What Has Happened to Scout?

For those who know Scout (or her brother, for that matter), they will know that despite her breeding, Scout is not a water dog. She will never willing go into any body of water, from bathtub to Great Lake. If I throw her favorite ball into the waves, she just runs back and forth excitedly along the shore. Other dogs can be jumping in and out of the pool and she just backs away. A friend once bought a kiddie wading pool and set it up in my backyard. Her dog Winston knew exactly what to do and lolled about in it in great comfort in the 30+ degree weather, but even when we lifted Scout into the cool water, she only turned and stepped back out, preferring to suffer dry in her wooly coat. (I did let her into the air-conditioned house – she wasn’t left out to roast while other dogs chilled)

Yesterday we went on a road trip, driving down to the island of Burray. We crossed the Churchill Barriers and found a deserted beach at Skerry Sound for a good, long walk on a beautiful, sunny afternoon. The tide was quite low, and the sea was a smooth as glass when Scout spied the seagulls bobbing on the water. Without a second thought, she charged straight into the sea, up to her hips, scattering the birds. Once the birds were suitably scattered, she looked about, and instead of freaking out and running back to the beach, she looked quite pleased with herself and waded about for a minute or before turning back to me.

I think 9 years old is an interesting age for a dog to find her sea-legs, and it does mean I will have to keep her on a leash the mornings we walk around the Peedie Sea, but I really think Orkney is going to be good for my wee dug.