In Up to Her Ears

H-Mom likes to think that she is calm and collected. Not prone to panic attacks or unreasonable anxiety.

Well, today Madison figured out how to swim. Not just jump around by the shore, act crazy in the shallows and stand waiting expectantly as the other dogs bring in the well-tossed balls and the much-coveted duck decoy.

Today, Madison spread her legs like four algae-covered water wings and struck out for the deep end.

H-Mom was hyper-ventilating.

See, Madison wasn't exactly going AFTER a toy and coming back. Madison was out there just swimming for the joy of having finally figured out how to swim. She was going in one direction, circling awkwardly around (the turning still needs to be perfected) and swimming over to check out something else. She struck out for the middle, with nothing particular in her sights and seemed like she would be just perfectly content to keep going.

Peter said he would go in after her if she seemed to be drowning.

Lois suggested that H-Mom take a valium or something. Translated: relax.

And all this time, Madison was just happily paddling around. Investigating the vast expanse of dog lake, which had been so completely unavailable to her before today.

And she was loving it. And swimming with ever-increasing grace. No thrashing, no panic.

Yes, the one with the pointed ears is Madison. In up to her ears. Over her head.

And no one had to go in after her.