We spent the holiday weekend with my parents at our 60-year-old family cottage. It was Cooper's first time with sand (other than playgrounds), and his first time with waves. After seeing other dogs on the beach retrieving driftwood thrown in the water, he essentially "asked" for us to teach him the game. While he wouldn't go in higher than mid-chest, he just kept going after all the driftwood we threw in!
Another first: Cooper was intentionally off leash at the beach on Sunday! Most of the other dogs were, and he seemed to want to be near them and near his favorite people. He behaved so well! He also enjoyed the fact that he got to sleep on the porch with my husband and I, so he could smell, hear, and see through the screens all night long.
What an adventure!!!
Cooper retrieving driftwood (daintily, when compared to all the big water dogs!):http://picasaweb.google.com/subaruthie/CottageLaborDay2007/photo#5106042326796121842
Grinning after running for the first time off leash:http://picasaweb.google.com/subaruthie/CottageLaborDay2007/photo#5106043194379516018
Biting (yes, biting!) the waves:http://picasaweb.google.com/subaruthie/CottageLaborDay2007/photo#5106042584494159698
Pouncing on the waves:http://picasaweb.google.com/subaruthie/CottageLaborDay2007/photo#5106042468530042658
We spent the holiday weekend with my parents at our 60-year-old family cottage. It was Cooper's first time with sand (other than playgrounds), and his first time with waves. After seeing other dogs on the beach retrieving driftwood thrown in the water, he essentially "asked" for us to teach him the game. While he wouldn't go in higher than mid-chest, he just kept going after all the driftwood we threw in!
Another first: Cooper was intentionally off leash at the beach on Sunday! Most of the other dogs were, and he seemed to want to be near them and near his favorite people. He behaved so well! He also enjoyed the fact that he got to sleep on the porch with my husband and I, so he could smell, hear, and see through the screens all night long.
What an adventure!!!
Cooper retrieving driftwood (daintily, when compared to all the big water dogs!):http://picasaweb.google.com/subaruthie/CottageLaborDay2007/photo#5106042326796121842
Grinning after running for the first time off leash:http://picasaweb.google.com/subaruthie/CottageLaborDay2007/photo#5106043194379516018
Biting (yes, biting!) the waves:http://picasaweb.google.com/subaruthie/CottageLaborDay2007/photo#5106042584494159698
Pouncing on the waves:http://picasaweb.google.com/subaruthie/CottageLaborDay2007/photo#5106042468530042658
Too cute, My Jamari loved the beach… the one time we took him when we were at a show down south... he had no fear of the water and really, really wanted that beach ball kids were playing with...
He looks like he's having a blast. 
Hey subaruthie! We were there this weekend too! I took my son to Silver Lake and spent 3 days at the Dunes Waterfront! The lighthouse was a short skip & jump from us! What a beautiful week-end we had. Your pictures are post card perfect. Cooper looks like he's having the time of his life! I rented a dune buggy and rode the Silver Lake Sand Dunes for a couple hours. We had a blast! Some people did take their dogs in their dune buggies and spent time on Lake Michigan. I couldn't imagine taking my dogs safely in a buggy. :eek: Duke and Daisy stayed home with dad because he had to work . . . so off we went Couldn't ask for better weather - just beautiful!
You can see Lake Michigan in background on RH side horizon. We rode down to the beach and all over these dunes - fun!
Looks like fun!! Nice pictures! Yours too, Jill!!
Jill,
I've been going up there my whole life (my great grandfather built the place after WWII), and it was great to finally get to share it with my husband and dog. Didn't expect the dog to like it so much, but it seemed to be really good for him. I think the sand exfoliated his skin and actually helped his allergy problems!
Hoping to go back soon, now that we're only 2.5 hours away in Lansing.
Jill,
I've been going up there my whole life (my great grandfather built the place after WWII), and it was great to finally get to share it with my husband and dog. Didn't expect the dog to like it so much, but it seemed to be really good for him. I think the sand exfoliated his skin and actually helped his allergy problems!
Hoping to go back soon, now that we're only 2.5 hours away in Lansing.
subaruthie,
That is a beautiful piece of property your family has - right on the beach! It's priceless!! WOW - lots of history in the cottage built by your Great Grandfather. It's old, but quite "grand". I like that it's tucked and blended into the landscape. Sounds like lots of firsts for your DH and Cooper! Only 2.5 hours away - I'd be there all summer! It is 3.5 hours from us in Livonia - 1 hour to Lansing. I used to ride the Dunes a lot when I had my Honda 3-wheeler. Haven't been there in 20 years and thought I'd let my son experience the Dunes. It's a one of a kind place to ride. I love-love the Lake Michigan coast. 
Thanks for sharing your pics - It was a wonderful weekend.
