nudge from Brad he jumped in and paddled right out to get his toy. He was in doggy heaven. Until he got back to the boat and realized that he couldn't get out, so he had nowhere to drop his toy and shake off the water before going back for another round of fetch. Bless his little heart, he clung to the ladder and looked at me like "what the hell mom?!"
We threw his toy again and he reluctantly went to get it, but then panic mode set in. He started paddling desperately around in circles, panting and wide-eyed until Brad reached down and hoisted him up by the life jacket and pulled him on board.
Although, not a complete success, we have learned with Koa that it is all about the baby steps. We will try again in some warmer water and perhaps closer to a beach so he can swim ashore if needed. Then we will attempt to torture Moo....mwahahaha!!