One warm summer afternoon, Daddy has an idea.
“You know how much Poppy enjoyed splashing in the water when we went to the beach? Shall we take her to the lake today? The water is much calmer than the sea, so it might be the perfect place for her first proper swim.”
Freya claps her hands excitedly.
“That sounds fun!”
But then she has a thought.
“Do you think Poppy can swim?”
Daddy smiles.
“I’m not sure. Many dogs start doggy-paddling when they get into deeper water, but they still need to become confident. And some dogs enjoy swimming much more than others. Let’s just see what Poppy does!”
Mummy packs a picnic and Poppy’s favourite ball. Daddy gets the car ready, and then they set off towards the lake.
As soon as they arrive, Freya takes off her sandals and steps into the cool, shallow water.
“Come on, Poppy!” she calls.
Poppy doesn’t need to be told twice. She dashes forward and jumps into the water.
Freya throws the ball for her, and Poppy sets off after it — then suddenly stops.
She looks at the floating ball.
She looks back at Freya.
“Go fetch, Poppy!” Freya shouts.
But Poppy just gives a little whine.
“It’s okay,” Freya says gently. “Let’s fetch it together.”
Slowly, Poppy follows.
She takes one careful step — then another. Suddenly, the ground disappears beneath her paws and she starts doggy-paddling furiously.
For a moment, Poppy looks surprised. Then she realises that she is still above the water.
She paddles towards the ball, grabs it and proudly brings it back.
Freya is excited too.
“Look, Mummy! Poppy is swimming!” she shouts.
Freya picks up Poppy’s ball and throws it a little farther into the lake.
This time Poppy knows exactly what to do. She dashes forward, swims to the ball, grabs it with her mouth and brings it back again.
“First you loved the sea, and now you’ve learned to swim. I think you’re becoming quite a water dog, Poppy!” Freya says, stroking her wet ears.
For the rest of the afternoon, Freya and Poppy splash, paddle and play until they are both completely tired out.
Back on the picnic blanket, they flop down, wet, tired and happy.
“I’m so glad you love the water! We can come back here often,” Freya says cheerfully.
Poppy lets out a happy little sigh and rests her head on Freya’s lap, dreaming of her next swim.