Until recently, Henry has been a reluctant beach participant. Never one for a windy day, he hates when it blows in his ears and has always stepped gingerly around any water.
Bath time, well you can imagine…
Thankfully, Henry’s world has grown recently upon discovery of some new ‘friends’ just outside the door.
These little buggars are fast and they trigger his terrier hunting instinct. Every trip out the door is now seek and destroy time as we check every bush and brick for lizards that wait for just the last moment before darting to safety well beyond leash and leap range. Oh the frustration!
This newfound challenge adds a layer of excitement to Henry’s day and encourages him to go outside for frequent breaks.
It gave me an idea for the beach during a recent low tide and I crawled around in the shallow water as if looking for something. Henry’s hunting instinct was greater than his fear of the water and the encouragement of being with me piqued his interest.
And there it was, a tiny crab darted across his view in 3 inches of clear water as the shallow waves just rolled along flat sand. Henry sluggishly chased the flashing creature as it disappeared into the whitewater and everything changed in that moment. Suddenly he saw all the little minnows darting back and forth as something to chase and the water became Henry’s playground.
He loves running back and forth pretending he can catch whatever shadows he sees. In and out with each little wave, the sea is now our automated exercise machine for Boston Terriers.
He still holds no interest in watching me swim and disdains a windy day. But Henry’s world now includes the beauty and excitement of the beach we all share.
