However, today at Magnuson Park we came prepared with shorts and sandals to help coax her. We started with me wading out to my knees and just calling to her. She was visibly upset that I was risking my life in such a way, but she still wouldn't venture beyond her elbows. That's when I called in the professional - Jenny. She also brought along a stick that Chipson had shown some interest in.
The insanity of her parents' decision making was now taking a toll on Chipson. Plus, that delicious stick was tempting her from only a few yards away. Not wanting to spend any more time alone, Chipson began to venture out. First to her paws, then to her elbows and chest. But that darn stick was still just out of her nose's reach. And her parents just seemed so confident she could get it! Crazy, right?
Suddenly, a small wave pushed the stick tantalizingly closer as we egged her on. This was Chipson's window of opportunity - now or never. Mustering all of the puppy courage she had in her, she made one final, desperate lunge for the stick. But alas, the lunge was poorly timed, a little too ambitious, and ended up just pushing the stick out further. Plus, Chipson now found herself in deep water and it was time to sink or swim. And swim she did! She missed the stick and began swimming to deeper water thinking she had pushed it even further. Now her dad had to make a decision....was it time for him to get wet and rescue her? Nope, a little whistle got her going back in the right direction towards shore where she was rewarded profusely with love.
We're such proud parents!
PS> We would have taught her much earlier, but the weather lately has really stunk.
