Shadow of Dawn Meadows

 Shadow of Dawn Meadows

 

When I see the pond today situated next to mere remnants of what was once a verdant apple orchard on far reaching agricultural lands, I see only a small wet scar on the land, a remnant of a former farm reservoir. It was here on this body of water that my German Shepherd, Shadow of Dawn Meadows (his Christian name), the dog who could not swim nearly drowned some sixty years ago on Cleason Synder’s farm pond. 

Situated on the banks of this weedy pond was a leaky and ancient row boat with flaking green paint on the exterior and pools of water, by your feet, while in the rowing position.  From the rickety weather- beaten dock I coerced my water shy dog into the boat as I then began slowly rowing to the center of the pond.

Shadow became agitated, and then quickly panicky as he leaned port side yearning for shore and dry land, leaning so intently that without proper notice he fell overboard.  I could not believe it at first as he went completely under water and out of sight for a moment and upon surfacing made frantic vertical piston motions with his paws in his inept version of the dog paddle.  In his struggle instead of propelling himself forward he had the exact opposite effect in propelling himself downward from where he had just emerged.

I thought if I jumped in to save my floundering dog with the remedial swimming issues, having a near death experience, that I would soon join his fate; so instead I leaned over and grabbed his collar which only served to choke the poor animal in his struggles. Fortunately, the body of water was small and during these intense struggles the length of the boat had turned broad side to the mild breeze blowing that day and as if it were an act of GOD that served to move boat, drowning dog, and myself closer to shore. 

The moment Shadow could feel bottom he redeemed his traction and bounded for shore to the safety of land and took off as fast has his now shaking legs would caring him across the apple orchard past the grazing Holsteins and horses to the safety of home.

 He did not speak to me again for several days. Until the day he came out horse back riding at my side.