If you believe the "dog years" theory then Dyna is 91 years old today. I think she's doing pretty well for such an old bird. Today reminds us that every day with Dyna is a gift. For Dyna, it's just another day. And like every day since we've docked the boat, it starts with swimming.
Dyna and Dylan begin rustling about sometime between 6:30 and 7:00 am. We attempt to sleep in until the latter but it's usual not worth the effort. So usually about 6:45 am we pull on some clothes, let the kids visit the poop-deck, and head to the cockpit.
Since Dyna almost took a morning dip in Charleston jumping from the boat to the dock, we now use the PetStep to get her to the dock.
The long walk from the T-head where aCappella is docked to shore is a test of strength as both dogs pull in anticipation of their morning swim.
The pulling continues through the parking lot and across the field that leads to Lodge Creek.
Finally, the collars and leashes come off and there's a mad dash to the water's edge.
Dyna's dad manages to execute a perfect "Double Fetch", throwing one stick long for Dylan and one short for Dyna. This allows Dylan to have a much needed long swim while Dyna is able to fetch her stick without interference from the young'un - well, usually.
Meanwhile Dylan flies past. Damn whipper-snapper.
Each retrieval is followed by several minutes where Dyna wheezes and gasps catching her breath, all the while nudging the stick and prancing her paws wanting another go. Dylan finds other things to do.
A dozen or so throws and the girl starts to drag her back feet signaling it's time to head back. A stop at the hose rinses off the pungent creek water. Although I'm pretty sure they'd both rather carry the smell, they've worked so hard for, with them.
The walk back to the boat is more leisurely, even though breakfast is waiting for them.
Two towels per dog are needed to get them from soaking to just wet.
Then it takes both of them to supervise the preparation of the "Puppy Chow."
And it is done to perfection.
There's only one thing left to do while she waits for dinner.
Dyna, we hope you had a happy birthday. We all love you. Even the little twerp.
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