Chewy Paradise: Little Long Pond

Just outside of Acadia National Park is a plot of privately owned land open to the public called Little Long Pond, where doggies can roam off leash and swim to their little hearts' content.

The gates to Chewy paradise

There is a nature trail along one side of the pond, where there are lots of bridges and planks to walk across, as well as mud for Chewy to play in. Chewy rarely gets to go for walks off leash because it's always against the rules, but he behaved very well on our hike. He stayed close to us and would wait if he got a bit ahead, and he even seemed to be able to follow the vaguely defined path on his own. His good behavior WAY surpassed my expectations for him. I thought he'd be leaping around everywhere relishing his freedom!

Waiting for the OK to cross the bridge

There were fields of long grass for Chewy to romp through...

and of course, the pond!

Chewy liked to get in by the boathouse, where there was a set of stairs into the water. He hasn't mustered up the courage to jump in from the rocks, yet.

We met another golden named Wally, who seemed interested in fetch, too.

Throw it!

Wally went after the bumper first. I don't know where Chewy was going...

Wally started bringing the bumper back, and Chewy was still heading out to nowhere!

But then, Wally dropped it instead of bringing it ashore, and Chewy swooped in for all the credit.

Mine now!

When they got out of the water, they both found spots to wiggle around in the grass. I guess it's a golden thing!

Chewy has a rather non-linear approach to swimming, similar to his typical zig-zag walk.

But, eventually he brings it back!

Chewy loved this place so much, he was a bit reluctant to leave!

This looks like a good spot. Can I go swimming again?