Doggie Pool Part-ay!!

From the lowest of lows to the highest of highs, Luka the dog has had a very eventful 24 hours. I'm pleased-- actually relieved-- to report that the stomach problems that kept both of us up for most of last night appear to be a thing of the past, though I may need some therapy to help erase the memory of it. In the words of my cousin, Mandy, upon returning from a rather unfortunate experience at Girl Scout Camp: "I'll tell you one thing, I don't want to do that again." It. Was. That. Bad.

To celebrate his return to good health, this afternoon my mom and I took Luka to my neighborhood pool to participate in what has become a most beloved end-of-summer ritual: The doggie pool party! I'm embarrassed to admit that this was Luka's first time in the water. Yes, I'm aware he's a Labrador Retriever and that he's probably the first in his entire line to have been forced to wait nine whole years before setting foot in the water. But he's experienced it now, so you can hang up with the doggie abuse hotline. Please hang up. Thank you.

Luka had a blast, as these photos attest. For those of you who've never attended one of these things, the best way to describe it is controlled chaos. There are dogs and people everywhere-- sniffing, running, swimming, and fetching-- but everyone is really happy so it's fine. I swear Luka didn't stop smiling the entire time, except for when he fell off a narrow ledge between two pools and found himself having to doggie paddle for the first time ever. When I jumped in and helped guide him to where he could stand he was smiling again as if to say "No harm done". The last photo is my favorite because it is so Luka, who is always ready for his next meal. I call it "Mr. Nosy looking for an after-swim snack". And you know what? He deserved one (and got four).