The pool is open. I repeat: the pool is OPEN. We are in the golden era now.
I’m Jasper, and I need you to understand the magnitude of this moment. All of April I watched. I patrolled. I sniffed the cover every single morning. I submitted my findings. I waited.
And now we’re here. The pool is uncovered. The pump is running. The water is RIGHT THERE and I am allowed to get in it.
This is peak life. I want to document it properly.
The First Swim Back
Every year, the first swim of the season is something special. Not because it’s the best swim — that will come later, in July, on a hot day when we’ve been on a long walk and the pool is the most perfect thing in the world. The first swim is special because of what it means.
It means we’re back. Me and the pool, back together after six months of absence.
I walked in slowly the first time. Not because the water was cold (it was cold, I didn’t care). Just because I wanted to feel every step of it. The water at my paws. Then my ankles. Then my chest. Then all of me.
I stood in the middle of the pool for a full thirty seconds and just existed. That was a good thirty seconds.
Pool Behavior: A Jasper Field Guide
For the uninitiated, here is what pool behavior looks like for a Lab mix in full summer mode.
Entry: I walk down the steps. Dignified. Professional. I don’t need to be flashy about it. I’m already in the water before anyone notices I’ve arrived.
The Circuit: I swim a loop around the pool. Full lap. Both directions. I’m not racing anyone. I’m just establishing that I know every inch of this pool and it knows me.
The Shake: Whenever I get out, I shake immediately. I have learned that the closer I am to a human when I do this, the more interesting their reaction is. I’m just saying.
The Zoomies: After a swim comes the zoomies. This is non-negotiable. The wet grass plus the energy release plus the pure joy of being alive and wet in warm weather — the zoomies are mandatory.
The Float: Sometimes I just float. I let the water hold me. I look up at the sky. I think dog thoughts. It’s deeply peaceful.
Why Water Dogs Are Built This Way
Labrador Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl. Jump into cold water, get the duck, come back, do it again. For generations.
That DNA is still in me. When I see water, something in me goes: yes. That’s mine. I belong there. Go.
I can’t not want the water. It’s just who I am.
Summer Is Here
Pool season means summer is officially here. And summer means: more outside time, longer days, more adventures, more Augie, more RV trips, and more pool days than I can count from here.
I’m starting this summer ready. Every Pool Watch, every October swim goodbye, every cold spring morning waiting — it was all preparation for this.
The pool is open. Summer is here.
Let’s make the most of every day. 🏊☀️