Doggie Spring Fever at Antietam Lake in Reading
Before I get into this story, let me just tell you that Buster is our very first dog. We adopted him from the Humane Society of Berks County last May and he's approximately 5 years old. It's a long story about his conquered fear of water, but the short of it is- a play date with a Husky mix quickly got him over that fear.
This past Saturday, I was supposed to do a property inspection in Reading, PA on an 8 unit but the Buyer ended up postponing it due to some contract issues. Since it happened to be a beautiful, sunny day in the mid 50s, I figured this might be the perfect day to go for a hike with my wife, Tina, and our dog, Buster.
We pile into the car and get to Antietam Lake in Reading in the early afternoon. There is a trail that goes around the lake and up the mountain that we've always wanted to explore. Buster was beyond excited, of
course, because what's better than a car ride followed by a hike in the woods?
We start out on the trail and a few minutes into the hike, Tina wants to take Buster off the leash for a little freedom. He's a very well-trained dog, so she was not concerned. I didn't think it was a good idea because he might make a run for the lake. That would mean a mandatory dog bath afterwards. Tina thought he'd be fine. He would listen... he always listens. Besides, the lake was frozen just 2 weeks ago.. what crazy dog would want to go for a swim in 40 degree water!? Little did we know Buster had Doggie Spring Fever!
Right after removing his leash, he makes a run for the lake. No problem! Tina confidently calls him and he comes back to us. 30 seconds later, Buster makes a run for the lake again, we call him, and he returns. A 3rd time, he makes a run for the lake, we call him, he ignores us. Yup.
He didn't care that the water was 40 degrees. He didn't care about the cheese bones in my hands or the sound of disappointment in mommy's futile commands. He was going for a swim! 
Since he's still learning to doggie paddle, it's a very awkward swim and we couldn't help but break out in laughter. So he swam for a good 20 minutes, got muddied up on the way to the car, and headed for a car ride to the doggie wash!
Who knew Doggie Spring Fever would take over at Antietam Lake in Reading, PA? So what's the morale of the story? Dogs, even well-behaved dogs, do the darnedest things!
Blooming for home buyers this spring!
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