well, it's certainly summer!!

summer is most definitely here. after our 110 degree heat wave a couple of weeks ago, there's no doubt about it! we've been enjoying the nicer weather by going for drives up in the hills, to the river, etc. we've also decided that it's worth the money to get the AC fixed in the jeep - we should be getting it back in the morning just in time for a trip up to st. helens with friends and dogs to go hiking! last week we went up to yale lake and used the newly-purchased doggy life jacket to try to teach lucy that swimming can be an enjoyable activity. up until this point, she has thoroughly enjoyed the water, but only up to her knees - and her forced swimming attempts have looked pretty ridiculous with her butt down and her front legs mostly paddling air. now, with her life jacket on, i can drag her out by the handle much deeper than i could tow her unwillingly before. she does finally figure out how to paddle with her front legs IN the water while i hold her, and then she swims to shore quite beautifully. but the key word there would be SHORE. she still refuses to enjoy swimming and makes a beeline for the shore every time. that's okay. at least we know she won't drown when i shove her off the boat this weekend. :)