Monday, July 5, 2010

French Dip (2010 Version)

Hope you all had a great holiday weekend.  It was hot as blazes here, over 90F every day since Friday.  Still it was beautiful out, and it seemed to be a shame to hide out in the A/C.  Lucky for us our pal Courtney opened her pool on Friday, so I carted the Frenchies over to help.


Now as you may know, Frenchies (and bulldogs in general) are notorious for not being able to swim.  Some can, but most sink like a rock.  So before we even thought of going near a pool, I made sure the kids were properly outfitted to be safe!  Here we all are ready to go for a dip.



First they checked out the deck around the pool, making sure it was free of anything edible (or inedible but small enough to pick up and chew on).



Then we got in s-l-o-w-l-y.  The water was still a bit on the chilly side, so this was only partially for the Brutus' benefit.



Once he got his tootsies wet, it was time to test buoyancy!



I don't know if Brutus can float, but his vest can & he was keen on paddling.  OK, buddy, let's see what you can do:



Wow!  He was fast!  Look closely and you can see he is actually leaving a wake!



Since this was the first time truly swimming for Brutus (the wading pool doesn't count), I figured a few minutes was plenty.  Carmen had been watching eagerly from the deck and looked ready to give it a try.

Wow - I had no idea water bowls could be so big!!


So now it's Carmen's turn:



Need to take this one step at a time.  This is actually her first time getting wet!  At 17 weeks, I haven't even bathed her yet (I'm slightly embarrassed to admit...).



So far so good.  Let's see if Carmen got the swimming gene too:


I would say so - her legs were paddling before she was even in touching the water! Not sure if it has something to do with the lifevests, or if their stout little bodies are just that powerful, but these frogs really can motor in the water!!   Wanted to keep Carmen's maiden voyage short and sweet, so it was soon time to dry off.



Refreshed from her dip, Carmen took the opportunity to spread out on the deck and work on her tan

Oh, pool boy....


Tired from their swim and basking in the sun, brother and sister snoozed side by side!



I think it was a positive first aquatic outing for both of the Frenchies, and I enjoyed taking a dip as well.  Thanks to Courtney (who obviously doesn't mind finding short, black hairs in her pool filter) for all the work to get the pool ready, we can't wait to come back for another swim!

20 comments:

Sam said...

Swimming is such great exercise for dogs and I'm totally jealous of this opportunity that you had! I'm looking to find a fresh water body somewhere around here to get Marge used to the idea of paddling.. she refuses to go in past her elbow!

houndstooth said...

You both look awesome swimming in the pool! I feel better about not being the only breed of dog who sinks like a rock. Thanks! I have my own PFD, too, just in case I get a chance to give it a try!

Bunny

verobirdie said...

I've just discovered your blog.
As I work full time, and not close from home, having a dog is no option right now. But the day I stop working, there will be one, and I dream of a Frenchie. So it is very intersting to watch the adventures of those two, especially of Carmen.
I love the last picture of them sleeping near the pool :-)

Scooter said...

Brutus
You and Carmen look like naturals.I commend you on the great swimming, I dont like the water and tend to stay away. hehehe

wags
JAzzi

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

What fun!!

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Ruairi

Dexter said...

Great swimming adventure. That Carmen can flatten out like a big old pancake, huh. I think it is good that you two wore your floaty things. I suspect your big old heads make you less than buoyant.

Slobbers,
Mango

Unknown said...

Oh god! If Brutus wasn't cute enough... I don't think I can take the cuteness overload of Brutus AND Carmen!

They certainly had a good time! And they look so fashionable in their life vests too!

Cheryl, Indiana, Shingo and Molly said...

That looks like such a fun way to spend the 4th!!

Woofs and Kisses!
The Fiesty Three

Two French Bulldogs said...

Oh my goodness you guys are adorable. We bet it felt so good to take a few laps in your pool. You will be snoring tonight.
Benny & Lily

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

Oh my goodness that last picture is priceless!!!

Smileys & Snuggles!
Dory, Bilbo and Jacob

Molly the Airedale said...

What a great way to stay cool! You guys did great in the pool and you both look totally pooped sunbathing!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

genji said...

Frenchies are fearless. My guys won't even get in the plastic kiddy pool. Carmen is a real cutie!

Kari in Alaska said...

looks like it was a great first trip!

Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie said...

That was so funny. Both the "kids" in their vests and enjoying a nice cool swim. hehe. We need to go to one of the local lakes and see if we can coax Baby into the water. She doesn't usually like to get wet.
WelshieSmooches,
Hootie

ps-Flat Brutus is on his way to sunny Arizona now!

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

It sure looks like they were both made for the water. What a great way to cool off and then look handsome and beautiful sunning on the deck.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

The Oceanside Animals said...

Love the pic of Carmen lounging after her swim. Somebody bring that girl a drink with an umbrella in it!

the booker man said...

oh yeah! swimmies is one of the bestest activities evarrr! i'm glad brutus and miss carmen enjoyed their swimmies and tanning sessions! heehee.
*woof*
the booker man

Kitty+Coco said...

Yes, considering the huge head, tiny bum ratio, your mom did a great job with the vests! Plus they look soo cute in them.
It looks like Carmen put lemon juice on her for highlights :)
It is my favorite thing to see the slugged out pics. My Boston refuses to touch her belly on the ground, but it seems that most frenchies and bullies like to.

Kitty and Coco's Mom

Oskar said...

That looks like great fun & I we love how Carmen has a little flowery life vest.

Schnauzers are supposed to like swimming, but as I prefer to conform to expectations, I do not care for it. My mom person thinks it's too much like a bath for me *shudder*

It does look like a great way to keep cool, though!

Anonymous said...

What a great post, second to Carmen's bathing suit. I love the photo. First time getting wet for lil' girl, huh? Not bad!
Twinkie