Man's Best Friend!

Tonight was a learning experience for all of us. After Stella Ross went to bed, Rafe and I went swimming while Cory was cutting grass. Bowser was playing outside of the pool fence like he always does. When Rafe and I were about to get out of the pool I let Bowser come inside the fence and run around, again like he always does. Bowser never shows any interest in jumping in the water. He is very content to watch us swim, but he will lick the puddles. (I have never know Staffordshire Bull Terriers to be considered water dogs!) Rafe was horsing around and began running near the diving board as I was reminding him to walk. He got to the end of the diving board and slipped off the edge and fell in. As Rafe was falling in I screamed because I didn't know if he was going to hit his head on the edge of the board or the pool. I guess Bowser sensed panic in my voice and he jumped straight in to save Rafe (not knowing if he was alright or not!) Bowser has NEVER been in water, and quite frankly doesn't particularly care for it, but in this particular situation he didn't mind. He was going in to save Rafe. Well, Rafe immediately popped up and was fine so then, of course, my concern was Bowser. He popped up out of the water and started swimming himself, but it scared him. He was in the deep end and trying to get to the side of the pool. When I finally got to him (after what seemed like an eternity) he was fighting against me and making it very difficult to lift him out of the water. At that same moment Cory heard us calling for help and he came running and was able to grab Bowser by the collar and get him out of the pool. Everyone was safe!! Rafe was so scared and said over and over, "I didn't want my dog to die. Is he going to be alright?"

This situation was very eye-opening for Rafe. He learned two valuable lessons. 1) NEVER run around the pool, especially on the diving board, and 2) just how much his dog LOVES him. Yes he is a puppy and bites and jumps, but he risked his life trying to save Rafe. What a hero!!

So...... tomorrow we are going to Petsmart to pick out a special toy for Bowser. We are all so proud of him!!