May 30, 2007
Winslow's swimming lesson was fabulous. The place I took him swims horses and dogs. It's outside Middleburg VA... horse country. He swam in the baby pool. It's about 10 feet wide and I would guess 60 feet long, with a ramp at each end. The water is deep enough that he couldn't touch the bottom. The owner, Roger, fitted him with a vest, hooked a leash onto it and walked him onto the ramp. The pool has a walkway so the human isn't in the water. He told me to go and stand at the other end. Winslow went right in, Roger held the leash and offered him guidance while I cheered him on as he was swimming toward me. When Winslow got to the end, he was grinning and wagging! He was so proud of himself! He swam the length of the pool 5 times today! He wasn't over tired or stressed by it at all. I gave him a warm shower afterward with shampoo and conditioner.
I am so proud of him! After all he has been through, seeing him swimming toward me was very exciting!
Since I didn't know what I would have to do, I didn't take photos this time. He goes back on Saturday morning, so I'll be able to take a few then.
I was really impressed with Roger and his knowledge. He's been doing this for years and had no problem walking Winslow right into the water and getting him started. I think Winslow sensed it and trusted him. I saw no signs of fear at all. Each time he did it, he got better at it. I think the workout was about right for his situation. As he builds stamina, he can do more. I'll take him twice a week for the first few times and then once a week after he's used to it.
I really believe that exercise is going to be a factor in keeping the cancer from returning. He loved to run and go for really long walks. Just riding in the car isn't enough for him. He needs a real workout. I could tell that he was happy about it.
When he wakes up, a good massage.-- From the looks of it, that could be tomorrow.
Glynis