Joanna took me to Knaresborough today. It is a very nice town. I particularly enjoy the River Nidd.
I dropped my ball in the river. That happens a lot. It is one of my favorite games. I drop my ball in and watch the current take it down river. Then I jump in and grab it.
Only this time, it didn’t quite go the way I had hopped. I managed to jump in- no problem- but the bank was steep and slippery. I could not get a paw hold. At first I thought I would need assistance from Joanna. No chance. She just stood there and watched. Can you believe it? Well, eventually I climbed out. But my ball was still in the river. I ran up and down the bank. I barked, I pleaded. I asked Joanna for help. No it wouldn’t come. So I jumped in again.
For those unfamiliar with the river Nidd, it has very strong currents and whirl pools which pull you under. I am a very strong swimmer and they don’t pose much of a problem. Joanna is terrified of them.
Anyway, I stuck in a whirl pool- this has never happed before- I was able to fight my way out, with no assistance! But all my energy was spent and I could not get up the bank. Joanna was still just watching. She called me further up the river. “Swim over here” She said. “It is less steep” she said. “You can get out easily” she said. “See how flat it is” she said.
It might have been flat but the bank was higher and the river much deeper. There was nothing for me to spring from. Even a great jumper like me needs to gain traction from somewhere. Finally, and rather reluctantly, Joanna decided to help. To begin with though she seemed more interested in a small tree growing at the side of the bank. The way she was holding onto it made me wonder if she had forgotten who was in need of assistance! Once she was comfortable, and had anchored herself to the tree, Joanna finally pulled me out of the freezing river and we went home.
I must have really given Joanna a fright as she wrapped me up in a towel and sat me on the front seat. A real treat. It is heated. Joanna only allows me to sit there when she has had a particularly bad shock. So I must make sure to do it again soon!
