The Diva goes swimming for the first time ever!

Hi all, this is me, Mabel. I just arrived at the swimming pool for my first hydrotherapy session.  I am checking out the pool before diving in.
I've never seen so much water in my whole life! I hope it's not too cold....
Both Mamas came with me today to my therapy session. We marched miles and miles just to get here (Mama #432 told me it was, "just around the corner." OK, around the corner and down how many houses?!). On the way, I decided my Diva self was tired of marching -- since I knew I had a long, hard workout ahead of me --- so I dragged my paws v-e-r-y slowly. Mama #432 made the wonderful (and correct) decision to carry me the rest of the way.
I was carried through the gates of the pool. 
Once inside the gates, I checked out the pool area. I decided it was not bad. The pool looks nice. The yard has lots of green, green grass, plenty of chairs, and even a nice looking house. 

When you are a famous Diva, like me, you have to watch out for the cameras. I always have to look my best for my dear, beloved fans. 

Yes. I've spotted the cameras.

OK, it's time to get this show on the road!

I am all dressed up and ready to go!

(Sorry, I don't look my best in Orange, but no one asked me what color I wanted).

Here I am in the water. Mama #1 suggested I stand on this narrow, narrow ledge in the water of the deep, deep pool. She said it'd let me get "acclimated" to the water.

 Mama #99999 just dropped me in. 

(OK, she did place me on this kinda safe ledge).

I'm still not sure I'm going to like this. The water looks very, very uh, very very, uh, scary.

Then, Mama # 4339 got into the pool with me! I was so happy to see her! She even gave her camera gadget to Mama #1 and trusted her to chronicle my story.

(Yes, I was totally amazed, but very very very happy Mama #4339 gave up her camera to be in the pool with me).

Next, while offering reassurances, Mama #4339 gently pulled me away from my ledge. 

I was so surprised! My paws began to move back and forth in the water entirely on their own! I was swimming! I knew how all along!!!

Aren't I a smart Diva?!

Mama # 432 (yes, I am beginning to like her more and more) held onto me and didn't let go until I, Mabel, confidently swam out of her arms. I'm sure she was amazed at how comfortable I felt in the water and how well I could swim (with absolutely NO lessons!)

This is me, Mabel, swimming! I am moving quickly, like the professional athlete I am. I've left Mama #2 far, far behind. I gracefully swim lap after lap in the big, long, deep deep pool. 
As you can see, I am having a wonderful time. Hydrotherapy is not bad at all! I could feel my back getting better and stronger every minute I spent swimming.

After several hours and many miles of swimming, Mama #1 told us it was time to get out of the pool. Mama #2 gently lift me out, removed my life vest, and started to dry me off with a big, soft, warm towel.
Suddenly, Mama #2 decided to take a picture.  
Guess what? Her cell phone just went swimming with us!
You should have seen the look on my gadget freak, Mama #2's face! I just had to laugh. Sorry Mama #2, you just lost your phone gadget!

This is me, Mabel, surveying my swimming pool. Now that I am a swimming pro, I think I'll bring my twin sister Harley with me next time. I can teach her how to swim.

(Please note: even after being in the pool and vigorously exercising for hours, I still look wonderful. I don't have a single fur out of place!)

Yes, the Mamas made me march home after my hours of exercising. As we slowly marched along, I sensed that both my Mamas were exhausted, even though I still felt full of energy.

(I've got to get them back into shape; perhaps by swimming?)

I picked up my paws and proudly marched home, dragging the Mamas behind me.

As I marched through our front door, I called out for Harley. I knew she'd be worried about me and how my therapy session went.

 I assured my beloved sister, that I was fine. Then I told her that I was taking HER swimming with me next time. Doesn't she look excited and happy? Just like me! 

(I am the twin on the left; the one who is glowing and who looks full of energy. Harley is the scared looking twin on the right).

Don't worry, Harley. I'd never let anything bad happen to you. You'll like swimming. And I have a beautiful orange vest for you to wear. I'll give it to you and then I'll help the Mamas pick out a new vest (in a color that I will look wonderful in, of course) for myself.

This is me, Mabel.

I went swimming tonight.

I began to strengthen my back and paws.

I am a natural athlete in the pool.

I am marvelous.

Now, I'm tired.

Good night.

Love y'all,

your Diva, 

Mabel.

Note from Mama #1: Mabel only swam for 20 minutes and she never left the small, shallow hot tub. Mama #2 was never more than an arm's length away. Mabel will try the pool next time. Our first pool therapy session was a success....even though we had to make Mabel leave her tiara at home. She really thought she could wear it in the pool.....

Adding insult to injury (a repost)

I am re-posting one of my old blog entries. It's an oldie, but a "goodie."

Tonight, I had to go on another forced march (Mama #2 calls them "walks").
After what seemed like hours of marching, we finally turned back towards home. As I slowly marched along, I smelled something delicious. I stopped to sniff, but Mama #2 kept on walking. I turned my head to take another whiff, and suddenly, I felt something slimy on my back paw. A nasty, sticky, slimy something.
Well, I stopped dead in my tracks and held my paw up in the air. (I wasn't really dead, it's just an expression). Mama #599 (number drop!) finally sensed my distress and stopped too. 
My sisters Maggie and Harley were no help at all; they just stood there, laughing at me in my distress and misery.


Mama #599 stared at me, then she tugged and tugged on my paw. After she tugged some of the nasty, slimy stuff off, she told me to keep on marching.

Gummy Paw

Miles and miles later, when we finally arrived at home, I didn't get my usual drink of water, treat or chewy bone. Instead, Mama #5990 marched me straight out to the back porch. Once I stepped out the back door, she trapped me with a head lock and put smelly, gunky stuff on my paw.

Peanut Butter Paw

It was nasty! Almost as nasty as the sticky stuff.
Then, while I was still in a head lock, she tugged at my paw. I glared at her, but she kept on tugging at my paw.
Finally, she let me go and I took off running. Free at last! And the nasty, sticky, slimy something was gone! And so was the smelly, gunky stuff!
Mom wanted me to stop and pose for photos, but I told her where to stick it. She is on my hit list tonight. She's no longer Mama #5990; now, she is Mama #50,129.
No more forced marches for me! I learned my lesson; there are nasty sticky things out there!

This is me, Mabel. Here is my long suffering look.

Free at last!

(NOTE from Mama #5012: Mabel stepped in chewing gum. I removed it with peanut butter. Yes, Mabel will go on another walk tomorrow. I'll bet she avoids stepping in chewing gum from now on).