We start by the barn and work away around so that we end by the pond. There are five dogs in tow. Two senior citizens - Lou, Lou and Buddy. The teenager - Jack. And the babies. They all love the walk.
They stop and talk to the neighbors along the way. We have dog neighbors on almost every side. Some are more talkative than others. A couple are a bit grumpy. All are exciting to see.
Once we get close to the pond, the pups get real excited and take off. They know the routine now. Rudy and I start gathering sticks.
After Sadie and Annie get wet, then the games begin. First, Sadie plays fetch for awhile. She's so amazing. I've never seen a puppy this young be so good at fetching. She no longer wades and swims after the sticks. She leaps and swims. She's also learned how to leap without letting her head go under. She brings the sticks back and puts them at our feet. If for some reason she loses the stick, she whines and worries about it. This is a very serious game.
Jack is still a bit embarrassed at his lack of nerve where swimming is concerned. He wants to get in the water. He watches the pups. He thinks that maybe one day he'll try it, but not yet. The pups keep urging him, but he's not quite ready.
Jack's favorite part of the routine is a rousing game of chase. Those puppies are fast so Jack has to go full speed to stay ahead. He has a smile on his face the whole time. It's so much fun to watch.
There's a good bit of wrestling and jumping and carrying on during the game.
At the end of the walk, Rudy and I sit in chairs outside. The pups wrestle and play and act crazy a little more.
Jack plops down, exhausted, for a much needed rest... for as long as the pups will let him.