First ever REAL swim!!

Mum, dad dad and I are taking all these big steps down to the beach.

What a beaut warm day... and I can see some dawgs up ahead.

Dad dad has taken my lead off - and these two girls have taken me under their wings.... the black dawg is Poppy (she lost her back leg last April after a host of operations failed) and her sister (I forget her name....sorry!)

POPPY: Now Rubie.... it's a nice hot day.... do ya wanna come into the surf???

Well - I'm scared...... don't really like the waves .... can you help me get over my nerves?? I'd rather muck about on dry land.

POPPY'S SISTER: Come on Rubie..... you CAN do it.... keep coming...one paw after the other!

You will help me ma if I get into trouble???

MUM: Of course - I'll wade out and be there for you.

POPPY: That was just one little wave Rubie..... jump over and come on in - the water is FAB!!

Let me do this shake first and I'll give it another go! Wish me luck!

POPPY: You just run into the water full-on....like this!!

Right here I go!!!!!! 

Look ma..... I'm past my tummy in the waters!

MUM: Oh gosh..... do you think you can go a little deeper to try and swim??? I'm here to help if you need a hand!

I'm deeper..... will that do?? Is this swimming yet??

MUM: Not really bub...you need to get deep enough so you have to doggie paddle because you can't stand anymore - I know you can do it!

(Paddle, paddle, paddle...)

Look at me..... I'm swimming ma!!! Look no paws on the bottom!!!

NB: Thanks to Poppy and her sister whose enthusiasm really helped me get over my nerves. I think I like this swimming business.... I remind myself of my furiend Bert who is forever in and out of his lakes and stuff (no matter what the weather!)

We are off to go home now. See ya girls!!! See ya round! Thanks for the swim tips!

Here is a "cliff-top" view of where I was swimming. See the peeps in the water - that is the sheltered spot without rocks that helped me find my surf paws.

What a day!