She Wasn't Ready

My wife was going to be with our daughter overnight. I thought it would be a good time to sneak away to the ramp and give Big Duck her first swim.

Decided to light her up one more time before we headed out. She'd click but wouldn't spin...on either battery. The batteries were in the boat when I bought it and when I tried to light her up after putting the motor back in she wouldn't spin on #1, but did fire up on #2.

I bought a new starting battery. I'd put it in after Merlin's walk the next morning.

Took Merlin for his morning walk, as usual. He's always so excited when leaving the car...can't wait to chase the ball. I let him out and threw the ball, then ducked back in to get a poop bag. When I looked up, he had the ball in his mouth but was whimpering softly. I comforted him - he didn't move. I gave him a big hug and gently took the ball. He acted like he wanted to chase it, so I threw it. He hobbled off after the ball on three legs. He continues to limp and has developed a knot at the joint on his lower right hind leg (at the 'elbo').

He's getting good at walking on 3 legs and was resting in the back yard, so I thought I'd drop in that new battery and see it I could bring The Duck's motor to life.

Bummer -- same click but no spin. I could easily rotate the flywheel with a screwdriver thru an inspection port, so I doubt it's the motor. I'll pull the starter tomorrow and have it looked at...right after I take Merlin to the vet. Big Duck will have to wait, and so will I.