Travels with Tova

Summer means lake time and keeping cool! Tova is not a big fan of the water but will humor me and hang out in it. We have this fun raft, that Glenn found at Dollar General, that is a dog raft and made of material which can withstand their claws. This will be our second season with it. She and Derby share it although this latest trip, she decided to sit ON Derby thus pushing them both into the water.

A new experience for her was a post sticking out of the water. With as much rain as we have had, the lake was up and flooded a few tent camping areas. A post was sticking out of the water and Tova was determined it was a lake monster sent to eat her. I showed her the post and while she sniffed it, she still questioned it’s motives and mine.

My dogs do have life vests and Tova always swims in one as swimming is not her strong point. Derby didn’t used to need one but at 13, he doesn’t have the muscles he used to and needs the assistance of a life vest to continue to enjoy an activity he loves. Did you know Tractives can go in the water! They can and if you use one, keep it on for their swim time.

You can kayak with your standard although Tova again thinks I’m trying to kill her. What I don’t like is people who just let their dogs run wild on the rivers. So, I don’t normally take mine because too many things can happen. I’ve seen dogs almost drown in strainers or almost drown their owners in strainers. Free plug for Hoodoo, love their kayaks.

I watched the judge’s education video that Penny did at the last SSCA national. In it, she talked about how this breed is game for anything as they are a working dog. I couldn’t agree more. Tova might not always enjoy the crap I get her involved in but she is always game to try anything!

I’d love to hear what you have tried with your standards and how you keep cool in this heat wave.