Monday, December 8, 2008

bobbing like a cork

Madison was pretty sneaky this weekend. She discovered the giant glass vase filled with corks. Corks marking special occasions, wonderful dinners, romantic vacations.

We started finding strange little brown chunks around the condo.

In an "aha" moment, Madison's foray into the cork jar was unveiled. She had been stealing and chewing corks.



The cork jug was moved out of reach, little bits of cork collected from corners and cracks, and Madison forgiven.

This morning, after taking the car to the dealer for service and transfering Madison to the loaner, H-Mom and Madison made it to the dog park. A bit late, but better later than not at all. Madison played for awhile, until an oversize hound-mix named "Duke" showed up, and H-Mom decided it was time to leave. Duke had attacked and slashed our friends little black Cocker Spaniel a few months ago, and that deserves a giant RED X, according to H-Mom.

So Madison headed over to the lake. She is no longer afraid of the water, running in, splashing, charging back to the shore, jumping into the chilly water, snapping at floating seeds and coconuts. Madison had a great time, and kept venturing a little deeper, floating for a minute before turning back to shore, then doing it again, a few feet further each time, swimming gracefully, gently, and then returning.



As her confidence grew, she ventured out a bit further. On one splashing adventure, Madison was swimming one moment and then just sank underwater, her whole head gently lapped over by the water. She seemed to sink like a torpedoed ship.

H-Mom's heart stopped. Yes, she would jump in to save the puppy, without hesitation. She caught her breath.

And then, Madison's head bobbed right back up, just like a little ... cork. And she swam calmly back to shore, clambered up to the sand and raced in a silly circle. Madison was highly entertained. The lake is wonderful.

Perhaps her cork supplements this weekend should be thanked.

9 comments:

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

I love corks too! Champagne corks in particular. The kitties like to bat them around, but I steal them and CHEW THEM UP!!!

The lake sounds like a lot of fun! I wish I could join you there, Madison!

Your Pal,
Tom

Eduardo said...

BOL! Oh I was scared for a second there but I knew H-Mom would never let anything bad happen to Madison! Corks sound fun, where can I get some?
Hugs & Snugs
Eduardo the Snuggle Puggle

KEY WEST COLLIES said...

Eating cork so you can float in the water. Brillant. We wish we would have thought of that. Then again we don't like water.

Essex & Deacon

Anonymous said...

Madison is adorable!! But then I am slightly prejudiced about the breed. So glad to have found your blog! I have a friend in Fl with a giant but on the west coast.

The Devil Dog said...

That is neat that Madison likes to swim. I don't but LUcky does. Mom thought it was very funny to see Lucky with her puny legs having a ball swimming.

Roxy

River said...

That's funny about the corks--only because it didn't harm her! I'm glad she's enjoying the water--I sure wouldn't!

love & wags,
River

The Musketeers said...

Looks like you have fun in the water :D

Cocoa the Beagle said...

That looks like a really nice lake you've got there. We don't have lakes over here, just muddy puddles if we're lucky. But mum is never pleased when we roll ourselves in it, especially if it's Barley!

Wags,
Cocoa and Barley

Biggie-Z said...

Wow, Madison, you are a brave AND beautiful girl to swim like that! I just wade. No swimming for me - it's too dangerous. I don't like my people to swim either. It's too hard to keep an eye on them.

By the way, I would loooove to be your boyfriend. It isn't every day I find a girl big enough to keep up with me! How much do you weigh now, by the way?


musings on a giant schnauzer in a little MEDIUM LARGE package