This is Cash
A strikingly beautiful Aussie with perfect markings and impeccable behavior. He loves adventure, enjoys following chickens around, watching goats walk by, and walking so close behind me that his feet hit the backs of my shoes.
His newest hobby is swimming, foraging, pouncing, jumping, nose-diving, and rolling around in a swamp that has long since been claimed by cattails, bullfrogs, and various forms of stagnant aquatic life.
He emerged green, brown, and absolutely delighted with himself.
Not content with that achievement, he proceeded to roll and push his face and wet body through as much dirt, dust, and dry debris as possible. By the time he smelled like pond water and had successfully transformed his white facial hair into a lovely shade of swamp gray, he had reached peak happiness.
Then I arrived with a hose.
As the brown and green streamed from his thick mane, I could practically see the decision being made. The moment he was released, he was off like a shot, headed straight back to his new favorite place—chasing bullfrogs through water deep enough to brush his belly.
We repeated the process of getting clean.
He repeated the process of getting dirty.
I have decided to adapt to the smell of funky pond water and accept my fate that tomorrow morning will involve a thorough sweeping. At least he doesn’t get on furniture, and there isn’t any carpet.
Is he regretful?
Yes. He didn’t get to go into the swamp a third time.
Is he happy to be filthy, covered in sticks, wearing bits of nature woven into his coat, and smelling faintly of decomposition?
Without question.
Indeed, he is a very happy dog.
The next morning, during his 5:00 AM walkabout, he was not permitted to go alone. At one point he did veer off the path toward the swamp, and he did make eye contact with a bullfrog or two as they hurriedly splashed into their green goo of safety.
I could see the thoughts running through his mind. He recognized that he was too far from the usual access point, but…he could jump in! I watched the wheels turning as this information worked its way through the system. Before the calculations could be completed and a final decision reached, I hurried him onward and away from the water. I could see the sadness creep into his eyes as he fell back into step beside me. And I knew I was taking something precious away from him.
Oh, to be a dog who can jump in with the frogs and then come home to cuddle the human, too.
But nope. Not for Cash Puppy.
At least not this morning at 5:00 AM.
