Merlin - Just Like Me

We took Big Duck to the lake for 4 days/nights. There were always 3 other boats along, sometimes 5.

 The banks are so steep we parallel park and we can easily step off the boat onto the beach.

Merlin comes and goes at will, always jumping off to welcome other boaters as they arrive and wet nosing anyone in sight to encourage a pet.

We were all on the beach for a community dinner, and Merlin had to say "Hello" to each and every person, one at a time.

He settled at my feet during the meal and I learned he likes freshly fried Hush Puppies, french fried catfish and BBQ'd wings. Mer never gets sick from these tidbits; he is very polite and conservative about what he eats. He's been known to turn up his nose at raw hamburger. After the sun set and the fire was going, Mer made his way thru the crowd, often settling at the feet of folks who were 2 handed petters and occasionally taking a scrap offered from an empty plate. It's not unusual for him to politely take a handout as it's offered, but then drop it a few feet away.

Then Merlin disappeared. I wasn't worried because he always stays close, so rather than call him I went off to see what he was up to.

What I discovered was Merlin cuddled up in the bow of our boat. He had gone home after partying and put himself to bed. Bless his little puppydog heart.