At Allatoona

I took Duke to Lake Allatoona to work off some general anxiety and nervousness - - probably mine as well as his, as the old rail bed and Civil War ramparts always make for a contemplative and mind-clearing hike.  Duke was never a great outdoors dog, but he proved to have matured into a wonderful companion.  He was bold in moving off the trail toward scent (possibly deer), but, like many Welshies, and especially one who is outside of his element, he checked in often.

Duke likewise was never much of a swimmer, but a hot June morning made the water in that deep lake as inviting as it could be.  Duke waded, drank, and gamboled, and once, by his own design, he swam just a bit.

I'd tossed a stick into the water, probably two feet from shore, and he jumped to get it.  In so doing, he bumped it with his nose and it floated just out of reach.  With the steep gradient of the lake, Duke was faced with swimming or abandoning the fetch.  I believe that because he bumped the stick with his own nose, he somehow felt invested in the fetch and he screwed up enough courage to paddle a few inches to get it.

This is a nice, gentle dog and he can accomplish whatever he sets his sights on.

Duke patrols the path leading to the lake.

The deep lake provides a cool reward after the hike.

After breakfast, a dog pleased with his day so far.