A Wet Game of Fetch: The Beginning of my Phone Issues

I have previously written about my on-and-off again relationship with technology. Well, here is another one to add to the archive, only, this time... it wasn't technology's fault. 

The following events are true and suitable for people of all ages who might need a good laugh or a place to put their pity. Names have not been changed.

Once upon a time, I was dog-sitting for my brother and SIL while they were enjoying some California sun. Their dog, Oakley is one of the most adorable dogs you will ever see...

See? I wasn't kidding. (She's actually quite a bit bigger and stronger now.) 

Anyway, there is this great dog park she loves to go to in Millcreek. I highly recommend it, it's kind of like heaven, for dogs. Oakley loves being able to run off-leash to fetch her ball and at the end of the trail, there is a big pond she loves to swim in. Naturally, any good auntie would take her to one of her favorite places, so off we went. 

After all the excitement of the ride, we had arrived. As usual, Oakley took me for walk, pulling me toward the off-leash area and then finally, she was free! I threw her ball and she darted after it. She trotted back to me with her ball safely clenched in her mouth until she returned, placing that ball at my feet. However, Oakley was in a sporting mood and quickly snatched the ball again before I could pick it up-- such a tease. Then off she ran again. This continued after each time I had somehow regained control of the ball. Normally, this is nothing more than a little obnoxious, but this particular day, things were different. 

One thing I should point out is that besides the pond at the end of the trail, there is also a creek running along the trail...

We had probably walked a little less than 3/4 of the way to the pond when I threw Oakley's ball and she ran after it. She continued her aforementioned behavior and ran to the edge of the trailside and set her ball down. The ball rolled slightly and fell down the short hill like PLINKO on The Price is Right bouncing right into the creek. Oakley isn't afraid of water, so I told her, in my mom voice "Well why are you looking at me? Go get your ball!" It wasn't long before I could see her pacing accompanied by the sound of her whine, so climbed down the rocks to investigate. As I approached Oakley I looked into the creek and saw her ball had become stuck in a little dam. I also realized the water in that spot looked too deep, and the current too strong and I didn't want Oakley to get in just to retrieve a ball. The nanny in me thought "Oh well. Your fault that you didn't bring the ball to me, and now it's gone. Lost forever and now you'll have to just do without." Then I looked at that adorable face and quickly caved. 

Foolishly, I looked at the ball and thought although it was more than an arms-length from me, I could reach it with the ball thrower (because sometimes I think I'm Wonder Woman). I reached for the ball and, to my amazement I had it! However, as the saying goes, pride cometh before the fall. As I tried to shift my weight back to land on the shore the log I stood on broke free from its resting place (not so great for the self-esteem) and before I knew it I was completely submerged. 

The current was strong and it reminded me of the time I had almost drowned at a ward campout as a child when Kim Bradshaw had to save me (I always seem to need rescuing). I knew I was bigger and stronger now and tried all I could to get out, but when I took a step toward the shore I lost my flip-flop. I reached down to feel if it was stuck in the mud and then I realized, the flip flop was gone and my phone was in the back pocket of my jeans! Poor Oakley was pacing and whining and I was just trying to escape. 

I emerged from the creek completely soaked and knowing this was 100% my fault for being so foolish. I would pay for my foolishness on the walk back to the parking lot. There was no doubt from looking at me that I was drenched. I tried not to meet anyone's eyes as I made that walk of shame, wet and missing a shoe, all the way out of the dog park. It was painful, because my pride was bruised and the pointy rocks of the trail were digging into the bottom of my foot. Nobody said a word to me, they just stared. I figured it would be very easy for them to deduce what had happened. There was really no explanation needed. 

The drive home was quiet. 

This was the beginning of my phone issues. I have had various other issues with my replacement phones so if you have been trying to contact me, and you feel slighted because I haven't gotten back to you, please chalk it up to phone issues. 

Oh, and in case you were wondering, I totally did get the ball. How's that for a game of fetch!