The Polar Bear Dip

From November to March the entire shoreline down at the beach is a designated off leash area.  After months of watching the water, longingly, while walking along the confinement of the boardwalk, Pajamas is finally able to freely explore. She can hardly contain herself as we make our way down past the winter fencing and on to the beach.  I let her off leash and she tears away from me at full speed.  She barks into the wind, letting her voice carry out onto the lake.  For once she's not barking at me or the ball, but for the sheer enjoyment of freedom.

On New Year's Eve, the weather was unusually warm and the snow had completely melted.  Pajamas had the rare opportunity to enjoy the beach as it was meant to be enjoyed.  She ran along the shore, her paws splashing through the icy cold water, as if it was the middle of July.  Every once and a while she takes a quick dip into the shallow water, escaping a playmate who isn't quite as brave.  The cold doesn't seem to touch as she moves along the beach following her nose from one wonderful scent to another, icicles forming on her wet belly.

As wonderful as it is to enjoy a summer day at the beach, there is nothing quite like those wintery months when my dog can romp freely along the shoreline, barking until her heart's content.