Bashir, my seven year old Australian Shepherd, has never liked water. When he was a puppy, I carefully tried to introduce him to baths, both in the tub and shower with warm water, and out in the yard playing with water from the hose. I used positive reinforcements, including really good food treats (Swiss cheese is a favorite). But nothing worked. I only semi-joked that it was as if he had drowned in a previous lifetime.

His dislike of water has always been so intense he prefers ice for drinking water over liquid water. He'll drink; he just likes ice better.

Now Bashir is not a fearful dog; he's stable with a good temperament. He's well adjusted, handles changes easily, and will do anything I ask of him. He'll even stand and stay for a bath; he just hates it.

Well last week a couple of friends and I, along with five dogs (including Bashir) went on an eight day trip along the California coast. We stopped at Morro Bay, San Simeon (beaches not the castle), and went on up to Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey. It was a wonderful trip and the dogs were well behaved.

For me, though, the highlight was that Bashir - for reasons unknown - conquered his fear and/or dislike of water.

Bashir first got his paws wet in the surf at Morro Bay. Just his paws - no more - but to do that on his own was a huge accomplishment. By the time we got to the beach at San Simeon, he was allowing the waves to touch his belly and he was running with the other dogs along the water's edge. Wow! Although the other four dogs were playing in the water with no problem, we all praised Bashir and made a huge fuss over him. What a brave dog!

When we got to Big Sur, we took several walks in the redwoods and along side the Big Sur River. At one point we let the dogs play in the river and may miracles never cease - Bashir again went in the water. And had fun.

Good dog, Bashir!